My neighbour has boxes for seasons, liturgical or otherwise. In each box are children's books related to that season. She began giving our girls a Christmas book each year. So...what books or stories do you read during Advent in preparation for Christmas and also during the Christmas season (remember that runs December 25 - February 2: 40 days).
Please, everyone, post one or more titles so we can all make the season that much richer. Email your friends, ask them, and post those ideas, too!
'Holly and Ivy', by Rumer Godden is one of our annual reads. Holly is an orphan girl who is convinced her grandmother is waiting for her; a childless couple make unique preparations as if expecting a guest. No big surprises, but beautifully written and illustrated by my favourite: Barbara Cooney.
O Come Let Us Adore Him,
Beth
Good question Beth.
Being in a warmer climate, most of our traditions are less literary: we watch a boat parade of lights, go to the Nutcracker, etc.
But we do put our Christmas books out on the table the day we decorate. The regular favorite that we work through all season is J.R.R. Tolkien's "Father Christmas Letters"--great fun! I'll link it on the side banner, below.
Thomas More
Posted by: Thomas More | November 29, 2006 at 08:55 AM
There are many children's books I love, but I think one of my all time favorite Christmas books is The Polar Express.
I think it was the combination of the illustrations, companion audio book and sleigh bell that filled me with so much wonder as a child. I'm quite sure there are a number of other titles that I could think of. If I do, I'll post them asap.
Posted by: Portia | December 05, 2006 at 12:07 AM