Only a few more days before Christmas! While the usual countdown rush is trying to blast by, I've done something a little different this year and have forced this last week to be... ready for it?
Calmer.
The last years, the holiday has swept right on by with me feeling dazzled and dizzy on Christmas Day, and missing a little joy of the season. I'm determined to change that. Now, things aren't perfectly calm (what is that even?), but no renovations (although January will hit that end like a mighty storm). Very little running around for last minute shopping, and when I do, I'm going to be forcing joyful wonder into my head. No super cleaning or last minute tasks. (Okay, some things are unavoidable and everyone does spend the holidays at my house, so a certain amount needs to happen. But calmly. Ever so calmly). I'm going to put on more Christmas music. I'm going to gaze at our manger scene. I have a huge list of Christmas-y drinks I want to try (no not all adult ones...Facebook has been inspiring me with so many this year).
And writing. I really would like to get a short story for a podcast out the door (but it isn't Christmas-y. Dark actually. Very dark.)
Anyway, today's read is calling to me with seeming simplicity. So, let's take a peek and see if it's as filled with holiday spirit as I hope it is. (Plus, this author tends to put out wonderful reads.)
CHRISTMAS
Celebrations & Festivals
by Annette Whipple
Illustrated by Emma Randall
words & pictures
Picture Book
48 pages
ages 5 to 7
Discover the true meaning of Christmas and learn how children all around the world celebrate the festive period. Charlie and his sisters Emily and Lou are inviting you to celebrate with them! Join in as they light their advent wreath, play with their nativity set, make Christmas cookies and treats, attend a Christmas Eve service, and open presents and stockings on Christmas morning.
Along the way, you’ll learn all about this bright and merry celebration, The significance of advent, the importance of the Christmas story, the fun to be had decorating the Christmas tree, the delicious food eaten and gifts exchanged on Christmas Day, and more! … The joy and excitement of this Christian observance are brought to even more life Instructions to make your own Christmas tree ornaments, a recipe to make delicious pretzel sticks, a guide to build your own nativity scene.
In this immersive exploration of Christmas, kids join a practicing family as they celebrate the true meaning of advent. Seen through the eyes of young children celebrating themselves, this is a simple and exciting way to introduce little ones to this special period.
In the Celebrations & Festivals series, you are invited into a family's celebrations as you explore the magic and excitement of religious and cultural festivals around the world.
MY TIDBITS
Christmas time is here with its wonderful multitude of activities, which many American households traditionally will recognize, often know and even love.
These pages held so much more than I expected. While many Christmas reads for this age group visit a couple of traditions, which most of us recognize, this book went into several more, which many of us do but just aren't always mentioned in Christmas reads. From the Advent wreath to manger scene to tree search, baking, going to the Christmas service, seeing if Santa eats his cookies, and even puzzling, the holiday runs from beginning to end with its swirl of excitement, surprises, and family warmth. The entire reason for the season holds the foundation and doesn't shy away from the activities surrounding this aspect either (manger scene, church, Christmas devotion, etc). It's a very well-rounded visit to the Christmas traditions and embraces the wealth of emotions and experiences the season offers.
The illustrations are bright, cheerful, and pack tons of energy as every moment holds its own fun and excitement. There are calmer moments, which radiate the more peaceful joy as well and lots of family goodness. The text creates a lovely read-aloud and is right for the audience level. It does hold several lines per page, making it one for more sure readers to pick up on their own and enjoy.
The last pages don't slow down, offering several craft and baking ideas. These are well-laid out and also fit the age group nicely (with a little assistance from someone older). There's also a quick glimpse at the story surrounding Jesus' birth. Then, to round all of this off (as if the rest weren't enough), there's a glimpse through various traditions around the world and a few questions for young readers to revisit what was read. So, lots and lots is placed into this read...much like the holiday itself.
You can learn more about Annette and her books here!
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