Just after Em was born I started our Christmas book tradition. Every year we add a Christmas book to our collection, and when I put away the Christmas stuff in January I write a little Christmas synopsis and attach it in the front of the book.
We have the classics...the Night Before Christmas, the Grinch, the Polar Express. We have the Tale of Three Trees and Christmas Oranges. We even have a Little Golden Book that I tracked down called the Animals Christmas Eve. It's a story that my Mom bought when I was three and we have read it every Christmas since.
This year's book is A Christmas Dress for Ellen by President Thomas S. Monson, and is the retelling of a 1927 Christmas in a little frozen Canadian town. As I read this story tonight to the girls I was reminded again of all that we have. Even in the middle of a recession our circumstances are so far removed from 80 years ago. I often think (with gratitude), that my kids live so far removed from want. Yet at the same time, I want them to recognize and be grateful for what they have.
How do you do that?
5 comments:
What a great Christmas tradition. We always read Christmas books at this time of year and have quite a collection as well. But I like your idea of writing a little note in the front of the book to remember that particular year.
i cant wait for the holidays! :) to spend time with everyone we love!!
Dear Christensen family,
I have a Google Alert on the phrase, "Christmas Oranges" so whenever anyone posts to the internet and uses that phrase, I receive a copy of the post. Many times the person is talking about citrus but sometimes it's about the REAL thing--the book! :D It's a compliment that "Christmas Oranges" is part of your Christmas. Thank you!
I wanted to tell you I've enjoyed looking at your blog and I want to wish you a merry Christmas!
Linda Bethers
"Christmas Oranges"
Our nest is empty but I still keep the tradition of Christmas books. I give each family one with a small item that goes with the book.
BTW - Linda Bethers, the author of Christmas Oranges is a friend of mine, she is one of many excellent Media Goddess' working in Alpine School District.
Jen-I love the idea of charting traditions! I need tos tart doing that for my little fam. We track ornaments-I get them a new one and so does my mom, every year, which is a fun tradition.
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