Read it or Weep

Holiday Memories December 18, 2008

I heard a story on NPR this week about a family who has a special collection of holiday books that they take out after Thanksgiving and put away again until the next holiday season.

My family has a similar ritual.  Last weekend, I went through the kids’ bookshelves and took out all the holiday and winter books and put them in a special spot. Trying to read one each evening, we started with The Secret Life of Santa Claus by Gregoire Solotariff – a very silly look at some of the funny habits of Santa and his elves. Other favorites include Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel, Christmas Tree Memories by Aliki and Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. If you need other suggestions, there’s a great list at NPR.

Reading together is a lovely respite from the hectic pace of the holidays and it allows us to revisit old favorites and make new. Not to mention it keeps us warm and toasty on these freezing winter nights!

~ Dori