An Early American Christmas

Another classic by this author.  Brings you back to old time celebrations of Advent and Christmas.  I think we'll be using this book as the basis of our own celebration this Christmas.  We'll Change things a bit and give our preparations a 19th century flavor.  Hmmm.... that's an idea.  Have a different "theme" for each Christmas we celebrate.

The Night of Las Posadas

And yet one more Christmas classic from Tomie de Paola.  I have to admit the biggest reason I love this book is because it reminds me of a beautiful church we used to attend when I was growing up in the Philippines -- its name was "Posadas".  It sat on top of a hill and the view was just beautiful.  Coupled with warm Manila summers and soft breezes blowing (less pollution at the time)... going there for Mass on Sundays was not only refreshing for the soul, but for the tired body as well.

Onto the book itself... is it just me, or are the background colors in this book more vibrant?  Perhaps Tomie de Paola chose those colors to reflect Mexican arts' usual panoply of hues.  Very, very Catholic book.  :)