The Legend Of The Christmas Rose

Such a beautiful book! I love how the angel gives Dorothy flowers that she can give Jesus as her gift to him. - Yena, 8 

This is one of those tear-jerker books that *just* has to be read at Christmastime.

As a mother, I feel for Dorothy, who is compelled to see the King/Baby Jesus; I feel her nervousness, her timidity, her shame at having nothing to give.  I want to scoop her in my arms and assure her that anything she has to offer will be lovely in God's eyes.  Dorothy is every one of my children.

As a child of God, I wonder at the awesome gift He gave to us, when He came down from heaven to join us here on earth, as a babe, humble and helpless.  I am grateful that He chose to have His presence known first by shepherds -- His message is for all, not just the rich or the privileged.  I wonder at His continual gift of Himself when He comes to us daily in the Eucharist.

This would also be a good book to read alongside a study of flowers or plants.  The author's note at the back tells about the Christmas rose, Helleborus niger. 

The Donkey's Dream

There's something about books that talk of the humility of children and animals as it relates to Christmas.  These books serve as great reminders that Christmas is not about lavish or pompous or extravagant -- though they CAN be, of course, and "lavish" and "extravagant" also have their place in celebrating the Lord's birth.  But often, and especially in these days we live in, the reminder to celebrate Advent and Christmas in a manner that differs from the way it's celebrated in most places, is necessary.  So much in our secular world already push us towards the lavish and the extravagant, that to view Christmas in the proper perspective, one needs the quiet and the silence that reading books such as this allows.  While reading this book to kids, it's also appropriate to reflect on the simplicity and the quiet that we need to maintain in our kids' lives, so THEY can focus on what Christmas truly is.

This book is also a lovely one to include in a study of Mary's many different titles, symbols and images.  I am especially moved by the unassuming beauty of the blue forget-me-nots that appear all over the book.  At the end of the book, the author shares the French name of these flowers, les yeux de Marie, or Mary's eyes.  Certainly it would be a blessing to be able to see Christmas through her eyes.

The Little Boy's Christmas Gift

I say that this book is a keeper because it is a beautiful one. - Yena, 8

This is, indeed, a beautiful book -- inspired by the illuminated artwork of the 15th and 16th centuries.  It would be a great addition for a study of artwork created in these time periods.  The story itself is simple but conveys the truth that our gifts are most pleasing to God when we put our heart into them.  It also speaks of the creativity that results when you don't have a lot of resources.  A little fun element is the "I Spy" game you can play while finding the boy "in the dust and shadows" on every page.  

Father And Son: A nativity story

The book tells about Joseph, who is wondering what he can do for Jesus; Because he knows that he is not the real father.
A great book for all ages.

-Migi 11 year

I had objected to Migi's description of "not the real father" which, while true, could also lead to a minimizing of who St. Joseph was and the role that he played in salvation history.... great material for discussion here. - Mom

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 First Christmas Stocking

Claire is such a pretty, honest and happy little girl. I love how she gave the poor boy the stockings even though they were really for the rich Lady's children and that the next day she saw her last stocking full, and found cakes, tobacco for her father, a drink and all the yarn she owed to the lady. -Yena, 8 

The Soldiers Night Before Christmas

The old Christmas poem changed into a version about troops, really funny.

-Migi 11 year

This is a very timely book esp. since we have friends in the military that are away from their family at this time of the year.  It reminds the children how lucky and blessed we are that we are all together here in our home.  It also reminds us to be thankful for the sacrifices that our brave service-men and women have to go through -- and their families too -- to keep our country safe.

The Christmas Miracle Of Jonathan Toomey

What the book is about: One day in early winter the widow McDowell comes to ask Mr. Toomey to carve a new nativity set.

-Migi 11 years

There's also a movie available!  Well-made.

Twas The Day Before Christmas

What the book is about: Tells the story of the old Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore.

-Migi 11 years

... and how he came up with the poem.  Utterly charming illustrations, the blue(!) snow, the family around the table.  What strikes me most about this is how the family Christmas celebration is depicted -- with the children focused on Dad's surprise:  not expensive gifts of video games or humongous toys ;), but a POEM, something from Dad's heart, not his pocket.  A wonderful read-aloud either at Christmas Eve or on St. Nick's Day.

Hanna's Christmas

I wish I had known about this book before!  Written by fellow homeschooling mom Melissa Wiley for the Hanna Andersson company in 2001, it is an utterly charming book that tells about family, home, and Christmas!  It was also a joy to learn about Swedish traditions while reading this book.  I'd buy one except it's now a collectible so yikes, pricey!

Waiting for Noel: An Advent Story

What a find! Our Yena celebrated her 5th birthday on the 22nd, and this was one of the books we read at bedtime.

The Crippled Lamb

Disclaimer:  I am not a Max Lucado fan.

This book, however, I like well enough from a non-fan standpoint.  I love how Mr. Lucado and his kids wove into the Christmas story the virtue of being able to conform oneself to God's will.  Sometimes we have our plans and we feel bad when things don't go as we would like, but it's always good to be reminded that our Father in heaven knows BEST, and that His plans are always so much better than any we could come up with ourselves.

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.  :)