"Read this one, please," Katie Beth's chubby hands held the book up to me. I adjusted Julianna who had finished nursing and was asleep on my lap. I opened the lovely Christmas picture book and began to read aloud. Katie Beth and I smiled at each other and the baby slept peacefully.
Fast forward 20 years. My baby is a grown up lady. Katie Beth and my third baby, Jenny Rose, are cuddled up on the couch reading Anne of Green Gables aloud. They have both read the book several times, but there is something wonderful about reading a good book together aloud.
This summer I went to visit my aunt with two of my daughters. The four of us enjoyed an Agatha Christie short story together. We took turns reading aloud. My aunt wrote me a note the next week about how much she had enjoyed that sweet time reading aloud together.
What is it about reading aloud that is so wonderful? Is it the story? Is it the sound of someone you love reading aloud? Or is it the sense of togetherness? There are several Christmas picture books out there. Which are the best for reading aloud?
Cranberry Christmas by Wende and Harry Devlin is a Christmas story set in Cranberry Port, New England where the winter is filled with snow, ice skating, and treats made with cranberries (like the cranberry cookie recipe on the back cover of the book). Meet Grandma and Maggie who help eccentric Mr. Whiskers prepare for a visit from his sister and fight to keep his property. A sweet Christmas tale and a great recipe! My children loved this book and there are great examples of kindness and friendship inside. Quaint pictures add to the delight of the book. I love the drawings of Mr. Whiskers!
One Wintry Night by Ruth Graham Bell shares the message of the Gospel. Lovely illustrations bring the story alive. Well, it is really two stories intertwined. We meet a mountain boy named Zeb who gets lost during a snowstorm. The kind lady, who takes him in and cares for him, tells him the story of Christmas, beginning with Creation. For two whole days while Zeb waits for the blizzard to end, he is immersed in the beautiful story of salvation. What a lovely book! This is a long one, though, and will require a long time to read it or two days of reading aloud.
Continue reading "Review of Christmas Picture Books to Read Aloud" »

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So, how did His simple birth turn into such an elaborate celebration? If you are like me, there are times that the wonder and miracle of Christmas has been lost in the hectic busyness of the celebration. I have discovered that the earlier I begin planning and preparing for Christmas, the more enjoyable the season is for everyone in my world. Early planning and preparation leads to a nicer and calmer me! My family, friends, and worship team all appreciate that!
We are all thankful to be alive and have the strength to serve the Lord. Many of us, though, have stressful lives and burdens that we carry. We may have a difficult marriage, an eldery relative to care for, or a house full of little ones that demand our constant attention. A holiday is a break from the routine! If we are careful not to run ourselves ragged in the pursuit of the "Ideal Holiday Menu," each holiday can be a time of refreshment where we break away from the dreary routine and enjoy the company of family and friends. View holidays as a time to RELAX and unwind from the pressures of life.






