Barnwood and Tulips Christmas Books---a family tradition!

As a mother of five young children, I think I enjoy Christmas as much as they do. I am also married to a right jolly young elf. In fact this year he is trying to see how many hours he can wear his elf hat collectively throughout the holiday. As of yesterday, day two, he had worn his hat nearly 22 hours- I told you he was a jolly elf. Christmas is also a great time for traditions and we have our fair share. But one of my favorites is our Christmas book.
Each year, I buy a Christmas book for our children at the beginning of the season. My husband or I make an inscription on the inside of the book making sure to include the year. Our oldest is now fifteen so our library has grown over the years. Our hope is that is one day as our children marry and have children of their own that we can divide the library amongst the five of them and then they can continue the tradition with their own families. I have to admit after the hustle and bustle of the season, there is nothing better than curling up with a beautiful Christmas story and one or more of our fabulous five.
I have included below a list of some our favorite Christmas books, a brief summary of the books, and what I enjoyed most about the specific book. Hopefully, you too, can take a little time out from the holiday craze and cuddle up with the little or big one in your life.

The Christmas Prayer writtenby Rian Anderson.  This is the book I have chosen for this year.  I can't wait to give it to the kids tomorrow before bedtime... Shh,  don't tell!

The Three Gifts written by Patricia Cook Orr, illustrated by Wilson Ong
”The Three Gifts” is our 2010 book. Although it is longer than most of our Christmas books, this book is a page turner. Orr follows the history of the three gifts brought to the new born baby Jesus and speculates as to what happens to each of them. This book will warm your heart and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.

I Believe in Santa Claus
written by Diane G. Adamson, illustrated by M. Chad Randall
A short read, wonderfully illustrated- this is the book I give my children to read when they ask me if I believe in Santa Claus. It relates the religious symbolism of Christmas to the commercialized ones. If you are not a believer in Santa, you will be when you close the pages of this book.

Christmas Oranges
retold by Linda Bethers
Illustrated by Ben Sowards
Bethers does a wonderful job as she recreates this traditional tale. Sowards illustrations are masterfully created and compliment Bethers’ text. This story captures the simplicity of Christmas and leaves you longing to give away your own Christmas orange.
Snowmen at Night
written by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner
This husband wife Utah duo does a marvelous job with this FUN Christmas tale. Surely all of us have wondered what snowmen do at night. My two year old simply loves this book. In fact, it has ignited a snowman craze in our home.


I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
written by Lloyd and Karmell Newell and illustrated by Dan Burr
I absolutely adore this story and my children have enjoyed the accompanying DVD. The text of this book explores the life of Henry Longfellow and the creation of his beautifully written song, “I heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” The Newells also describe how the poem became a song. Furthermore, it provides a quick history and cultural lesson of the Civil War era. The illustrations are magnificent and draw the reader into the Longfellow home and life. This book is a must have…

A Christmas Bell for Anya
written by Chris and Evie Steward, illustrated by Ben Sowards
The reader is immediately drawn into the 1917 world of Siberia in a small village. Its short text depicts the beautiful tradition of the Christmas bell and the love of a father for his daughter, Anya. You will need a kleenex!


The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes
written by Deborah Pace Rowley, illustrated by Dan burr
This story portrays the German tradition of the wooden Shoes as one boy named Walter comes to find his greatest treasure, his faith. This story will leave you wanting to add this German tradition to your holiday season.


The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
written by Susan Wojciechowksi, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
This is our very first book in our Christmas collection. We read it to our children every Christmas morning before the opening of gifts. Mr. Gloomy, Jonathan Toomey, overcomes his past heartaches and regrets as he carves a nativity set for a widow and her son. As Jonathan carves the nativity, his heart is opened and healed as he comes to feel the love of Jesus Christ. Every child big or small should hear this story– this miracle.

 

 

 Happy Reading!