READING: 10 Great Christmas Storybooks

I had Keeks pick out her 10 favorite Christmas storybooks. We have well over 30, so it was quite an accomplishment to narrow it down to 10. In no particular order:

1) A Winter's Tale by Robert Sabuda

If you haven't discovered Robert Sabuda yet, you are missing out. I have started collecting his books because I find them so magical. He creates the ULTIMATE pop up books. Truly spectacular. If your little ones don't treat their books well, this is not the book for you.

2) The Little Drummer Mouse by Mercer Mayer

If you love the Little Critter series you will enjoy this one. It shares the story of Jesus birth from the small perspective of a little mouse. Very sweet and the illustrations are gorgeous.

3) Moon and Star by Robin Muller

A sweet story about a toyshop dog named Moon who secretly loves a small china cat with a shining star on it's face, called Star. He believes that because he loves Star the most it will be his gift on Christmas morning, but the little china toy is sold and Moon is heartbroken... The pictures are lovely and big and the story is heartwarming.

4) The First Night by B.G Hennessy

paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

In a warm dark stable something special happened. A very simple story with lovely images.

5) Dear Santa - The Letters of James B. Dobbins

Compiled by Bill Harley Pictures drawn by R. W. Alley

A hilarious series of letters to Santa follows Jimmy's experience one Christmas.

6) A Star for Christmas by Trisha Romance

Clearly the pictures are pretty spectacular in this one. It's the story of a reindeer named Little Star who befriends a gentle old carpenter. A lovely story about friendship and service.

7) The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Illustrated by Jean Hirashima

There are countless versions of this story and really it comes down to illustration...and we love this version.

8) The Biggest, Best Snowman by Margery Cuyler

Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

A team effort ensues as Little Nell and her friends from the BIG snowy woods build the ultimate snowman.

9) Christmas Magic by Michael Garland

If you haven't discovered Michael Garland yet, you are in for a treat. His books are wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated. Here's a description for Library Weekly:
10) How Santa Works by Alan Snow
A really fun, comic style depiction of everything Santa, if you've wondered about it, this book covers it. There are so many detailed and multiple story lines in this one, that you always discover something new when you revisit it.

Advent'ING Day 5, 6 & 7

Day 5: Sunday

READING

A package of 4 mini Christmas books was waiting in her mailbox, the perfect size to take to church. I also began an ongoing project for our family - a gratitude journal for all of us to share things in over the next year. The idea for this was born from a post by Becky Higgins on her blog. She had created a gratitude poster on the wall, which I thought was brilliant, but opted to create a coffee table book instead.

I used the blank books from Draw your World (I may have ordered a bunch for my nieces and nephews for Christmas...SHhhhh), some stickers and a sharpie to write on the cover - and it was just that simple.

I hope that by next Thanksgiving we can have quite a few pages filled up and enjoy reviewing our little booklet together and count our blessings.

Day 6: Monday
GIVING
Yes, it is better to give than to receive especially when it comes with 10 timbits. If you note the tag on the box it also asks Kia to prepare her Christmas list. She literally spent a solid hour researching ideas on the internet for the people on her Christmas list. We're surprising her with some Christmas shopping money in the next day or so, so that little list will come in handy very soon.

Day 7: Tuesday
PLAYING

We are a family that enjoys playing board games together. We love our PS3, gameboys and what not, but I especially enjoy sitting with family to play a game that promotes communication, laughter and insights into one another's personalities. Last night we pulled out Boggle and Russ and Kia remembered why they don't like it...Mom's hard to beat! I love games like this and seem to enjoy finding words in jumbled up letters. They humored me though, and gave me a run for my money.
Since we play soooo many games, a new game is always a welcome gift around here, but I thought it was time we started our annual Christmas puzzle. I was under strict directions to purchase a puzzle no larger than 300 pieces, because although they enjoy puzzles, they don't adore puzzles and this is a good compromise. So let the puzzling begin!