Search results matching tags 'christmas' and 'generosity'

Christmas Fiction: The Candy Cane

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 03:56:00 GMT

As a child, I remember loving candy canes. I have this random childhood memory of driving home in the snow after a family holiday gathering while thoroughly enjoying a candy cane. I used to love to steal them off the Christmas tree! These books teach the story and meaning behind this unique candy. The stories vary in approach and details, but the meaning is the same. The candy cane can be used as an object lesson to teach about the meaning of Christmas and God’s love for us.

J is for Jesus (ages 2-6) by Crystal Bowman

On a snowy day, families gather in a candy store to sample a new treat. The candy maker is eager to share this holiday confection with everyone. It is a red and white peppermint stick shaped like a J to remind people the reason for Christmas: Jesus’, God’s son, birth. It is also shaped like a staff to represent the shepherds who were the first to hear the Good News. The red color is for the blood Jesus shed for sinners while the white is for how believers are made holy and clean from His sacrifice. This board book is written in rhyming couplets. J is for Jesus is illustrated with bright, amiable pictures ideal for toddlers to early elementary school children.

The Legend of the Candy Cane (ages 5-9) by Lori Walburg

When a stranger rides into town, he spots a lonely storefront he decides to use. Quietly, he works long hours getting the building ready. The townspeople hope for different things. The mayor hopes the stranger is a doctor who can heal illness. The young wives hope he is a tailor who can make them fine-looking dresses while the farmers hope he is a trader who they can exchange their grain for goods with. The children have their own wishes for this new store. One day, Lucy, a young girl, offers to help the man unpack. She is thrilled to find that he has a multitude of confections to organize and display. When she comes across the candy canes, the man shares their unique story. Together, Lucy and the candy store owner travel to all the houses in town. At each one, they leave a small gift and an invitation to the grand opening of the store. All the townspeople come. The mayor feels better than he has in days. The women come dressed in gorgeous smiles. The farmers are eager to trade their grain for candy. Every ones hears the story of the candy cane: “the miracle of Christ’s birth. The misery of His death. And the mercy of His love.” The Legend of the Candy Cane is an inspirational holiday story.

The Candymaker’s Gift (ages 6-11) by David and Helen Haidle

A generous and gregarious candy maker wants to help the children he loves see God’s gift of Christmas. He prayfully and thoughtfully chooses ingredients—peppermint like the wise men’s spice gifts to Jesus, white to represent the holiness of God, hard as a rock because He is the Solid Rock in times of trouble, and shaped as a “J” for the name of the savior. When candymaker’s beloved granddaughter comes into the shop, she tells him it reminds her of “Jesus, our Good Shepherd. A good shepherd doesn’t run away from danger, and he will do anything to save his sheep.” Together they decide to add red stripes to remind them of Jesus’ suffering and death. They are thankful for their inspiration as they formed a new candy that would point people to Jesus.

Note: At the back of The Candymaker’s Gift, there are ideas for a candy cane party, decorating with a candy cane theme, and Bible verses to accompany each part of the candy’s design.

Christmas Fiction: Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera

Anonymous — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 03:18:00 GMT

The Kringle family lives in a luxurious hotel in New York City. Everyone in their family loves Christmas, even their family businesses have holiday names. Their children Sophie and Chris have everything! Regularly “schooled” in Christmas decorum, the holiday is central to their lives. The most mysterious member of the family is Auntie Claus who disappears every year around the holidays for an extended business trip. These stories (ideal for ages 5-10) reveal how Sophie and Chris eventually learn their family secret.

Auntie Claus

Sophie is in awe of her mysterious Auntie Claus. Whenever she asks her Auntie a question about one of those mysteries, the answers are always simple but vague. This year when Auntie Claus goes on her annual business trip, Sophie stows away. They travel by magical elevator to the North Pole. When they arrive, Sophie disguises herself as an elf where she works diligently with no sign of Auntie Claus anywhere. While on a special task, Sophie sees her brother’s name is on the B-B-and-G (Bad-Boys-and-Girls) list. Dreading his disappointment on Christmas morning, she erases his name and writes hers in its place. Immediately, she is transported to the stage of the Grand Ballroom with Santa and Auntie Claus. Santa praises Auntie Claus for her indispensible assistance getting everything ready for Christmas Eve each year. Auntie Claus and Sophie are reunited, now sharing the family secret. Santa carries Sophie in his sleigh back to her home. Seeing her brother’s joy at all his gifts, she realizes an important lesson her aunt had been trying to teach her: “It is far better to give than it is to receive.” Under the tree is a special gift for Sophie, a diamond Christmas key hanging from a red ribbon—just like her Auntie Claus’.

Auntie Claus and the Key to Christmas

When Chris Kringle, Sophie’s younger brother and heir to the vital Santa post, begins to doubt Santa Claus’ existence, Auntie Claus determines to step it. Chris is summoned to Auntie Claus’ suite where she warns him about becoming a member of PRUNES, Parade Rainers United National Elite Society. Sophie tells him that if he doesn’t change his attitude, he will be on the B-B-and-G list. Of course, he doesn’t believe either one of them. To prove they are wrong, he does everything he can to ensure he will be on the B-B-and-G list this year. Concerned, Sophie uses her magic key to send him to the North Pole. Initially, he is shut out of the Santa’s kingdom, but Chris gets some first-hand experience with the PRUNES. Using some of her Christmas magic, Auntie Claus brings him to the place where Santa, the elves, and his other family members are gathered. Chris now knows the family secret and receives his special key…and never again does he have difficulty believing.

Another title in this series is:

Auntie Claus, Home for the Holidays

Christmas Fiction: Inspiring Realistic Stories (Picture Books)

Anonymous — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 03:52:00 GMT

As I have read dozens and dozens of Christmas stories this season, these are some of my favorites. Each one teaches valuable lessons about family, others, love, sacrifice, generosity, and much more!

Josie’s Gift (ages 5-10) by Kathleen Long Bostrom

It is Josie’s first Christmas without her father. Each year he carved a figure in their family nativity scene. Initially, Josie is focused on her loss and her longing. Her mother reminds her to concentrate on what they have, rather than what she wants. All she can think of, though, is the beautiful blue sweater in the store window. On Christmas Eve, she discovers a box with the sweater in it. She is thrilled to receive her wish, but she still feels an emptiness in her soul. During a visit to the barn, she finds a family, who has lost everything, taking shelter there. Josie willingly gives her sweater as a blanket to the desolate family's baby. She tells them, “Christmas is not about what we want. It’s about what we have.” Josie finally understands the meaning of the holiday.

Christmas Day in the Morning (ages 6-10) by Pearl S. Buck

When Rob overhears a conversation between his parents, he realizes how much his father loves him. With very little money and Christmas coming up quickly, Rob longs to give his father something special. He decides to get up extra early on Christmas morning to go out to the barn to complete both his and his father’s chores. He finds that each task goes more easily than it ever had in the past. Rob manages to get it all done and sneak back into bed. When his father goes out to get started, he is so touched by his son’s gift that he comes back in to hug his son and tell him, “Nobody ever did a nicer thing.” In retrospect, Rob realizes that Christmas morning was his first gift of true love.

Christmas Tapestry (ages 6 and up) by Patricia Polacco

Jonathan is upset about his family moving from their beloved church in Tennessee to pastor at a dilapidated one in Detroit, Michigan. He asks himself, “What possible good reason could there be for leaving home and coming here?” The whole family works hard each day to bring the church back to life, eventually others in the community help out. As Christmas draws near, the church building is ready for a special mural to be painted. Jonathan is encouraged by the progress and excited about the mural. Bad weather and a leak ruins a focal point of the wall where the mural is to be painted. Through a series of events, some of which at first appear discouraging and others that are providential cause two people to be reunited after many decades. Jonathan realizes that all the events—seemingly unfortunate and the blessed—are part of a Christmas Tapestry.

The Christmas Candle (ages 6 and up) by Richard Paul Evans

On a snowy Christmas Eve, a self-centered man seeks out a chandler for a candle to light his way home for the holiday. He pushes aside a beggar impatiently as he makes his way to the shop and scoffs at the chandler for his artistic works that will “devour themselves.” As a challenge, he purchases one of the frivolous candles and journeys back out. First, he comes across a beggar woman, who appears to be his mother. Troubled by her appearance and desiring to help her, he offers his cloak. The woman snatches it and runs off. He realizes it is not his mother though. Next, he sees a man lying on the side of the road who looks like his brother. He gets him into an inn and gives everything he has to take care of him, only to find out it is not his brother. The man finally comes across a young, hungry girl in the cold who reminds him of his sister. As this point, he has nothing left to give. He flees. At home, he sees all his blessings—food, family, warmth—so he runs back into the night to find the girl. The man learns, “If we will see things as they truly are, we will find that all, from great to small, belong to one family.”

Christmas Picture Books: Jesus & the Three Wise Men (Kings)

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:24:00 GMT

We Three Kings (ages ALL) by Gennady Spirin

Almost two thousand years ago, three men (from different regions) set out to find the newborn king by following a sparkling star. He is no ordinary king though—He is the King of king and Lord of lords. His name is Jesus. Renowned artists Gennady Spirin pays tribute in this stunning picture book to the beloved Christmas carol “We Three Kings” and the famous journey of these three wise men. Spirin’s dazzling and intricate illustrations compliment the song’s words and bring them to life.

Small Camel Follows the Star (ages 3-9) by Rachel W. N. Brown

When wise Balthazar sees the great star in the sky, he instructs his servants to prepare for his long journey. Small Camel, the newest camel in his corral, is sad that his mother will be gone for many months for the trip and that he has to miss out on it. When Balthazar unexpectantly secures a small bundle on his back, Small Camel is proud and thrilled to be a part of this special expedition. Later in the journey, two more packages are added—one from Melchior and the other from Gaspar. They are all gifts for the newborn king. After months of travel, they arrive at the home of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Small Camel is escorted into the courtyard where he enthusiastically watches as the packages from his back are laid before the king, Jesus. Even after visiting many other places, Small Camel reminisces that none were as special as the time he carried the gifts for Jesus. The point of view of the narrative is fictional, but the story stays true to the biblical account and church tradition.

The Story of the Three Wise Kings (ages ALL) by Tomie dePaola

DePaola reverently retells and skillfully illustrates the brief account of the three kings’ visit to Jesus as described in the Gospel of Matthew. Additional non-biblical details are added that were passed down from church tradition that includes the wise men’s names and countries of origin. Each of the men is seen consulting their books and studying the stars. They decided to follow the star and bring a gift worthy of a king. Melchior brings gold; Gaspar carries frankincense, and Balthazar takes myrrh. The three men meet along the way and decide to continue the journey together. Herod assists them while secretly plotting. Finally, they find the baby Jesus who they honor and worship. After a visit from an angel, they return to their countries by an alternate route. The language and narrative is concise and direct which makes it accessible to people of all ages.

Christmas Fiction: The True Gift by Patricia MacLachlan (Chapter Book)

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:34:00 GMT

Story Summary:

Lily and Liam love spending the days leading up to Christmas at their grandparent’s farm. One of their favorite past times is reading, especially for Liam who brings dozens of books with him and plans to visit the country library in town. Liam quickly becomes distracted from his normal visit of reading and leisure. He is bothered when he notices that their grandparent’s white cow no longer has a companion animal. When he reads that cows are social creatures who long for companionship, it becomes his mission to buy another cow for her.

Liam develops a plan. He creates poster advertisements, requesting a friend for white cow. Then, he puts them up around the town. Liam has a child-like faith that someone will answer his request. Before he even arrives home, he gets a call from a neighbor boy who has a calf to sell. Liam and Lily pool their hard-earned Christmas savings, but they still do not have enough to buy the calf. Liam makes a big sacrifice which becomes a blessing for white cow, the neighbor, and his family.

On Christmas Eve, the family stumbles across a huge surprise from the neighbors that is sure to delight readers!

Evaluation:

Patricia MacLachlan’s The True Gift is a touching holiday read for the whole family. It is a story of self-sacrifice, generosity, community, and family.