The mother sighed. "So he sits with half-shut eyes, dreaming, dreaming, not one word has he heard!"
Hans Christian opened his eyes. "Truly, my mother, every word has gone deep into my heart. I but closed my eyes that I might see more clearly - see that small town of Bethlehem on a night of stars and cold."
-The Young Hans Christian Andersen by Elizabeth Yates
It has become a tradition on this blog to share with you some of our favorite Christmas books. This year I am recommending It's Time for Christmas by Elizabeth Hough Sechrist and Janette Woolsey. It is similar in format to another book by this duo, It's Time for Thanksgiving. And now I'm curious about Elizabeth and Janette but can't seem to find any personal information on them, other than the fact that they collaborated on quite a few books.
The book begins with The Nativity, moves on to Legends and Traditional Stories, Customs, Carols and Their Composers, Poems, and Stories. There's a brilliant story sequence that I like to read. It begins with "The Young Hans Christian Andersen" by Elizabeth Yates which shows us that we might not know what God's will is for our life and then goes right into "The Fir Tree" by Andersen himself. That is followed by "The Tree That Didn't Get Trimmed" by the delightful Christopher Morley.
I hope you have found a special rhythm in your homes and schools this month and of course I hope that includes lots of snuggling on the couch and reading good books, no matter what the age of your children. And just a quick reminder that I will be leading a Season 1 and a Season 3 for Living Education Lessons starting January 5th, just in case you are looking for some Charlotte Mason, Mother Culture and Full Living in the New Year!
Warmly,
Nancy
Here are my previous posts on Advent and Christmas books:
What to Read For Christmas
Full Hearts
On Christmas Traditions and Books
Good King Wenceslas
The Canticle of the Bees
Longing and Waiting
Christmas Books!
Christmas Books 2014
Simple and Holy: Favorite Advent Readings
A Christmas Read-Aloud
A book to look forward to collecting, Nancy! :) I have the Easter and Thanksgiving versions due to your most excellent recommendations.
ReplyDeleteIt took me three times to order this book. Two were already sold!
ReplyDeleteI can't find this book for less than $150. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteBook Finder has many copies for under $10.00! Maybe you can pick up a copy to be used for next year. I hope you have a Merry Christmas.
DeleteWarmly,
Nancy