Some St. Nick Reads

I enjoy reading stories about St. Nicholas or Santa Claus, as we call him. 

The true history of St. Nicholas offers 

a beautiful story about giving and caring about others needs.

Some adult reads I've enjoyed are The Autobiography of Santa Claus 

and How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas by Jeff Guinn. 

For children, I've listed a few favorites. 

Young Claus is a chapter book and the others are picture books. 

Cuddle up with your child and share in the magic of the holiday.

Do you have a favorite Christmas book?

 

Woodland Santa

Woodland Santa is my latest needle felting project. 

I love his curly beard!

I started in the spring, but couldn't muster the desire to needle felt 

in summer's 90 degree temps. 

So as the weather cooled down last week, I finished the tree and put it all together.

Even with learning curves and a few broken needles, I enjoyed the process. 

One thing I learned is to use a lighter hand and not punch the needle so hard. 

Smaller jabs meant less broken needles and less frustration. 

Needle felting is a satisfying craft. 

There is no such thing as perfection.

Each piece is unique. 

The process relieves stress.

Merry Christmas!

Children's Christmas Book Review: A Christmas Gift for Santa: A Bedtime Book by J. Theron Elkins, illustrated by Ag Jatkowska

Book Description:

Is there a gift waiting for Santa at the North Pole? Cuddle up with your little ones and follow the journey through Santa’s Workshop in search of Santa’s Christmas present. With bright and whimsical illustrations, this new take on the Christmas story is sure to become the newest addition to your holiday reading tradition—especially at bedtime!

Has Mrs. Claus forgotten Santa on Christmas Eve? He searches and searches their cozy North Pole home until he finds homemade gifts waiting for him next to a beautiful handwritten note. But what does it say?

My Review:
This sweet story takes a peek into Santa's time after Christmas. He's delivered all his gifts, now he's wondering if there might be one for him. J. Theron Elkins' rhythm and rhyme creates a fun and engaging story. The bright illustrations drew me into the story. Ag Jatkowska captured Santa's home in the most delightful way, filled with color and fun. This would be a great book for Christmas evening as you tuck little ones into bed. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Jolly Old St.Nicholas or Not?

Santa Claus was introduced to America in 1823 when Clement Moore put a fresh image of giving on the face of Christmas. In A Visit from St. Nicholas also known as, The Night before Christmas, Moore created a story for his children based on a man named Nicholas, born around A.D. 280 in the small town of Patara (Turkey). As a believer in the Bible, Nicholas showed great compassion for others. He gave so much to so many that legends spread about him. Eventually, Saint Nicholas became an icon of generosity.

Growing up, my family celebrated the birth of Jesus by reading the Christmas story and attending church services. The stereo played Perry Como’s rendition of the holiday hymns. Mom positioned a crèche on the mantel and one year we even had a live nativity on our porch. So I knew that Christmas honored Jesus birth. On the other hand, I remember my delight when I found packages that appeared on Christmas morning from “Santa”. The magic and wonder that surrounded the mystery gift giver added a sparkle of fun to the day.

When my children were old enough to understand the traditions of Christmas, I puzzled over whether to introduce Santa Claus into the gift giving. I wanted them to know that Christmas centered on the birth of Jesus, but I also wanted them to be acquainted with the kind, caring legend of Saint Nicholas.

So much of the modern version of this December holiday centers on retail sales. Rather than focus on receiving gifts from Santa, I taught my daughters about his giving spirit.  We read the story of how he gave gold to the daughters of a widower in the middle of the night and how he cared more about others than himself. We also shared the story of Jesus’ nativity and talked about why we set aside Christmas to observe his birth.

I wanted my daughters to recognize that giving was more important than receiving. St. Nick’s story offers hope in mankind, Jesus story offers hope for mankind. Joy fills my heart as I hear my children teaching their children about the spirit of giving and the wonder of the season.  What a blessing to share the joy of Jesus and the legend of Santa.