Best Christmas Books – a few of my favorites…

The Max Lucado Christmas Collection - An Angel's Story; The Christmas Candle; The Christmas Child (also a movie on DVD

The Indescribable Gift by Richard Exley  - large hardcover book of 107 pages that allow the reader to experience the birth of Jesus in an intimate way by sharing in the thoughts and feelings of those who were there.  Within the framework of Scripture, history and tradition, Richard Exley gives his imagination free reign to create a real life account of this glorious event. The book is adorned with breathtaking art.

Two from Galilee by Marjorie Holmes – paperback, 214 pages – the story of Mary and Joseph told as it could have actually happened to 2 real people whose lives were touched by God and the re-telling of the story that began on a night a long time ago in a manger, on the hay.  Reading this makes you feel like you are there!

The Christmas Box and Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans – the touching story of a widow and the young family who moves in with her; together they discover the first gift of Christmas and learn what Christmas is really all about.

Thomas Kinkade – A Christmas Celebration – Through heartfelt words and paintings that inspire and uplift, Thomas Kinkade reflects on the true spirit of the season and the many reasons to celebrate.  A wonderful little gift book!

Favorite children’s books:

Plum Pudding for Christmas by Virginia Kahl – this is an old book, and a favorite of mine because my Grandmother, Edith McCoy, always made us steamed plum pudding for Christmas.  It was only on Christmas that we got to enjoy this special treat with a yummy vanilla sauce pored over the top of each piece!

This Plum Pudding recipe was passed down from my great-great grandmother Hicks:

3 or 3 ½  cups flour; 2 tsp. baking powder; 1 tsp. soda; 1 tsp. salt; 1 ½ cups sugar; 1 tsp. nutmeg; ½ cup butter; 1 cup light cream; 2 eggs; 1 cup dates (or raisins) The directions say to bake a “trier” in the oven to see if it is thick enough and if it isn’t, then add a little more flour.  Steam it for 3 hours and serve warm with vanilla sauce: water, flour, sugar, vanilla, a little salt, and at least a tablespoon of butter. Those old-time cooks just put in a little of this and a little of that when they cooked!

Only used copies are available.

Plum Pudding for Christmas

The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado and daughters – Joshua, a lamb, longed to be like the other lambs that could run and play.  Because he was different and limped with a crippled leg, Joshua often felt left out.  God has a very special plan for his life (and for our lives, too!)and Joshua gets to witness the greatest event in history!

The Man of the House at Hufffington Row by Mary Brigid Barrett – for young Francis O’Shea there is no magic this Christmas because his father has died and because of this,  Francis assumed the position as “man of the house”, helping his mother, keeping his little sister out of trouble, etc.  Still, his sister gets in trouble and loses what she cherishes most and Francis sets out to do what he can to lift her spirits.  On Christmas morning they both experience a miracle of Christmas.  A heartwarming story!

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Woiciechowski – awesome illustrations by P.J. Lynch – Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in town, keeping to himself and almost never smiling nor happy.  One day a young widow asks him to carve a new crèche for her for Christmas and also has a special request that he allow her young son to watch while he carves it.  This quiet request leads to a joyful miracle as the widow and her son gently warm the sad heart of Jonathan Toomey.

The Christmas Star by Marcus Pfister – the traditional Christmas story with sparkly illustrations

An Amish Christmas by  Richard Ammon –  beautiful illustrations by Pamela Patrick – an authentic story of how the Amish celebrate the birth of Jesus in their school and their home/community.

A Special Place for Santa by Jeanne Pieper – this story strengthens the relationship between Santa and Baby Jesus, by blending imagination and historical facts in a delightful way that brings St. Nicholas, the modern counterpart, Santa Claus, to his knees, paying tribute to the Christ Child on Christmas.

Jan Brett’s Christmas Treasury and Jan Brett’s Whose That Knocking on Christmas Eve? – Jan Brett writes and illustrates beautifully detailed books based on extensive research of traditional tales: The Mitten; The Wild Christmas Reindeer; Trouble with Trolls; The Twelve Days of Christmas; The Hat; Christmas Trolls; The Night Before Christmas

Thank You, Santa by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Kerry Argent – a great story, written in the form of letters written from a child, Samantha,  at first thanking Santa for her gifts and then Santa writing back to her. The letters continue over the course of a year and by the time Christmas rolls around again Samantha has learned a lot about Santa and the spirit of giving.  Woven in the story letters are facts about animals that live in the arctic.  Beautifully illustrated, set in Australia.

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola – a vibrant retelling of the Mexican legend of the poinsettia; The Night of Las Posadas – it tells of the Hispanic Christmas custom of Las Posadas, Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay the night Jesus is born, weaving in the story profound elements of faith that can deeply touch adults and children.

9 Days to Christmas by Marie Hall Ets – another story of Mexico and the tradition of Las Posadas, told from the child, Ceci’s point of view.  Ceci is all excited about her first Christmas posada party and piñata!

Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown – a calming and soothing Nativity story, well-suited for very young children; incorporates phrases from “Away in the Manger” and “What Child is This?”; artwork sets the story in 20th century rural America.

The Christmas Ship by Dean Morrissey – Father Christmas is running behind schedule and needs Sam’s help. However, Sam, the village toymaker is facing the closing of his shop and doesn’t see how he will be able to help with Father Christmas’ deliveries.  Then a little magic happens and Sam and his young friend, Joey, share in the true spirit of Christmas.

The Christmas Story by Jane Werner Watson and Eloise Wilkin – Beautiful illustrations in this Little Golden Book help tell the story of the birth of Jesus

So many more…

In a Christmas booklet greeting (published by Guideposts Greetings), sent to me by my Aunt Bernie, was a very short story by Gina Bridgeman.  It had a familiar ring to it because my, daughter, too, when she was young, loved hearing "her" story over and over again.  Perhaps you will enjoy this vignette as much as I did:

"This Familiar Story" by Gina Bridgeman

Every year on her birthday, my daughter, Maria, asks me to tell her the story of her birth.  I tell her how I loved her from the moment I first saw  her tiny heart beating on the ultrasound exam; how she surprised us, arriving 5 weeks early; and how we were nearly afraid of her, so small at 4 pounds and 13 ounces. "Tell me again how Daddy sang 'Maria' from West Side Story the first time he brought me into your hospital room," she says.  She wants to hear every detail.  Again and again.

I imagine it's both powerful and mysterious for Maria to realize that, by some miracle and God's grace, she entered the world.  But at its heart, it's a love story.  Each time Maria hears it, she knows how very much we love her.

Perhaps that's why I never grow tired of hearing the story of Jesus' birth.  Like a child, I, too, savor every detail.  What did the angels say that night? I think as I listen.  "Glory to God in the highest!"  And I wait to hear again how astounded shepherds ran from their flocks to Bethlehem to see the wonderful mystery unfold.

I've heard the story many times, but this season I'm listening even more closely, knowing that in all its familiar detail, it's simply telling me how very much God loves me.