Say Merry Christmas with Literature
by Cynthia E. Jones

December, 2003

Make reading part of your traditions and celebrations...

Have you started your Holiday shopping for this Christmas Season? May I make a few suggestions for anyone young or old? Why not give a book or poem? You can even write a poem yourself! If your special someone enjoys putting pen to paper, they may like a journal. There are a beautiful assortment of styles at your local book stores. Find one that reflects their character and make a little entry inside. This will surely make a personal and touching gift.

You may want to try your local Library and gain a library card. This is a fun gift for yourself! Take your friend for a holiday lunch and stop by your local library. Encourage your friend to apply for their own library card as well. While you are there check out a special book for your child or spouse. If your child does not have their own library card, now is a great time to sign them up! This would make a cute stocking stuffer! Find out the opening times for your Library. It is a possibility that your Library will have special hours during the Holidays, allowing you to keep your book or books a little longer. You may also find postings for holiday poetry contests. These are great for the entire family and a joy to hear the literature being read aloud.

You can also take this time to go through those boxes and closets with all of your stored books. You probably have several in great condition! Perhaps you have finished them. While you prepare to make more needed storage room, why not share your books with others. You may want to consider donating a few of your books to your local book drives. Another gift idea would be two or three books, similar in size and topic, stacked one on the other and tied with a beautiful ribbon. This always makes a charming gift. Don't forget to add your card! A home made card is a wonderful touch. Take a moment and write a few words to your loved one. You will be surprised how quickly a short verse will form.

The kids will be home for winter break during this month. If you would like to give them something to do or something you both can share together, here is a great link for Christmas!
Traditional Christmas Stories and Poems, has several online reads for you and your family to enjoy. Grab a hot cocoa and check it out! You can read 'Night Before Christmas', 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', 'Christmas Bells', 'The Three Kings', 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', 'Some Children See Him', 'The Nativity', 'Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus', 'The Gift of the Magi', 'The Little Match-Seller'

• Great Christmas Titles!

• "The Gift of the Magi"
• "Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus"
• "Nativity Poems"
• "Nativity" (for children)
• "How The Grinch Stole Christmas"
• "The Bells of Christmas"
• "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (A Pop-up Celebration)
• "The Night Before Christmas"

Happy Holidays to you and your family!