Who Is Santa Claus?
by Cynthia Jones

December, 2004

and while we are at it, let us share more magical reads for the season...........

Who is Santa Claus? Hmm...I guess he is not a jolly figure in a red and white suit created by Coca-cola according to
snopes.com where you can read the origins of this winter icon. The man has always impressed me no doubt. Every year without fail bringing me my hearts desire right to my home and leaving it under my Christmas tree. Although the true meaning of Christmas was taught to me and I do treasure our King's birth, I spent my Christmas eve's like most children around the world waiting for this magnificent man with his white beard and his decorative suit. Arriving with a sleigh of gifts driven by that team of reindeer. So many of those holiday nights convinced I did hear those jingle bells. Yes, I have always loved St. Nick and even as an adult I have come to realize even more that to spread that kind of magic in a world such as this....well....only a saint can do that.

Are you in the mood for more holiday reading material? We can take a look at the season with rituals, traditions, recipes, activities, stories, ideas on how to create your own traditions and ways to celebrate a life-affirming festival with
Yule,
The Complete Kwanzaa,
The Story of Hanukkah and
The Winter Solstice.

While living in Spain, I was first introduced to Three Kings' Day, a Spanish holiday celebrated on January 6th. The children will leave a slipper or maybe a boot out side their door to be filled with candy and toys. Vivan los Reyes Magos gives us a fun story to follow and enjoy this celebration with her book
Hurray for Three Kings Day!.

• Visit the Holidays and Seasons section at
  Poetry Galore! Here are just a few of my favorites listed there. Enjoy!

• Smiling Christmas Child by Denny Lancaster
• A Christmas Thought by David G. Bancroft
• Winter by Joyce C. Lock
• A Christmas Party by Brian Lund
• Christmas Day by Carol Dee Meeks

What ever you read this season, make it an enjoyable and learning experience. Have fun and have a wonderful holiday season!

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!