In our hurry to get everything accomplished on our list this holiday season, remember to take an extra moment to do something unexpected, something extra for someone you love, for one who'd least expect it or someone whom you'll never even meet. Sharing something of yourself, something you can make or do or give, is the essence of not just this holiday season but part of the joy of living.
Children are equally capable of making a difference in the life of another. Maybe it's with a homemade holiday greeting card, a batch of cookies or giving a toy to a child less fortunate; these are ways children learn to share of themselves, learn to be generous. They also learn from you; what you do and fail to do.
Be generous with your children in thought, word and action, and teach them to reach out to others with a generous, compassionate and empathetic heart. If we'd each just do one nice thing for someone else every day, think of what a difference it would make.
Books to Borrow
The following book is available at many public libraries.
"Elijah's Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas" by Michael Rosen, illustrated in color by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson, Harcourt, 32 pages
Read aloud: age 5-6 and older.
Read yourself: age 7-8 and older.
Michael is a 9-year-old Jewish boy. His friend is Elijah, a barber, woodcarver and Christian man in his 80's. Unlikely as the pair may seem, they are friends and enjoy spending time together. Their differences are of no consequence to either until the day Elijah gives Michael a carved angel for Christmas. It isn't that Michael doesn't like the angel; he loves all of Elijah's carvings. But Michael is afraid to bring the angel into his home, fearful that he is disobeying God with a "graven image."
Through Michael's courage and the warm support of his parents, Michael comes to realize that Elijah's angel is an angel of friendship. On Christmas morning, Michael presents a gift to Elijah that conveys an important understanding of each person's faith.
Based on real events about the friendship both the author and illustrator shared with Elijah, this book is an exceptional addition to holiday selections.
Librarian's Choice
Library: Silver City Volunteer Library, Silver City Volunteer Fire Company, High St.
Volunteer Librarian: Quest Lakes
Choices this week: "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis; "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls; "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Books to Buy
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.
"Yoon and the Christmas Mitten" by Helen Recorvits, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska, Farrar Straus and Giroux, 2006, 32 pages, $16.00 hardcover
Read aloud: age 5 and older.
Read yourself: age 8.
Yoon and her parents have recently moved from Korea to America. As Christmas approaches, Yoon's teacher reads stories about Santa Claus, and Yoon is very excited. But when Yoon tells her parents about Santa, her parents tell her, "We are Korean. Santa Claus is not our custom...we are not a Christmas family."
Yoon is very disappointed, yet she is resolved to be a part of Christmas somehow. Through her gentle attempts to make sure Santa Claus knows where she lives, she teaches her parents a valuable lesson about what it means to be a Christmas family.
Beautifully written and perfectly complemented with rich illustrations, "Yoon and the Christmas Stocking" is at once tender, powerful, and filled with wisdom.
"On Christmas Eve" by Ann M. Martin, Scholastic, 2006, 149 pages, $15.99 hardcover
Read aloud: age 7 and older.
Read yourself: age 8-9 and older.
Tess believes in magic, and she is convinced that this year she will finally meet the real Santa Claus in her own living room during the time of enchantment that she is sure "begins at midnight on Christmas Eve." This year is especially important for Tess to speak with Santa. She has many questions she wants to ask, but most of all, she has a very special request. Her best friend's father has cancer, and Tess wants to ask Santa to please make him well again.
Deeply moving on multiple levels, this extraordinary offering is filled with the joy of magic, the spirit of Christmas, and the gift of hope.
• Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.