The day after Thanksgiving, my little 4yo. son pulled out all his books. That night we read The Elf on the Shelf in the hopes that our little Elfie would pay a visit. The presence of Elfie means that Christmas is really close and now Santa is sending her to check in and make sure that our boys are being nice. After finishing reading this book, as we cuddled down into the big armchair, Peter spied someone way up high! He silently pointed, scrunched back down next to me, and in a barely audible whisper said, "There's Elfie." I think he was actually afraid or fear in a reverent sort of way. The next morning, Peter hid behind me as we went out into the living room. Sure enough, Elfie had moved indicating that she had flown to the North Pole and come back in a different spot. She also brought with her a Santa wind-up toy. Peter then screamed to Elfie, "Elfie, you know Christmas, when baby Jesus was this tiny." He held up his fingers to show Elfie how tiny Jesus was.
Yesterday, I took my little man to a movie with my mom. This is a tradition I had with my mom for so many years - the classic weekend of Thanksgiving movie. We saw The Muppet Movie. My mom and I laughed more than my 4yo. did. Afterwards we went to get a present for daddy, who was at home diligently writing, and then to continue with another tradition started by me as a single girl waiting for my baby and now will be continued with my son. We went to find a Christmas book. I wanted Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco, which I couldn't find, but happily was able to order through the fabulous indie book store in Lake Forest (Lake Forest Book Store - the most knowledgeable staff and best books around, they know there stuff). When we get the book, we will put the date of the Christmas in it. Last night we read The Story of Christmas a little board book that explains why we give presents.
This morning, my little man got up, walked to the sun room and saw our little tree decorated with all Chicago Bears ornaments and then Elfie perched above. "Good job, Elfie" he said and then he wanted to bring all of his books out to show Elfie.
We have lots of favorite Christmas stories including:
- The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats
- The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
- Where Did They Hide My Presents? by Alan Katz and David Catrow
- Silent Night illustrated by Thomas Kincaid
What are your favorites?
why not start a tradition of getting a new christmas book each year (maybe mine will be out next year!)
ReplyDeleteDo you mean a newly published Christmas book, or just keep adding to the collection. Yes, I do hope to add your book to the mix next year!
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