Christmassy stuff...

Here are some of the books we have read this month....

Great collection of holiday stories from around the world. Covers cultures ranging from Russian to Mexican to Syrian.

A good intro to Kwanzaa for young children. This book explains the basic tenents behind the holiday.

A very good intro to Hanukkah. This book shares the history of Hanukkah, the menorah, and more.

A great follow-up to the book above. This one is a funny look at celebrating Hanukkah, and now my kids are begging me to make latkes!

A funny/touching tale of a girl who loses her mother's diamond ring while making traditional Christmas tamales.







We loved this story, so much that we read 3 versions of it! Old Befana is thought to be a witch by her neighbors. She rides a broom and delivers gifts and cookies to children all over Italy.

This was a sweet tale of a crippled boy and a lonely Christmas tree. I liked it, but it brought tears to my eyes.

A funny tale of three French hens and a wily Brooklyn fox.

Anyone who loves Olivia like the Fairy does needs to have this book, where Olivia causes her familiar mayhem. And speaking of Olivia, Nickolodeon TV is releasing an animated Olivia series in January.

We love the tale of the Nutcracker, and Maurice Sendak is one of my all-time favorite illustrators. Gorgeous book!

This was another fun read - gave a good message about not needing to buy a lot of "stuff" at Christmas, and having fun with what you have on hand. Great illustrations too.

And of course, we will read How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Babar and Father Christmas, and The Night Before Christmas as well. All holiday favorites!

For our gifts of globally diverse Christmas cookies, we have chosen the following:

Chocolate chip cookies (American)

Springerle (German)

Merenges (Puerto Rican meringues)

Pebber Nodder (Danish spice cookies)

and

Almond Cookies (Chinese)

I know it comes out to a lot of cookies, and a lot of baking, so I purposefully chose easy recipes.

I'll be back after the holidays, so wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, and more!