MERRY CHRISTMAS to you from us!!

My little boys decided to serenade in our Christmas with their own rendition of
"the twelve days of Christmas"enjoy!

A Christmas Carol

Title: A Christmas Carol
Author: Charles Dickens
Pages: 160
Genre: Classics, Seasonal, Christmas
b's Yearly Count: 98

Fantastic! This is a classic, and as most classics go I had yet to read it. I am so behind in that department. I have read some, and actually A Tale of Two Cities also by Dickens is one of my all time favourite classics. Dickens does ramble. I remember that from the other book and this one (as short as it was) he did ramble as well. I like that style though, rambling and all, it seems more conversational for that period.

I know seriously everyone has seen a play, watched the Muppet version, the mickey mouse version or one of the other 100 renditions, so you should all know the storyline at least. I won't go there. But, it is for sure about much more than just the spirit of Christmas, it is the spirit of giving, of loving, and of caring for not just those that have less but all of those around you. I think that Christmas is the perfect time to bring that plan into action, and I I think that is why Dickens chose this season. Hearts are more open, emotions revved, and your ear is naturally more bent toward others. I love this season, I love Christmas and the celebrations and the family time.

I am so glad I FINALLY read this classic, I should have read it a long time ago....but at least I did this year right!? :) What is your favourite Christmas story? (or your favourite classic)

A Child's Christmas In Wales

Title: A Child's Christmas in Wales
Author: Dylan Thomas
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Pages: 48
Genre: Children's Christmas
Yearly Count b: 91

This is the first time I have been exposed to the book by Dylan Thomas. Since I was young we would watch the TV version of this and loved it. Since the book was selected for the online book club, Travel the World (from a comfy chair) this month, and it is really short I read right through it. I read it to my little boys. They were mostly curious as to why kids would think it was fun to throw snowballs at cats. My two little ones have three cats and they knew that was a naughty thing to do for sure! I couldn't help but see them smile during the description of the fire where the slipper is being waved around. It is neat being able to share this with my kids.

I like reading it allowed, the words flow so strongly from the lips and even though my boys are too young to understand their beauty, sharing beauty even at their age is priceless to me. It is all about exposure to the arts at this point and to give them wings. Even if the beauty goes over their heads, the pictures are so amazing that they stare at them the entire time. Chris Raschka is the artist and the book received A New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children's Book for his illustrations. I don't think I need to say much more than that, other than that they are somehow earthy in tones and colours, rustic in their perfection and perfectly, intensely real as well. The lines are jagged, and imperfect and yet the detail of the paintings brilliantly glows through to form a whole image that is nothing less than spectacular.

So, there you go, the words are amazing...many of you have heard this short story of Wales, and the pictures I believe equally match the performance of the words, a marriage meant to be (at least in my book ;). I am going to institute the tradition of reading this book allowed to my kids, even when they can read on their own, or when they can read on their own they can read it to us! I think every household should own a copy of this book!

Here is the inside of Dylan Thomas' writing shack, yes he had a writing shack in Wales. I would guess most writers have a special place they like to write....this one looks pretty neat to me!

It is interesting that many times when a gift is so strong, other areas are very weak, almost as a compensation. Check out Dylan Thomas, as he is listed under the neurotic poets! If you love to read about all the strange things these amazing writers can do, head there they have tons of info on weirdies for sure (I mean that in the sweetest possible way, as I am a weirdie as well).

Holidays On Ice

Title: Holidays On Ice
Author: David Sedaris
Pages: 176
Yearly Count b: 80

David Sedaris amuses and challenges his readers with a seasonal delight. I am sure this will become a classic, unless it already is and I didn't even know, as I am generally out of the loop! Each of the 12 short stories has punch of humor and truth as well as fantastically exceptional writing.

There are two of the stories that spoke to me personally, and that I really, really loved. The first is SantaLand Diaries, the tale of a elf, who has many more opinions than she is paid for, and so much insight into the typical holiday portraits taken with Santa that you will laugh till you ache. SantaLand Diaries is so real, so honest, and just so interesting to read.

Christmas Means Giving was my other fave. It is a story of two horridly wealthy families in an attempt to out do each other, at the expense of everything except their most valued possession- their image. The extremes they go to are haunting, and even seriously eye-opening. Sedaris puts out a warning, a warning of what giving should never be about, and yet to a slight degree most of the time it is. This was an incredible story.

All the stories were amazing, really. I can give this my full recommendation. Sedaris is an expert storyteller, but not only that, he is a realist with a touch of pessimism which is for some reason not a turn off, but a refreshing voice to hear. I enjoy his humor that is almost a mocking of things that are held dear, but not to tear them up but to help the reader see the negative aspects and to get rid of them. A stunningly funny and sincere read, exactly what we need during the holidays.

I didn't even notice that the cover was funny until after I had finished the book, but it is....look up at the top of the post and let me know what you see that is funny. I like that you wouldn't even notice until you think to look. The one below is really good too!

This is a great book to pick up for the holidays...let me know what you think of it!