"There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move"

The Climb by Miley Cyrus

Hi Reader,

I am a real sucker for Christmas books during the holiday season. Ever since I was a kid, I gobbled up every book I could find that described a family warming up by the fire. I've put together a list for readers of all ages to enjoy.

1. A Personal Fav: "The Night Before Christmas" is a poem that's pivotal to describing American Christmas traditions and beliefs around Santa Clause. If you have a child aged 8 and up, analyzing the poem would be a very fun rewarding educational activity. I suggest they read it without pictures and try to illustrate it! I'm forever tethered to the Penguin edition released in 1975. My dad reads it to us every Christmas.
2. Tamales! A favorite tradition for Mexican families is making tamales (tuh-mah-lays) for Christmas. These tasty treats wrapped inside corn husks are a stable on La Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). For younger children read Tamales for Christmas and Older ones will enjoy Too Many Tamales. To extend your reading, make tamales for dinner! They are often found in the freezer section at the grocery store.
3. Simple Joy: The Joyful Book is a great story for little ones learning about feelings. Teach them this new vocabulary world as they uncover what joy feels like.
4. Empathy and Understanding: The House Without Lights tells the story of a family that does not celebrate a December holiday. This house may not have a tree or Menorah in the window, but still is filled with warmth and happiness. A great lesson for kids to understand even though one home isn't decorating, it doesn't mean there's something wrong.
5. Middle School Celebrations: If you've got a chapter book reader and Christmas lover, then they will love A Newbery Christmas. I bought this book in 6th grade from the Scholastic Magazine. It takes excerpts of beloved stories that take place during Christmas time. Each chapter sets you in a cozy setting from famous stories to teach lessons of generosity, family, and tradition. Lucky for you- this now out of print book is being sold for $2 on Amazon! I think I paid $6 in 2001. 😜

What's New?

🏠 Christmas in Connecticut: My husband and I visited his family in Connecticut last weekend. We've started a tradition of Early Christmas with his family. It was cold and snowy, but it made for a cozy trip.

📚 Story Time: Come by for a cozy, cute story this Friday 12/12 at Betty by Moxie in Plaza Midwood (Charlotte, NC). 9:30 - 10am

Things I Love

💸 Indulgent Page Turner: I just finished reading Kevin Kwan's Lies and Weddings. Follow one excessively rich and fabulous family through their daughter dysfunctional wedding. I love Kevin Kwan's novels (Crazy Rich Asians). His books are hilarious and indulgent escapes from reality.

🎵 Game for All Ages: I am obsessed with the game Hitster. This game is perfect for family get togethers. It's essentially a "name that tune" style game, except you are guessing the year the song came out. It plays songs from the 50s all the way to 2025. Great way to pass the time with visitors.

Have a great day!