Except for me, that is. 😉 Normally the week’s Read Aloud Thursday post would be here, but folks, I’m running on all cylinders and not accomplishing much these days. My house is a mess and it’s half-decorated, I have Christmas goodies to bake and movies to watch with my family (not to mention 7 days of school still to accomplish with my girls), and I still have about a million and one blog posts swirling around in my head. We’ve read so many good books lately, and I want to share every one of them! However, to always be thinking about it but unable to accomplish it makes me very tired and stressed out (frustrated is the word, I guess), so I am putting myself on bloggy break until after Christmas, and possibly even the new year. It’s always an internal struggle with me (or maybe I should call it a contest–that sounds better!) to see how long I can blog in December before I call it quits. I made it all the way up to December 21 last year, so I don’t know if it’s the addition of a baby to our already busy household or what, but this is it for the month this year. (As I’m typing this I’m thinking, hmmm, what about reviewing this book? Or this one? Because there are several Christmas books I really want you to know about!)
Okay, rather than reviewing the books, let me just link up a few titles that we have really enjoyed this Christmas season. How’s that? 🙂 (Steady Eddie will laugh when he reads this because he knows I can’t resist talking about books. . . )
- The Twenty-four Days Before Christmas
by Madeleine L’Engle–a sweet little short chapter book about the Austin family. Mama is expecting a baby and Vicky wonders if the baby’s birth will force the family to spend Christmas at home without mama. Full of lovely traditions and warmth. Highly Recommended!
- The Light at Tern Rock by Julia L. Sauer–a Newbery honor book published in 1951, this one blew me away! Really–if you don’t read another chapter book with your kiddos this Christmas, look this one up! It’s the story of a boy and his aunt whose Christmas plans are upended when they are stranded at a lighthouse. Full of spiritual insight, this is a story that really captures the meaning of the season. Highly, Highly Recommended!
- Voices of Christmas
by Nikki L. Grimes is a collection of poems about the characters who people the Nativity story. This is an unusual approach to the story that will leave you thinking about the different people (and angels!) whose lives were affected by the coming of the Baby.
- Christmas Day in the Morning
by Pearl S. Buck is a memoir of sorts about a time when a farm boy surprised his father with a simple act of service. It’s a lovely, feel-good story that places the focus of the season where it should be: not in materialism, but in ways we can show kindness and love to those around us.
Every one of these is a winner!
Well, since this turned into a Read Aloud Thursday of sorts anyway, if any of you have posts to share, just link them up in the comments! 🙂
Before I sign off, a bit of business–
Monica of Litten Lamm Academy is the winner of the giveaway from last week’s Read Aloud Thursday. Monica, I’ll be contacting you shortly.
Have a blessed Christmas, everyone!
We searched high and low for the L’Engle book at our library. The card catalog says they have it, but no one can find it. So, alas.
Have a good break and a blessed Christmas!
Oo yay! I haven’t read any of these and am starting to think about collecting for next year so I’m glad you mentioned them.
And I’m going on a bloggy break after next week as well. It just seems the time and I’m going to take it easier through the new year. Just relax and enjoy the holidays without thinking about blog. =D It ’tis a busy season, after all!
I can relate! We’re even more behind here because my son was in the hospital for a couple days last week. Today we’re focusing on Advent with “The Time of Christmas” book and an advent wreath craft.
http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/2010/12/homemade-advent-wreath-craft-time-of.html
I have that L’Engle book in my library basket and can’t wait to read it. : ) I had high hopes of a R.A.Th. post today, but there hasn’t been any time – we finally finished Tumtum & Nutmeg this week and it was SO good. We’ve started the Best Christmas Pagent Ever and it looks to be fun (and quick!)
I know what you mean about it being busy and crazy and time for a blog break. We’ve had an evening activity or errand every day this week, with one more tomorrow and a Saturday morning Christmas play practice. Whew. I am truly loving this December, but I am also very excited for January. *wink* : )
Okay, I’m back here on Saturday morning just in case you couldn’t resist posting a few reactions to the movie last night… 🙂
We have our tickets for this afternoon.
Sigh. Our plans to go have thus far fallen through due to our babysitters (grandmas) having holiday events to attend. I’ll have to wait and read your review, Janet!
Oh… bummer!
We did make it to the theatre yesterday. I’ll try and avoid spoilers… And I’ll look forward to hearing what you think when you do see it.
I checked two library systems for the The Twenty-four Days Before Christmas and neither had it! We have Christmas Day in the Morning checked out now, and it’s a lovely book.
Enjoy the holidays and your break from blogging. Thanks for stopping by my blog to read my review of The Things They Carried.