Thursday, December 12, 2013

Traditions

I started a new tradition last year, one that the kids and I are enjoying immensely.

Instead of using the classic Advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas, we have a stack of holiday and Winter-themed books all wrapped up, waiting to be opened and read, one per day.
After they've been opened and read, they go into an old crock, where they are easy to grab and read again, as many times as desired.

I eliminated a few of the books from last year, for various reasons, and therefore got to add a few new titles. Based on some of your recommendations and my own searching, we added A Wish for Wings that Work by Berkely Breathed, Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo, Christmas Farm by Mary Lyn Ray, Just Right for Christmas by Birdie Black, and Owl Moon by Jane Yolen.
If you're interested, you can check out my Advent Bookshelf over at Goodreads to see the complete list.
Here we'll be, every evening around 7:30 Pacific Time, cozied up with our backs to the fire, embarking on another winter-y adventure.

10 comments:

backporchcarver said...

Wow, what a great tradition, I love it. I am going to pass this idea along to my grandkids so they can start it with their Babies. We have six that have little ones so your idea will spread much joy.

Sarah Beth said...

That is an absolutely wonderful idea. Love that picture of your family in front of the fire. If only other parents made those things a priority

Vickie said...

Really neat idea Beth.

Unknown said...

Beth
What a great idea and the photo of you and your children is wonderful!
Happy Holidays,
Brenda

Penny said...

Wonderful idea! Love it, and will be passing it along to others, as well! My daughter had her first child in August, and another daughter is due in February, so it will be the perfect opportunity for them both to start the tradition! TFS....

linda said...

What a wonderful tradition! The book list looks great. Enjoy your special time together.

Jennifer M said...

Perfect idea-love it and will pass it along as well. Thanks for sharing the photo as well, it's super sweet:)

Halland House Gifts said...

I love this idea. I don't know if my 14 year old son would dig a pile of illustrated books as much as I would, but we do have a compilation book featuring moral lessons through fun and interesting short stories and poetry. We could write page numbers and selections on pieces of paper, wad them up, and throw them into a basket for picking each night. Cross stitchers are still the smartest and most creative people I know. Thanks
for sharing. :-)

Melissa said...

Love this idea Beth! Going to keep this one my back pocket when I finally have children!

Melissa
PS: I love reading your blog and look forward to new posts all the time!!!!

A Primitive Homestead said...

I am so touched of your tradition. I loved reading to my children when they were little. I may be able to suggest your lovely wrapping of books and reading for my grandchildren in hopes my grown children will make a tradition.