Part II
Sharing some of my favorite Christmas books again. There are so many, I find it hard to choose.
The Gift of the Magi by O’Henry
This classic story has many beautifully illustrated versions. My birthday is December 15th, and my mother gave me this illustrated copy in 1994.
Lisbeth Zwerger is an Austrian illustrator known for her work in fairytales. In an interview, Zwerger mentions that she prefers classic tales because they have fantasy and imagination, while many new stories tend to be more educational.
If you have not read this poignant and charming tale, you should. O’Henry (1862-1910) is primarily recognized for his short stories. This plot follows a young couple struggling to make ends meet, and each is determined to find a way to buy each other a gift. In O’Henry’s words, the “useless” gifts are “the wisest of all who give and receive gifts.” A great book to teach lessons on love, sacrifice, and selfless giving.
Zwerger’s illustrations are simple and whimsy. Like many of her books, this one could easily serve as a gorgeous coffee table book for adults.
If You’re Missing Baby Jesus by Jean Gietzen
This true story was published in 2001. About a week before Christmas, a family buys a new nativity set. When they unpack it, they discover there are two figures of baby Jesus. Concerned that someone else may be missing a baby Jesus, the mother asks her two children to return to the store and inform the manager that they have an extra figure.
The shopkeeper places a cardboard sign that reads, “If you’re missing baby Jesus, call 7126.” They eagerly wait for someone to call all week long. Finally, on Christmas Eve, they receive a phone call, but you will have to read the story to know why the person calls 7126. Every time I read this story, I end up crying at the end. It is a beautiful true tale.
The Christmas Story published by NYC Metropolitan Museum
Twice, my husband has planned a trip to New York City for my birthday. The city is filled with beautiful decorations at every storefront. During Christmas time at the Met, there is a display called the Angel Tree. A site to see–a 20-foot blue spruce tree with angels and cherubs hanging from its branches, plus a nativity scene with over 200 figures.
Here is a brief history of the Met’s crèche. Loretta Hines Howard began collecting creche figures in 1925 while on her honeymoon. At the time of her death in 1982, the Met’s crèche had some 200 figures. They were all made during the 18th century in Naples by the artisans Giuseppe Sammartino (1720-1793) and his pupils Salvatore di Franco, Giuseppe Gori, and Angelo Viva.
All the figures are made with finely painted terracotta heads; legs, arms, and wings carved from wood; and bodies of hemp and wire. No two are alike. There are over 60 angels on the tree, hence the nickname “Angel Tree.”
This little book is a great way to remember this stunning tree with its figures. Each page is a photograph of different ornaments or scenes of the creche with the Christmas story from the bible. I love the Met bookstore and found this book there.
Carl’s Christmas by Alexandra Day
If you’re not familiar with Day’s children’s book series about Carl, the dog, he is everyone’s favorite babysitting Rottweiler. The wordless illustrations in the series depict various adventures with baby Madeleine. Day grew up in a large, close-knit family where painting was a popular activity. Her family often packed one or more easels, sketch pads, chalk, paints, and pencils for their creative outings. Her own Rottweiler, named Toby, served as the model for the book’s main character. You can really see how much my children loved this book!
A Christmas Carol and Winnie the Pooh and the Perfect Christmas Tree
Pop-up books!
My mother gave these to our kids one Christmas. Everyone loves a pop-up, and these do not disappoint.
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
Two years ago, we rented a cabin at the base of Brighton Ski Resort. My daughter-in-law brought a few Christmas books for all the grandchildren to read while we were there. I fell in love with this book and had to buy one myself.
I had not realized that this book was first printed in 1963 and made into a movie in 1995 starring Robert Downey Jr. and featuring Kermit the Frog.
This book celebrates all the joy a Christmas tree can bring. The main character, Mr. Willowby, orders a Christmas tree. When it arrives at his house, there is just one big problem…the tree is too tall to fit in his parlor. He cuts off the top so it will fit, and little does he know that the top of the tree will travel across the countryside, bringing holiday cheer to the homes of bears, rabbits, mice, and more. It is a heartwarming story and a perfect reminder of your family’s holiday traditions.
The Christmas season is coming to a close, and I will have to put my illustrated Christmas books away. What are some of your favorites? Have you read any of these?
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