With wrapping paper and ribbons, bells and candles, twinkling lights and enough outdoor decorations to fire anyone's spirit, the Christmas holiday arrives and grows into this wondrous celebration. Anyone who reads finds time for at least one special Christmas story, be it the original or a contemporary adaptation. Here are a few suggestions to give sparkle to your Christmas season.
Last year the Brown Bag Book Group read A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid, so we are all eager to readChristmas with Tucker by the same author. Young George is going through tough times. His father has died and his mother has sent him to live on his grandparent's farm. Tucker's owner is unable to care for him, so Tucker adopts George. The last thing George wants is a pesky dog, but love grows between boy and dog bringing hope to both. Sweet story and a feel-good gift for family and friends.
An Amish Christmas by Cynthia Keller brings home the message that money may be overvalued. Meg Hobart and her husband and family seem to have everything and want for nothing. They have a home in a nice neighborhood, good schools for the children and just about anything they desire. This life and the family slowly come unraveled as the economic realities of today come to light. An unfortunate accident throws the Hobart family into the folds of an old order Amish community and the lessons learned apply to all of us. Simple gifts lead to an unbelievable wealth of affection and happiness. This story has a very contemporary foundation.
The Alaska gold rush of 1897 forms the background for The Snowflake by Jamie Carie. Christmas finds Ellen and her brother iced in and unable to continue their journey to the gold fields. Gruff Buck Lewis agrees to lead all comers on foot to Dawson City, but is dismayed to find Ellen as a willing traveler. Their journey is more than a physical trek, it is the steps they take to heal past wounds, help each other and realize that every heart needs joy.
May all of you have a joyful Christmas with a multitude of good reading.
Janet
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