“‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”
Do you know all the words to this holiday favorite? Do your children? My family packs away our copy of The Night Before Christmas each year with the holiday decorations, and when we pull it out the following December, it’s such fun to try to remember every line. There are holiday stories lurking elsewhere on my bookshelves, though. What are your favoirites?
I was in elementary school the first time I fell in love with a short story that wasn’t accompanied by illustrations. O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” touched my very soul! Remember this one? It’s the tale of a young couple so poor, yet so desperately in love, that they give away their most precious possessions to buy gifts for one another. You may be surprised how early in life a child can relate to this adult story. It leaves readers with a warm heart for what’s most important–relationships.
Roudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, born from a fabulous marketing campaign, became a Christmas favorite across the United States years ago. Children sing the story with a carol, and the animated movie is played again and again throughout the holidays. Telling the tale without the song and pictures can be just as fun. Your children will love to pipe up with details. Add a home grown character or two just to spice it up a little.
If the birth of Christ is a story your family likes to remember at Christmas, the very best version can be found in the book of Luke in the Bible. It’s a great nighttime story to tell, followed by a acappella performance of “Silent Night” or “O Come All Ye Faithful”.
Many, many fun books are available through your local library–tales of cowboy Christmases, animal celebrations, and even volumes of Christmas carols will add a twist to a family night around the fire with out television or radio.
Christmas is a time for memories and family fellowship, so share your favorite Christmas stories with your children, and enjoy your time together. Before you know it, your grandchildren–not your children–will be reciting The Night Before Christmas with you. Time flies. Cherish today.