Glad & Golden Hour by Lanier Ivester illustrated by Jennifer Trafton*

 Christmas in July!

I heard this book advertised on several podcasts before 2024 Christmas. How excited I was to discover that a library in my county had purchased the book!

My initial goal in reading the book was to establish a list of  new, meaningful ideas to celebrate Christ at Christmas. I, however, found the ideas a bit too fancy and time-consuming for my current stage in life (plus, I am the only female in the house . . .my attempts to mimic her ideas may not be appreciated nor tolerated!!!😉😁). Instead, I relished in the beautiful writing, the word choice, her stories, and book lists-of course!! (The book lists contain titles that I long to read--older stories. Most of the titles are available via ILL. I am tempted to purchase several and read aloud to my teenage boys.) Setting up an advent wreath with real candles (although not novel) is one idea I would like to implement in Christmas 2025. 

Mrs. Ivester shares magical Christmas stories and traditions from her childhood and as a newly married plus heart-breaking stories about her sorrow over infertility, a house fire, and the deaths of parents. She embraces the loveliness of the season but does not ignore the sadness that naturally occurs in this life. 

Ms. Trafton's illustrations are beautiful. I, however, would have liked to see actual photos of Ruff House festooned in its Christmas glory.

*Highy recommend (for reasons above).

-Borrowed from the library.

Celebrate! Stories of the Jewish Holidays by Gilda Berger illustrated by Peter Catalanotto*

 Recently my library displayed some Jewish history and celebration books. This one caught my attention. How I wished I had known about it when we studied ancient history. Ms. Berger explains the major Jewish holidays by sharing the traditional stories, what they celebrate, how they celebrate, and craft and food ideas. 

If you are from a Christian background, the stories vary a bit from Christian scriptures. The differences would create an opportunity for discussion.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Everyday Confetti by Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer*

"A Year-Round Guide to Celebrating Holidays and Special Occasions"
This book is loaded with fun, easy ideas for holidays and for making the ordinary day exceptional.
Lots of recipes too.
Christian perspective.
I took tons of notes .  . . .maybe I should just buy the book!!
Other books by this author look excellent too (Keep It Shut, Homespun Memories for the Heart, A Life that Says Welcome)
*Highly recommend.

Yes Day! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld*

One day a year the main character's parents must say "yes" to everything he asks!
Very simple text; fun illustrations.
We have instituted "yes day" at our house once a year after reading this book.
*Highly recommend.