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Holiday Books

By User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1279558981) Every Christmas Eve before we went to bed, my family and I would sit together in the living room and read ''The Night Before Christmas'' after hanging our stockings and making sure cookies and carrots were left out for Santa and his reindeer. As my siblings and I grew older, even though some of the magic of Christmas was lost, the family tradition we had created remained something we looked forward to every year. No matter your age, what you're celebrating or your holiday mood, reading can create personal and family traditions that will be treasured for years to come.

Children's Holiday Books

If you have young children, picture books are a great way to educate and entertain them no matter the holiday. Whether you are looking to start an annual tradition or to just kill fifteen minutes, these classic books are sure to satisfy both you and your children on each of the following occasions.  '''''The Night Before Christmas''''' - A personal and family favorite, this beloved illustrated poem, first written in Clement Clarke Moore in 1822, brings Santa Claus and his reindeer to life as it depicts the happenings of one household on Christmas Eve. It has become a tradition of many American families to read each year and will be sure to excite and romance your children before they "are nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plumbs dance in their heads." '''''The Trees of the Dancing Goats''''' - This memoir, written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco, tells a charming Hanukkah story about two small children in Michigan who watch their grandparents prepare for Hanukkah in the traditional Russian way. When their Christian neighbors fall ill, they share their celebration with them, spreading the joy and essence of Hanukkah. Its a classic, and a great fit for any Jewish or mixed faith family with young children. '''''Seven Spools of Thread''''' - Written by Angela Medearis and illustrated by Daniel Minter, this Kwanzaa story introduces children to the different ways they can celebrate this cultural holiday. It teaches readers about the origins of the holiday's seven principles, while also suggesting how the Kente cloth was first created. Its captivating illustrations are sure to enchant your children, even if it's not Kwanzaa season. '''''Scary, Scary Halloween''''' - It can be difficult to find the balance between scaring little kids on Halloween and just letting them have fun. This book, written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Jan Brett, finds that balance. Throughout the illustrated poem, an unnamed narrator peers outside his window and sees skeletons, ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, goblins, gremlins, and a devil pass by. The rhythmic and rhyming chant of the poem, as well as the eerie illustrations instill Halloween chills, but once the narrator discovers that the characters are only children in Halloween costumes his fear, and your child's, simply disappear.  '''''The Pilgrims First Thanksgiving''''' - This educational book, written by Anne McGovern and illustrated by Elroy Freem, explains the struggles of the Pilgrim's first few weeks in Plymouth and why we celebrate Thanksgiving the way we do today. Though it's not the most exciting story, it sounds wonderful when read out loud and is a favorite in many American households.  

Young Adult Holiday Books

If your kids are past the picture book phase, reading on the holidays is still a great way for them to get into the spirit. The following novels are all very popular among young adults during festive seasons so consider introducing your teens to some of them this year. '''''Dancing Through the Snow''''' - Written by Jean Little, this well written story tells of a young foster child who is sent back to a foster home shortly before Christmas. Luckily, a recent widow takes her in and the two characters get through the holiday season together. Though moments are a little cheesy, its overall a touching book perfect for any teen going through a time of transition (which almost all of them are). '''''Peiling and the Chicken This comical and uplifting book, written by Pauline Chen, tells the story of a recent immigrant family from Taiwan who's teenage daughter is desperate to take part in something she has yet to celebrate, Christmas. Though her celebration doesn't go completely as planned, she is able to find the silver lining in her family's unconventional celebration. '''''The Halloween Tree''''' - Ray Bradbury's classic tale tells of eight boys on Halloween night who are led into the depths of the past by a strange creature they meet in the forest. They witness this dark night though the lens of a  variety of different cultures and times and discover the truth behind what the holiday is really about. It's a thrilling page turner that will both entertain, scare and educate teens and adults alike.  '''''An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving''''' - Louisa May Alcott, one of America's most famous writers, depicts a family of seven children who create a Thanksgiving feast for their parents who have been called away to help care for their sick parents. It's an easy read that stresses the importance of family, gratitude and corporation. It's a classic story that has been republished for readers of all ages. '''''The Power of Light: Eight Stories for Hanukkah''''' is sure to entertain and inspire readers to become more involved in their own Hanukkah celebrations.

Adult Holiday Books

The holidays are a trying time for many of us and reading can be the ultimate escape from the mayhem of the season. Whether you are going to use these books to fuel your hatred of everything festive or to help you further get into the spirit, there is a book out their that is sure to suit your wants and needs.  '''''Lies My Teacher Told Me''''' - This book, written by James W. Loewen, will ruin everything you learned about Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Halloween while you were in school, which might be exactly what you are looking for. It tells the stories of "what really happened," and takes almost all of the romance out of the holiday season. If you're in a festive hating mood, this is the perfect book for you.  '''''A Christmas Carol''''' famous book by Charles Dickens is one of the most classic Christmas stories. This novella invented the modern concept of "Christmas spirit," and once you read it, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and The Ghost of Christmas past, present and future will embody the meaning of Christmas to you. '''''Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde''''' - This terrifying story, written by Robert Stevenson, tells the story of a man who lives the double life of a murder and respected scientist. Though it was written some time ago, it still makes readers' skin crawl every day and is sure provide the scares you are looking for on Halloween night. '''''The Truth About Santa Claus''''' - Similarly to ''Lies My Teacher Told Me'', this book sets out to understand the creation of Santa Claus and the commercial holiday that surrounds him. After all, Santa Claus himself has virtually nothing to do with the birth of Christ, the religious backbone of Christmas. It's educational, funny at times and suitable for anyone looking to escape some of the overwhelming magic of Christmas.  '''''The Holiday Season''''' - Simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking Michael Knight's novel depicts a grieving family desperate to figure out how to stay happy during the months between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's a feeling we can all relate too, though hopefully not to this extreme, and thus hits home to readers of all ages and backgrounds. 

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