A Happy New Year's Day - Welcome 2012!

A Happy New Year Day  by Roch Carrier, Gilles Pelletier (Illustrator)
A great book to share with the little ones. The author shares a New Year celebration from the 1940's. Though the world was full of anxiety due to the war, this small Canadian village had a wonderful holiday celebration. Families and friends share in a New Year feast - just as they do today. The book is illustrated with bold and bright paintings.

The Night Before New Year's by Natasha Wing 

It's the night before New Year's, and the whole family is determined to stay up until midnight! Everyone's stocked up on sparkly streamers and festive party hats, but after a night filled with card games and too many cupcakes, the little ones are getting sleepy. . . Can they make it until the clock strikes twelve?

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry

Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree
Came by special delivery.
Full and fresh and glistening green--
The biggest tree he'd ever seen.

That was the trouble. The tree was so tall, it couldn't stand up straight in his parlor. Mr. Willowby asked his butler to chop off the top of the tree. What happens to the treetop? Where will it be for Christmas? Snuggle up with this story and follow along through a forest full of friendly creatures who get to share in a bit of Christmas joy.

A fun book to celebrate your holiday decorations.

Happy Holidays!!! Came by special delivery.
Full and fresh and glistening green--
The biggest tree he'd ever seen.

That was the trouble. The tree was so tall, it couldn't stand up straight in his parlor. Mr. Willowby asked his butler to chop off the top of the tree. What happens to the treetop? Where will it be for Christmas? Snuggle up with this story and follow along through a forest full of friendly creatures who get to share in a bit of Christmas joy.
Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree
Came by special delivery.
Full and fresh and glistening green--
The biggest tree he'd ever seen.

That was the trouble. The tree was so tall, it couldn't stand up straight in his parlor. Mr. Willowby asked his butler to chop off the top of the tree. What happens to the treetop? Where will it be for Christmas? Snuggle up with this story and follow along through a forest full of friendly creatures who get to share in a bit of Christmas joy.

Happy Holidays!!!

Holiday Greetings

There are many holidays in December ranging from National Maple Syrup Day (12/17) to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and others.  Not to mention New Year's Eve.  Here are some ideas to keep your readers busy! 

National Maple Syrup Day provides us with the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate this delicious American treat. This sweet and unique flavor originated in America. Native American Indians were the first to harvest and boil the sap of the maple tree into a thick syrup.  http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/December/maplesyrupday.htm




 Christmas  is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people  around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25–Christmas Day–has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

 

Kwanzaa = Monday, December 26, 2011

- Sunday, January 01, 2012

Kwanzaa is a non-religious, week-long holiday established in 1966 to celebrate African heritage. Observances include candle-lighting, social gatherings, and reflection on seven community-oriented principles.

Happy New Year!   Here are some ideas for setting healthy eating resolutions as well.http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/parenting/tips-for-setting-new-years-resolutions-for-kids-and-family/Here are some ideas for New Year's Resolutions for kids. 

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/new-years-day/printables/ 

National Cookie Day is December 4

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Everyone knows cookies taste good, but these cookies also have something good to say. Open this delectable book to any page and you will find out something about life. Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons is a new kind of dictionary, one that defines mysteries such as "fair" and "unfair" and what it really means to "cooperate." The book is by turns clever, honest, inspirational, and whimsical. Go ahead, take a bite!

Another title by the same author -Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
For many families Christmas is not just a time for parties, Christmas trees, and gifts. It is also a time when children and adults come together to make Christmas cookies. Not only are these treats delicious to eat, but they also offer families the opportunity to step out of their busy lives for a moment to connect in a meaningful way.  Here is a video as well. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-IirbSCfqc

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - by Laura Numeroff, visit http://teachingreaderstothink.blogspot.com/2010/08/if-you-take-mouse-to-school-laura.html for more "if you give a mouse . . . books and activities

Happy baking . . . happy times!