“Look it up in a book.
Take it home from the library.
Look it up in a book.
Turn the pages and have a good look
There’s so much you can learn from a book!” – Jake Chenier
This chorus from one of my favourite childhood songs has been playing in my head for days. It probably comes as no surprise that I love books just as much as I love writing. It saddens me to know that books are quickly becoming a thing of the past.
Some schools no longer have a library, they have a ‘Learning Commons’, containing more computers and desks than shelves filled with books. In my time, use of the computers was a reward we looked forward to during computer lab period once a week. Now kids have constant access to computers and the internet.
But this is the Christmas Edition, so I should not be ranting about the “evolving” world. Getting back on track, the theme of my columns this holiday season has been discussion of traditions and their importance. We all love decorating, getting our Christmas tree, drinking eggnog, and watching all the cheesy Hallmark Romantic-Comedy movies. It also wouldn’t be Christmas without watching some of the most classic movies like Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman.
But with all the hustle, bustle and excitement of the season, it sometimes is hard to find time to watch all of our favourite movies. One tradition, we always make time for is bedtime stories. Inspired by the Usborne Advent Book Calendar, I made my little farmer his own Christmas-tree-shaped advent calendar this year. Every night we read a different holiday story, some as old or older than me, others brand new. It’s exciting not knowing which one will be next until he discovers his next surprise book.
Although for future generations, books may be considered antiques and hard to come by, there is one book I hope will be passed down through my family for many generations. It is my most treasured book, The Story of Santa Claus, written by Scribbler Elf. It was given to me by my parents for my first Christmas. I then gifted it to my son for his first Christmas, continuing the tradition of documenting the year and who it’s from on the inside cover. Perhaps some day the whole page will be covered in well wishes for each new generation’s first Christmas! It is a truly beautiful book, with amazing illustrations by the elves, to go with the well-told story of Saint Nick and the true magic of Christmas.
My mother read it every year to us and now I read it to my son. It is Santa’s story, but more importantly it tells how the true magic of Christmas comes from the love and kindness we show each other – not only during the holiday season, but all year round. Reading this story every year is a tradition I hope my little one shares with his own children and they theirs.
We may not use books for research as much anymore, but I truly hope that they do not disappear completely. The ease of access to information using our phones and computers is convenient, but there is nothing more special than holding a good book in your hands. They are the perfect excuse to sit down with loved ones or a hot cup of cocoa and truly enjoy some relaxing time together or on your own. It may be hard to find time to do activities with my little one during the day with all my to do lists to complete, but bedtime always guarantees a good 10 to 20 minutes of quiet time shared together. I love seeing his eyes light up as he absorbs the words he hears and studies the pictures he sees. There is no better way to learn and enjoy time together.
Traditional Christmas stories passed on from one generation to the next through books and verbal tales is a gift we should cherish every holiday season. Take the time to cuddle together and read your favourite story or at least recite the well-known poem Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore. Do not let these important traditional stories disappear with the evolving of time!
And now I say Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight! And, Happy New Year!
