As we all eagerly await the arrival of the new book Wild Things & Castles in the Sky, Carey Bustard (one of the book’s editors) has pulled together a short list of recommended books to have in your home during the Advent season…
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Jesus’ birthday is the most wonderful time of year. As I was reflecting on the advent season, I was struck by how the traditions of Christmas, the magic and delight that warm our hearts, are there by great design. As we create holiday traditions with crafts, food, and stories, we are the meaning-makers of a much-anticipated season, as we draw out the mystery and glory of Christmas, in everyday ways within our homes.
As a kid, one of my favorite Christmas traditions was pulling out the holiday books from the boxes of decorations. It was like greeting old family friends who I only saw once a year. When I became a teacher, I looked for ways to bring this same sense of magic and delight to the kiddos in my classroom. Inspired by my remarkable co-teacher, I created an advent calendar with children’s books. Every year, I wrapped up 25 books, labeled them with the date, and each day a student would unwrap a Christmas book to read during our morning circle time. The buzz of excitement that fills the room every morning as my students wait to see which book will be opened and shared that day is unmatched. It is my greatest joy to share the tradition of Christmas books with my students and point them to the glory of the Christmas season.
In the classic 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street, Kris Kringle states that Christmas “isn’t just a day. It’s a frame of mind.” Kris is, of course, correct, not just with regard to jingle bells, sugar plums, and Santa Claus. His charge applies to how the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth should be on the forefront of our minds all year. Just like the Israelites needed to be reminded of God’s faithfulness to them, we need the traditions and liturgies of the Christmas season to remind us of Jesus’ greatest gift. Christmas is our tower of stones by the Jordan River, reminding us to celebrate our Savior, His saving work, and the way Jesus came to save us. Whether it's using the same cookie recipe every Christmas Eve or an annual White Christmas movie night, repeating these traditions will be the faithful reminder of God’s goodness to his people. The magic of the season harkens back to the mystery of the Gospel, the mystery of Christ’s love and sacrifice––deep magic that is real and true. The delight that these annual festivities instill reminds us that the reason for the season, the sparkle in a child’s eye, this celebration of hope, is tangible and true. This way of living, in festivity and remembrance, can follow us throughout the calendar. A breath of fresh air to send us into the new year.
The following list is a sampling of some of my favorite stories that are wrapped up in my classroom every year that spark delight, magic, and tradition with my students. I hope it inspires your Christmas season, too.
Lucy & Tom At Christmas by Shirley Hughes
The Birds of Bethlehem by Tomie dePaola
The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats
Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne
Tree of Cranes by Allen Say
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story by Sally Lloyd-Jones; Illustrated by Alison Jay
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston; Illustrated by Barbara Cooney
Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard
Santa Calls by William Joyce
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This post was written by Carey Bustard, one of the co-editors of Wild Things and Castles in the Sky, coming in 2022.
