I’ve been making Christmas lists for awhile now, ever since I found out this baby was due on Christmas. Most of them have just been in a notebook on my nightstand, so I haven’t blogged much about them. I was asked by a few of you to share my lists this year, and perhaps if I actually blog about it, it will help me “check them twice” and finish up any details I am more than likely forgetting!
Even though I keep telling myself I am “almost ready” for Advent and Christmas, I still feel completely unprepared! I guess it is just because I really have no idea when this little one will arrive… Our other children have been born anywhere from 3 weeks early (Chiquita) to 3 days early (Snuggles), which (if that is any indication) would put her arrival at anytime in December…
Anyhow, one of the lists I’ve been working on, was gifts for St. Nicholas Day. In our home, we have a family tradition of giving our children new slippers, gold coins, and a new Christmas Picture Book (to add to our collection) from St. Nicholas on December 6th.
Here’s a peek at the picture books I purchased for this year:
For the Family: St. Nicholas: A Closer Look at Christmas
“This beautiful, fully-illustrated coffee table book provides a closer look at Christmas and the St. Nicholas of history and legend. Full of historical information and rare illustrations from Christian traditions around the world, this book will entertain, inform, and inspire readers as it teaches the true meaning of Christmas giving.”
*If you check out the used/like new copies available on Amazon, it is MUCH more affordable!
For Captain: Christmas at Stony Creek
For Rascal: An Orange for Frankie
“In The Princess and the Kiss: The Three Gifts of Christmas, Christmas has come again to the kingdom, but the king and queen (the original princess in The Princess & the Kiss) have a serious problem. Their precious daughter is becoming spoiled. No longer does she appreciate her gifts as she should nor does she remember the true meaning of Christmas. Her troubled parents come up with a plan to cure the princess of her selfishness. This Christmas will be different-she will receive only three gifts, each one as precious as the princess is to her parents. What will the princess do with the gifts she receives? Will she at last discover the true meaning of Christmas? Children and parents alike will treasure this timeless story that reveals the biblical truth-the best gifts come from the heart.”
“Frank McCourt’s first Christmas book is by turns tender and heartwarming, and wholly unforgettable. Angela is six years old and worries for the Baby Jesus on the altar of St. Joseph’s Church near School House Lane in Limerick, Ireland, where she lives. December nights are damp and cold, and the church is dark. The Baby Jesus’ mother doesn’t even have a blanket to cover him. The Baby is sure to need Angela’s help, even if she is not allowed to step near the altar, especially by herself. Filled with the character and incident that have made Pulitzer Prize recipient Frank McCourt internationally renowned and beloved, Angela and the Baby Jesus is a timeless story of family–and all of its joy, tradition, love, and incongruity–and a book for the generations to cherish.”
For Snuggles: Christmas in the Barn
For Rose: All for the Newborn Baby
(I also just ordered a used copy of this book
I have always wanted to order St. Nicholas Chocolate Coins for his feast day, but every year just end up sticking with the little bags from the local store. We usually repackage them though and attach a little note from St. Nicholas.
Breakfast, after Mass, will include a Candy Cane Coffee Cake and St. Nicholas Hot Cocoa. (We always make this to give away to friends as well!) Oh, and since it was such a hit with my children, I’ll probably make St. Nicholas Pizza once again for dinner. (Very easy and cute!)
This year, I also purchased a Playmobil Nativity Set
Ok.. that’s all for now. I’ll try and post a bit more about our plans later!
We do the local store coins too along with a note from St. Nick. I like your idea of repackaging them! You are going to love the Three Gifts of Christmas book! Sunshine received it last year and it is guaranteed to make you cry!
I love seeing everybody's Advent/Christmas plans… I have been slooowly been compiling a blog post of our plans and also hope that it will help me to remember everything!! After making the Advent list, I hope to do one for the 12 days of Christmas… I feel like those tend to get lost and I want to do things to really *celebrate* all throughout the Christmas season! Just don't know what those plans will be at all yet!
I still have store-bought chocolate coins from last year… I probably should replace those with newer ones, ha ha!!!
I LOVE your lists of books! I have two tabs open, one to your post and one to our library to request at the same time! I think we'll be enjoying "An Orange for Frankie" as Lloyd LOVES oranges and is really enjoying the little mandarin's this time of year!
You and your family are in my prayers!
Best,
Sarah
I know what you mean. I have lists going, but I still feel a bit overwhelmed by everything. This one is due Dec. 6th. We host a big St. NIcholaus party at the parish. I still need to sew a jesse tree…and bake goodies. oh my!!
What a fantastic tradition Jessica! We also do the coins from the store. But we just put them in their old shoes. I like your idea of the new slippers better. 🙂
I always love new picture books and adding these as part of the St.Nicholas celebration is such a good idea.
Thank you for sharing your plans with us.
God bless!
Sounds great Jessica!
Thanks for sharing your ideas. I love the book you picked for Rose (the one you just ordered). What a perfect name!
Love your booklist – my kids loved Angela and the Baby Jesus when we read it last year.
I got my St. Nicholas coins!
And we are very much looking forward to that candy cane coffee cake again this year!
Your list of books looks great! I'm sure your children will be so excited to receive them from St. Nick. And we will be trying your cocoa mix this year for sure!
Lastly, you continue to look absolutely beautiful, Jessica (referring to your 35-week photos =) I hope you are feeling well, too. You're almost there—Yay!!
Jessica. There is nothing small about the successes you have every week. You are amazing cous! I can't even keep up with my blog these days. {sigh} Keep it up!
Did anyone ever tell you that you and your cousin look so much alike? Like sisters…