FUN BOOKS TO READ TO
CHILDREN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
The holiday season is a special time
of year for people of all ages, but
children might be the most enthusiastic
celebrants come December.
Children spend much of the holiday season
anticipating the arrival of the man in
the red suit, and that enthusiasm can be
contagious.
Families have their own unique traditions
during the holiday season, but one popular
way to harness kids’ enthusiasm between
Th anksgiving and Christmas Day
is to read them holiday stories. Th ere’s no
shortage of great holiday books for kids,
but here are a handful that kids may remember
• “Th e Polar Express,” by Chris Van Allsburg:
Th e beloved tale is the story of a
young boy who boards a mysterious train
bound for the North Pole.
• “Th e Littlest Elf,” by Brandi Dougherty:
Part of a series, this story focuses
on a tiny elf named Oliver and a series
of misadventures as he navigates his way
through Santa’s workshop.
• “Olive, the Other Reindeer,” by Vivian
Walsh: Olive is no ordinary reindeer.
In fact, Olive is a dog who heads to the
North Pole believing she is a reindeer. Her
decision to join Santa’s team ultimately
benefi ts the big man and his trusty reindeer.
• “Th e Miracle of the First Poinsettia:
A Mexican Christmas Story,” by Joanne
Oppenheim: A little girl named Juanita
is the star of this retelling of a traditional
Mexican tale with a valuable lesson.
• “Gingerbread Mouse: A Christmas
Holiday Book for Kids,” by Katy Bratun:
A fallen tree branch almost ruins Christmas
for Mouse, whose determination
and resourcefulness mixed in with a little
Christmas magic ensures she fi nds a place
to call home in time for the holidays.
• “A Night in Santa’s Great Big Bag,”
by Kristin Kladstrup: Santa saves the day
in this tale starring a young boy’s favorite
stuff ed animal, whose excitement for
Christmas compels him to climb into
Santa’s big bag of presents on Christmas
Eve.
• “Santa Claus and the Th ree Bears,” by
Maria Modugno: Th is twist on the popular
tale “Goldilocks and the Th ree Bears”
fi nds three unsuspecting bears encountering
a familiar fellow in a red suit upon returning
home after a nighttime walk.
• “Twas the Night Before Christmas:
Edited by Santa Claus for the Benefi t of
Children of the 21st Century,” by Clement
C. Moore: Parents will appreciate this
updated version of the popular tale that,
among other things, has removed the reference
to Santa smoking.
• “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by
Dr. Seuss: Children can join generations
of fans that came before them as they hear
the redemption story of the Grinch who
was once determined to ruin Christmas
for the happy people of Who-ville.
• “Th e Nutcracker,” by the New York
City Ballet: Th e classic story is retold
based on famed choreographer George
Balanchine’s production.
KEEP YOUR KITCHEN CLEAR WITH AN
OOEY-GOOEY APPETIZER FOR GUESTS
Culinary.net
Prepping for the Holiday gatherings is
plenty of work on its own, and when
family and guests can’t stay out of your
way in the kitchen, you’ll need the perfect appetizer
as a distraction. Th is Loaded Spinach
Dip off ers a little something for everyone with
ooey-gooey goodness and just the right touch
of bacon.
Find more shareable holiday appetizers by visiting
Culinary.net.
Loaded Spinach Dip
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 8-10
16 ounces softened cream cheese
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
10 ounces thawed spinach
14 ounces drained canned artichoke
hearts, roughly chopped
1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real
bacon pieces
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
pretzel bites, toasted baguette
slices, crackers or veggies, for
serving
Heat oven to 375 F.
In large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo and sour
cream. Add spinach, artichoke hearts, bacon, Parmesan
and mozzarella. Mix in garlic powder and onion
powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Spoon into oven-safe skillet or baking dish and bake
20-25 minutes. Serve with pretzel bites, toasted baguette
slices, crackers or veggies.•
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