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Holiday Traditions

Every year my family makes lefse twice…before Thanksgiving and before Christmas.  Lefse is similar to a tortilla, but it is made of potatoes and is really scrumptious!  It originates from Norway, and yes, I am proud to be a Norwegian!  I love lefse day because it tastes the best when it is still warm from the grill.  We put butter on it, roll it up, and enjoy.  Usually we make it in the morning and we get so full by lunchtime that we don’t eat a noon meal.

Making lefse is one of my cherished family traditions during the holidays.  I have a good friend who has a tradition that my husband, daughter, and I will start this year.  It is my daughter’s first Christmas, so it is a good time for us to begin a new tradition!  My friend’s family reads a picture book out loud every Christmas Eve.  They choose a different one each year.  Her children are 23 and 28 and the tradition lives on!  You may think that picture books are only for young children, but you are missing out if you don’t read picture books…no matter what your age. 

Christmas and Hannukah picture books can be especially powerful, telling about love and miraculous events.  I have chosen several that are unforgettable.  They are my favorites because they are beautiful, touching, and help me to remember and appreciate the spirit of the season!  If you are looking for a holiday book to begin your own tradition or for your own leisure reading during this busy season, I would encourage you to choose from the titles below.    

Away in a Manger illustrated by Thomas Kinkade
The familiar carol matches beautifully with Kinkade’s breathtaking paintings.

  The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
A woodcutter’s wounded heart finds joy and happiness through a child.

  The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
A crippled lamb’s true worth and God’s love are revealed.

December by Eve Bunting
A homeless family finds hope within their cardboard shelter during Christmas.

  Rocking Horse Christmas by Mary Pope Osborne
A story told in the spirit of the Velveteen Rabbit with gorgeous illustrations.

  Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco
A Jewish family shows their kindness and generosity to many sick neighbors.

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston
Ruthie’s story tells of the miraculous love and courage of Mother when Papa is away at war.

Thank you for reading!  The library staff and board would like to wish you a wonderful holiday season!

Library Tidbits:

Law and the ER: Real Life Experiences
Dec. 8^th at Hawkeye Community College (Independence Center) Room 101, 7-9 pm
Author Donald Harstad and former ER Nurse Dawn Pederson will speak about their experiences as a deputy sheriff and ER nurse.  Following the program will be refreshments and a booksigning with all 5 of Harstad’s books available for purchase.

Story Times
Children’s Librarian Vonnie Hoskins will read and interact with your preschoolers from 9:30-10:00 Wed. mornings.  December 7^th will be A Book for Me, Dec. 14^th will be Gingerbread Men, Dec. 21^st will be Special Visitors, and Dec. 28^th will be a special puppet show (read more below).

Chill-dren’s Wintery Holiday Fun
Dec. 28^th at the library for children of all ages. 
9:30-10:00 am  Petunia P. Pig & Friends Puppet Show AND 10:00-11:30 am  Make and Take Simple Crafts

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