REAL KIDS AND CHRISTMAS BOOKS

Capturing the Real Magic

I am supposed to be on vacation today, but Christmas books and real kids are on my mind.  In fact, I’m on a cruise, headed into the port of Martinique in the Caribbean. However, Christmas and my favorite little girl, Belinda, are never far from my thoughts. And I’d like to talk about something that’s has gripped my attention today.

My last post was about writing children’s Christmas books, and I wanted to celebrate other authors. So I searched for books like mine. Well – like mine in one sense: books about real kids. Not magic reindeer or flying to the North Pole.

Christmas Books and Real Kids?

Maybe I’d find a book about a kid (like my own heroine) with lots of energy, endless curiosity, and even a good heart. Surely there must be plenty of those! But I was wrong. If they’re out there, I couldn’t find them. Except for one of my favorite children’s books.

Rupert’s Snowman by Phillipa Warden tells the story of a very real boy with extraordinary energy, creativity, and a compassionate heart. 

I fell in love with Rupert two years ago, and he’s a kid that other kids could definitely relate to. The illustrations are delightful, unusual, and a perfect foil for a very real little boy.

Christmas Books Without Real Kids??

Other than Rupert, I found a market saturated with whimsical elves, talking animals, and fantasy worlds. Not to mention extraordinary adventures.

Some of these books are great; however, the genuine experiences of real children can sometimes get lost in the shuffle.

My book, The Girl Who Found Christmas, is about a very real little girl on a mission to understand what Christmas is all about.

Every day in Advent, there’s a bedtime story detailing her quest. She wonders if Christmas is about the tree. Or maybe the reindeer. Or the stockings.  Or something else??

Real kids deserve…

Real kids deserve to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Families – and children – come in all shapes and sizes, all colors, all abilities, and all experiences. And the holiday season is a perfect time to look for families like our own – and children like the ones we love.

Making Connections and Building Memories

The magic of Christmas lies not only in twinkling lights and festive decorations, but also in shared moments of joy and togetherness.

Many real kids experience the anticipation of Santa’s visit, the thrill of decorating the tree, and the warmth of family traditions. Books that capture these moments create deep connections between story and reader.

Traditions of Your Own

What if you find, as I did, that there aren’t many books that fit the authentic experience of your own REAL kids? Maybe you can start writing down the things that make Christmas real in your family’s life! Over the years, those stories will build a foundation for even richer family rituals.

The Intersection of Fantasy and Reality

With only 37 days left till Christmas, let’s celebrate the power of storytelling to connect us, inspire us, and make our Christmas traditions truly magical.

Find a book, read a book to a child, or write one if you have to. Real kids deserve it!

Please share your own experiences and suggestions in the Comments below. And tell me about your favorite Christmas books!

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS BOOKS

The holiday season has a unique way of bringing out the child in all of us. Those who have a passion for storytelling might want to channel that festive spirit into a children’s Christmas book!

Here are some thoughts on that unique and special journey.

Children’s Christmas Books Nurture Creativity

Creating characters, settings, and plots that capture the wonder of the holiday season is a special delight for writers. They get to use their imagination in a way that resonates with young minds.

Creating a Children’s Christmas Book Shares the Joy of Christmas

Many of us cherish the joy of Christmas, but it is a special privilege to be able to share this joy with young readers. Stories and vibrant illustrations. Magic and beauty of the season. And the chance to instill wonder and excitement in the hearts of children.

You Can Leave a Lasting Legacy

Crafting a children’s Christmas book allows writers to leave a lasting legacy. Imagine creating a story that becomes a timeless treasure. Passed down from generation to generation.

It’s an opportunity to contribute to the collective joy and memories of the holiday season.

Children’s Christmas Books Can Teach – Gently

Those of us who write children’s Christmas books have the chance to share important values. And we can do it in a subtle and engaging way.

Whether it’s the spirit of giving or kindness or the importance of family, stories are a medium through which positive values are woven into the fabric of young minds.

You Can Connect with Readers

Writing a children’s Christmas book allows writers to connect with their audience on a profound level. Authentic characters and stories resonate with the experiences and emotions of young readers.

You Can Fulfill a Dream!

For many writers, the idea of creating a children’s Christmas book may have been a long-held dream. The holiday season provides the perfect backdrop for turning that dream into reality.

You can overcome challenges. Embrace creativity. And experience the fulfillment of bringing a story to life.

Speaking for myself, the journey of writing a children’s Christmas book was a magical one. So, if you’re a writer with a love for Christmas and a passion for storytelling, perhaps it’s time to embark on the exciting adventure of crafting your own children’s Christmas tale.

I did. And how I love hearing from those who follow in the footsteps of Belinda. The Girl Who Found Christmas.

Watch Belinda as she bends all of her enthusiasm and energy to the important job of finding Christmas. It’s a journey from the magic to the manger, and I’m very proud to have written it.

Please share your own experiences and suggestions in the Comments below!

GRATITUDE

It’s never too early for gratitude and giving thanks, and in our house, the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving are a special time for thinking about the people who made our lives better this year.

Could be just a little thing they did or said – or maybe they really made our lives a whole lot better in a way that’s meaningful to us.

Start Early

From an early age, our kids wrote letters or drew pictures to say thank you, and we made sure those messages were delivered in time for Thanksgiving. I started writing letters of thanks at Thanksgiving many years ago, and now even the kids start talking about people they want to thank.

Start Anywhere

Our recent trip to see Great Aunt Mabel sparked dinner table conversation about gratitude. OK, OK, I admit that I got it started and it was mostly gratitude for her great chocolate chip cookies, but you have to start somewhere!

Be Sincere

I have no problem with my kids sending letters of thanks for chocolate chip cookies! It’s not about a “thing.” It’s about an experience and about the kindness someone showed.

Think About Good Ideas

The kids have asked me for ideas for Thanksgiving letters or pictures, and I’ve told them what I’ve done myself.

Sometimes I said thank you just because someone did something nice. Or shared their time with me.

Does It Have to be Family?

Maybe it’s someone I’ve known for decades or someone I met just this year. Gratitude isn’t measured in how long it’s been but in how good it feels.

To have a friend or neighbor or relative to thank is a gift. So from the time our children were old enough to wield a pencil or draw a picture, we have encouraged them to create Thanksgiving letters of their own.

Do People Think Our Family is Weird?

People who receive our letters are often astonished. They’re using to getting very nice Hallmark cards at Thanksgiving, but letters or drawings created by children? Or by friends? Or family? Or neighbors? Almost unheard of. Except in our house.

So now that we’re back from visiting Great Aunt Mabel, the great letter writing will officially begin. And I’ll bet all of us will want to say thank you for those great chocolate chip cookies!

Shh!  When Do I Do It?

I almost always write my Thanksgiving letters in the early morning darkness, before the household stirs. A cup of coffee is close at hand, and so is the joy of remembering past kindnesses.

I feel grateful that I have the freedom and the opportunity to give thanks and let people know that their kindnesses did not go unnoticed.

And Special Thanks to Those Who Love Belinda!

I’m grateful to the people who have read my book. And especially grateful to those who let me know they’ve read it, either here on my web site or on Amazon!

It means the world to me every year to know that new readers have found it, and others have put it under their tree as a classic to be enjoyed anew!

Please share your own experiences and suggestions in the Comments below!