December 2, 2009

Under The Kids Tree . . .

See all those flat packages wrapped and ready to go under the kids tree? Bet you think I'm pretty on the ball! You would be wrong. These are presents for the kids, but they're not new presents. They are our collection of Christmas books. Each night right before bedtime we let one of the kids {who's been caught being good} sneak down into the basement to grab a present. They then unwrap it in front of the family and we share a Christmas story before bedtime.

The first book of the Season, chosen by RedDog, was a book simply titled "Christmas" by Robert Sabuda. If you've not heard of Robert Sabuda, it's time to educate yourself. He is a famed children's pop-up book artist. This man is seriously skilled at the art of paper creation and engineering and even this little book about Christmas blows my mind. The kids loved looking at and talking about each page's beautiful 3D illustration.



The kids love this tradition. I've even roped my greater family into the tradition this year {whilst simplifying the ever complicated cousin gift giving} by suggesting that each family give a Christmas book to the family they are gifting this year. I only need ten more books to fill the twenty-five days until Christmas.

Up tomorrow: video of me decorating my "control freak tree" - if I can figure out how to get it from the camera to the web. Where is Jared Foster when I need him?

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7 comments:

Sue said...

We're on our 4th year of the Christmas book tradition and the girls are as excited about it as ever. I keep adding a couple of books each year, but I still get most of ours from the library. I checked out 30 books yesterday! (Lily and Amelia have to each have their own book to open or World War 3 ensues.)

There are two reasons I'm in love with this tradition. First, it greatly reduces the present lust and Santa fantasies around our house. We don't put the "real" presents out until Christmas Eve, but the Christmas books keep things looking festive and the kids have something to look forward to opening each night. The second thing I love is snuggling up with my kids and reading by the light of the Christmas tree, followed by singing a few Christmas carols before bed.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Erin said...

Is "The Sweet Smells of Christmas" in one of those packages? My all-time favorite!

The Dragonfly said...

Not in our Christmas repetoire Erin, but we will add it to the list of must haves!

Apis Melliflora said...

Such a great tradition. I have yet to wrap the books. Maybe next year. But we do get them out only in December. The cousin gift exchange idea: brilliant!

Kasey said...

what a great idea. They enjoy opening gifts, but you are still able to spend time with them and read about the season!! You always amaze me!!

christy said...

What an awesome idea! I'm totally going to steal it. I need to go round up all our Christmas books!

christy said...

And, btw, I can't wait for the video tomorrow. I hope you're dancing around singing Christmas tunes while you're decorating. :) And, good luck...I always have a beast of a time getting videos to upload. I'm sure you'll pull it off.