My Favorite Christmas Tradition...

Attention book lovers, Christmas lovers, Sunday School teachers, Moms, and Dads: Have I got a book for you! During our read-aloud time in school, the kids and I have just started our annual reading of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," by Barbara Robinson. I can't begin to tell you how much we all enjoy this story and how much I love the tradition of sharing it with them year after year. It's something they always look forward to, although they've heard it many times, and as far as they're concerned, it seems to officially mark the beginning of the Christmas season at our house. If you're not familiar with the book, I would STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to get a copy and read it to your kids. If you don't have children of your own yet, read it to a nephew, or cousin, or neighbor. Borrow a kid. RENT one, if necessary. You will be blessed by reading it, even if it's only to yourself! The reading level is for ages 9-12, roughly- but my 6 y.o. and even my 8th grader, who seems to think almost everything is stupid right now, are both sitting here with us, listening and laughing (in all the right places). Each year we come across something in the story that provides an opportunity to delve into deeper spiritual issues, even though the book itself is not presented in a deeply spiritual way. It's light-hearted and funny, but we get to explore topics like judging others, self-righteousness within the Church, pride, how God's love and message is for EVERYBODY, and the importance of sharing that love with others (even with those you may not like!), etc., all without the book ever feeling "preachy." Every year, I'm crying as I get to the end (my kids would probably wonder what was wrong with Mom, if I didn't). It really is a beautiful little story, wrapped up in only 80 quick and easy pages. If you struggle, as many parents do, with trying to preserve the *true* meaning of Christmas for your kids, this may be a good way to start off your Christmas season. I don't want to talk this book up so much that I ruin it for you by kicking your expectations into high gear, so that you can't help feeling let down... so I'll shutup. But read the book. Really. OK, done. But, seriously- It's good. Give it a chance. Done.

A quick P.S.- Go over and give a big congratulations to Anne and Grant who are DTV! YEAH! Your little fella is getting closer, guys! Congrats!