Advent Books

Children enjoy alphabet books, rhyming couplets and the story of Christ Jesus' birth, so this book combines three winning elements. In addition, the illustrations are especially appealing. I frequently give this book as a gift and highly recommend it. When my twenty-something daughter saw my copy of this book, she wanted one, too. You won't be disappointed.

I think that this book is excelent for young readers who are just beginning. This Catholic Book expresses the spirit of Christmas in a jolly form! When I first turned the page of this book in Kindergarten, I absolutly loved it!

This is a wonderful book for both children and adults. It was written by a second grade teacher for her class to perform and it goes through each letter of the alphabet in order telling the Christmas story. "A is for Augustus who sent out the decree..." I originally discovered it because it was recommended in "The Godparent Book", when I found the library I was in awe. It is one of the few intelligent books the aims to tell the who Christmas story without dumbing it down or putting in overly cutetsy or sentimental pictures. The pictures are lavish and brightly colored. It goes far beyond the standard alphabet format so that even adults will enjoy reading and re-reading it year after year. My family reads one Christmas story every day leading upto the 25th, this is a definate must have for your collection if you do the same thing.

This book is beautifully written and illustrated. It depicts the glory of the Christmas season. Not only is this my favorite Christmas story for children, it is also my daughters' favorite Christmas story.

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a simple and wonderful text. I find it a joyful experience to look at the colorful and interesting illustrations. I share it with my daughter, but I purchased the book for myself!

This book is for children of ALL ages. Its beautifully done and the authors creativity is mind-blowing. I could not think of a better Christmas gift. Its the type of book that will be passed from generation to generation

This book is an excellant book. I bought it for my children for Christmas, but decided to read it to them early. They enjoyed it so much, that I had to read it a few times. The loved all the bears, the costumes, the storyline. The book was done so well. It will be a Christmas classic in our household. This is a must have book for all children.

book, outstanding quality, the bears are beautiful, children will love the pictures. A truely wonderful gift for Children and Adults alike. Karen has excelled herself with this book .... a masterpiece!

I loved the use of teddy bears to tell the story of christmas. The presentation of the bears, their beautiful costumes and the way the bears have been positioned in all the different scenes,and the excellent photography. This book is a feast for the eyes. Both children and adults with thoroughly enjoy this lovely story. And no doubt, will look for more from this author - Karen Schuler

We just got this book and added it to our family Christmas storybook collection. We love it. My 6 and 4 year olds really enjoyed it and have pored over the pictures every day since.

I especially appreciated the fact that the Nativity story is faithful to the Scripture. Add the beautiful bears and wonderful photography and this book is a classic.

Thanks Karen and Jimmy for your beautiful work.

Our family loves this book. My kids are 9 and 12 and they both love it, as do I! It was a great find for us and it will be for your family too.

I found the stories to be thought-provoking and fun to share with my kids. We got a lot of good ideas for meaningful things to do this Christmas season. It sure is good to remember what Christmas is really all about and with those that I love the most!

If you are looking for a way for your family to spend some time together each night during the Christmas season, then this is the book for you. It is filled with stories that make you laugh and cry. My 4 children ages 6 to 11 couldn't wait each night to see which story was next. It was like an advent calendar that we all could share in.

This is a great feel-good book. If you are reaching for the way to make the season more family-oriented and less about "things" this book is for you!

I am writing this review as a story contributor of this Chicken Soup book and a reader as well. I feel honored to be included in this book with such wonderful talent. These stories are just what a Mother needs to read to her children at night before they turn out the light. What a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season and what a meaningful tradition to start! This is a book to pass down for generations to come! I am proud to be the lead story of such a masterpiece.

Denise Peebles

I love this book! At first I thought it was just a humor book, but although it is quite funny, it also has a serious purpose. It really has a lot of information about how to create a holiday to celebrate during December that both members of a Jewish-Christian interfaith couple can be happy with. It has recipes and lot of other ideas and information. It actually has instructions for making a dreidel out of clay and playing dreidel, as well as recipes for Shirley Temple Emanuel and Meshuggeh Nog Latte, as well as a good list of famous half-Jews. It also has a great glossary with definitions like "Kibbitz: To chat, gab, engage in frivolous conversation. What WASPs like to do during cocktail hours before the holiday dinner. Not to be confused with kibbutz, a farm in Israel." A great gift for interfaith couples or people with interfaith couples in their family who have an interest in and sense of humor about religion.

This book is great for ways to help "blended" families celebrate both Chanukah and Christmas in a way that does not short change either celebration. Lots of crafts and recipes that the children can use to help them understand that it is possible to respect and enjoy both of their parents religion. I am glad I bought it. They will be glad to receive it.

This book fits my life...I decorate our Chrismukkah tree with menorahs as well as colorful glass balls. The wreath on our door has dreidels on it instead of pine cones and holly. Our daughter looks forward to both lighting the tree AND the Hanukkah candles. There are lots of funny tips and trivia about those who also celebrate both holidays in December. The author also has a self-published cookbook with lots of hilarious and yummy recipes - [...]

THE BEST, MOST HILARIOUS--AND USEFUL--BOOK EVER FOR MIXED FAITH FOLKS WHO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AND HANNUKAH WITH DOUBLE-THE-FUN FANFARE! FOR EVERYONE WHO KNOWS THE JOYS AND OYS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, THIS BOOK VALIDATES, ENRICHES, ENTERTAINS, AND IS SO FUNNY EVERY STEP OF THE WAY, "YULE PLOTZ!"

I've only said that a couple times in my life. Gompertz treats the subject with insanely clever humor and heart and is a top-notch writer. This isn't just a gimmick; it's clear this guy really cares about Jews and Gentiles embracing and carrying on their own traditions...together.

I'm getting this book for all my interfaith couple friends (and the list is growing). What a terrific gift for the holiday season!

Collaboratively compiled and expertly co-edited by Natasha Tabori Fried and Lena Tabori, The Christmas Almanac is a joyful, 240-page compendium of Christmas-themed recipes, historical notes, stories, shopping tips, crafts, trivia, and more. Over 200 color illustrations and embellish this wonderfully eclectic collection filled from cover to cover with delights the whole family can enjoy. The Christmas Almanac is an enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, family, and community library Christmas Holiday collections.

It is simply the best Christmas book I've ever bought! It has everything and more!

This book is load with many wonderful things that I never knew about Christmas, Lovely stories that will be passed on from Holiday to holiday every year. It won't be put away with the christmas decorations, because it keeps Christmas in our hearts all year long. I like the title beacause it covers everything about Christmas. A very great read.

This book covers such a variety of subjects and is so beautifully illustrated throughout with old-fashioned artwork. From folklore to poetry, traditions to recipes, stories to songs, crafts to gift ideas; this book has it all! I just love to browse its pages to put me in the Christmas mood. It would make the most wonderful gift.

I bought this book last year and love it!! It has the most charming vintage pictures! It contains so many neat things about holiday traditions and recipe's. I recommend this book for everyone on your Christmas list!

Many, many years ago I purchased this book and with my daughter handpainted all of the lovely angels. Because my grandchildren now love to move the angels to various heights at Christmastime, I attempted to located several more of these detailed books - but they were out of print. However, magically Amazon located two more and I am having great fun painting the new angels to give to my grandchildren. The grandest gift of all!

This book is a great arts and crafts book to do with your kids or yourself. The illustrations are beautiful and there are so many ways to decorate the angels. I put them on my Christmas tree when I finished. I've ordered several more copies at my kids request.

My six year old and I did all the angels using either colored markers or inks and brushes. They are beautiful. I'm back to order more books because my daughter wants to do the angels I "got" to do.

This is a great project book if you have several ages to entertain. Even teenagers!

I am a great admirer of Catherine Stock's work. These angels are just wonderful and can make even the most "art-challenged" adult look good. It does take some serious investment of time to color and cut out all 12 angels, but you'll like the results. A little too advanced for my 3 year old, but I can see us decorating the angels together in a few years. Overall, well worth the price and effort.

Wonderful! We have had this book since the early '80s. My daugthers (then aged 5 and 8) colored these beautiful angels with water color pencils and added glitter. We hang them around the creche every year. Beautifully drawn. A wonderful project and a very special keepsake. I am ordering a book for each girl to save until they have thier own children. I hope it never goes out of print.

American Girl can be trusted to produce a great product. This book is well written and illustrated for the younger person in mind..however, Mothers will love this book also. Many ideas and a wide range of materials for craft making for the holidays. American Girls does it again!!

Yet another great Christmas craft book! This book has many great ideas, including snowmen you can eat! I would definitely buy this book for the Christmas season.

I think this book is one of the best ideas American Girls has come up with. The book has many, many ways for kids like me to use my creativity in a useful way at a low cost. People should buy this book because it has a lot of ideas for beautiful, useful gifts. I used some of the ideas last year, and my family loved them. They're still using them! It doesn't cost much to buy and use this book, but you get the best reward when the people you give presents to open theirs!!!!!

I love this book. It contains wonderful, quick and pretty projects. I have already choosen several to make up this year for Christmas. I organize craft projects for my mom's group at chruch and several of these project will be great and very economical for a large group of ladies. If you have a young daughter I imagine she would love this book too.

This is a great book with clear photos and directions for Christmas things from home made mint snowpeople to tree decorations, that appeal to kids and adults.

Another great Eve book. Like All Hallows Eve, this one teaches a wonderful lesson to children while still being very entertaining! Gave this to all my friends children for Christmas last year!

This book is delightful for any child age one to one hundred. It is a lovely story with the greatest illustrations. It makes one feel young at heart and also reminds you about the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas Eve: The Joy of Giving was a great follow up to All Hallows Eve. The writing is superb and easily captures the attention of my children. The visuals are a great compliment to the words and helps to bring the story to life. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

What a wonderful correlation of Santa and the Nativity! This book is a sweet story overall, and the illustrations are darling, but its real magic is that its messages really reflect the true meaning of Christmas, the spirit of giving and the gift of appreciation. Imagine if we all appreciated the things we receive! I know I appreciate this charmer and so do my grandkids!

This is a lovely book with a profound message. And the rhyming text is great fun to read and will definitely hold a child's attention to the very end. The artwork is magical, as well - I know children will want to linger on each page. Perfect length for a bedtime story.

Wow, this is a great book. I find many books on Christmas to be formulaic marketing exploits on the good will and memories most of us have for the holiday season, not the Christmas House. This is a true story of a remarkable man, George Skinner, who in LA during the 1930's transformed Polio and the complex morass we all call our families to bring joy and holiday spirit to literally millions and invent the modern tradition of Christmas decoration for homes with his creation of the first "Christmas House". It even ends with a romance, if it weren't true it might seem too good. The book is beautifully bound like a fine heirloom family photo album and reads like one if only the rest of us could write as well Georja Skinner, the books author and the daughter of George Skinner. This is a wonderful gift for those who love to decorate for the holidays, could use a dose of optimistic courage, or just want to read a delightful story of the capacity of the human spirit improve and inspire. After all, isn't that what Christmas is about?

A charming, heart-warming, inspirational story. The world needs more stories like this - now more than ever. The world also needs more people like George Skinner, the man behind the Christmas House and Georja Skinner, the woman and gifted storyteller behind this book. I wholeheartedly recommend THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE.

As an avid reader, I am always looking for books which are well written and interesting to read.
This book met all of my requirements for a great read.
Ms. Skinner presents a moving family story because she includes 'secrets' which many families try to deny or avoid discussing. Including the 'secrets' makes us see the individuals as human being with flaws who managed to succeed and help start a tradition which we all enjoy in the present day.
The enjoyment which I received from reading this book far exceeded the price of the book.

The Christmas House by Georja Skinner
New World Library

In the literature that celebrates the tradition of Christmas, Clement C. Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" stand out as enduring classics. Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales, while perhaps not as popular, continues the literary tradition of reflecting on the cultural meaning of Christmas through the eyes of the individuals who celebrate the season.

Georja Skinner's The Christmas House is a worthy successor to these perennial classics, not because it is fictional (it is not), but because it plausibly explains the origin of a very common American tradition - house decoration during the Christmas season. However, this remarkable story is far from a dry exercise in social history, for in its unobtrusive lesson about the meaning of Christmas we find both the recovery of the origin of a tradition and the reconstruction of a family's history through the historical marginalia of a personal archive.

The Christmas House is at once a search for roots, an inducement to preserve history and memory, and the fascinating re-telling of one man's struggle with a devastating disease - poliomyelitis.

The story is a simple one, simply and directly told, and that is its great strength. The author's father, George Skinner, separated from his family in Canada and resettling in California with his father Albert, contracted polio at age 22 in the epidemic that struck Los Angeles in 1934. George was hospitalized, confined at times to an iron lung that enabled him to breathe, and, greatly weakened and disabled, released to re-join his father at their Boyle Heights home in 1936. He had spent over one year recovering in the Los Angeles General Hospital.

Disheartened but yet undaunted by this traumatic experience, he hit on the holiday expedient of decorating the façade and chimney of their home with Christmas decorations in such profusion that the resulting spectacle would serve as a grand "thank you" to their neighbors for their many kindnesses and tokens of support during his convalescence. It was the Great Depression, and neighbors banded together for mutual support.

The young George Skinner had no material riches to give back in return, but the delight he generated with his "Christmas house" idea sparked the imagination of his neighbors and energized the people of Los Angeles as the news media focused on the unusual spectacle of Santa Claus, snowflakes, and icicles at 919 Mathews Street. In 1938, over 100,000 visitors witnessed an even grander display at their home, though a house fire proved to be an unfortunate setback. George Skinner's determination and artistry propelled him into a successful career in broadcasting, and the author traces the Christmas house's subtle influence through her father's subsequent career, marriage, family reconciliations, and many holiday seasons.

The uniqueness of this story turns on George Skinner's experience with polio and his exceptional resolve to overcome its aftereffects. In that, it is reminiscent of the experience of Franklin Roosevelt, whom George and many others with polio upheld as a role model of colossal importance. George's experience nearly killed him, and his convalescence was long and arduous. Not much was known about polio in 1934, and the Los Angeles epidemic was unusual in many ways, primarily for the extraordinary outbreak of what first appeared to be polio among the nurses and attendants at Los Angeles General Hospital, but now believed to have been chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Among 2,500 confirmed cases of polio, of which George's was one, nearly 300 nurses were also affected by CFS.

In later years - the 1940s and 1950s - the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (now the March of Dimes) dispatched specialized medical teams to communities throughout the nation for epidemic relief and paid for the hospitalization and aftercare treatment of those affected by polio. In 1934, however, George Skinner had only his father Albert, a tool and die maker, to rely on after his hospitalization, and these were very hard times. Albert and George together built and rigged up many devices of their own making - an outdoor gym and stationary bicycle - to provide an opportunity for physical therapy. Before their residence became "the Christmas house," their modest home was in actuality a makeshift polio rehabilitation center. First, the regime of physical therapy; then, the therapeutic and artistic breakthrough of the Christmas house; these were George Skinner's personal triumphs and re-inventions of himself, and what makes this story all the more captivating are the many photographs and documents that illustrate every episode.

One of the prerequisites of writing history is the keeping of archives. Most of us pay scant attention to the repositories of records, i.e., archives, that form a common and critically important part of higher education, government, and community life. At the same time, most of us do keep personal records of many sorts: photographs, scrapbooks, correspondence, and family memorabilia are typical. In The Christmas House, the profusion of illustrations enriches the story tremendously, and this is an integral part of the story itself.

George Skinner's childhood, hospitalization, post-polio experience, and adult life are all captured in photographs; and the inclusion of telegrams, clippings, press releases, Christmas cards, and souvenirs also serves to impart a photo verite quality to this story proving, as author Georja Skinner phrases it, that her father and grandfather were "consummate pack rats." In other words, they were incipient archivists. She describes the experience of discovering a personal scrapbook of clippings and photos that her father had kept as "going through a time warp." This is a common experience. What is uncommon is the author's transformation of family history into a luminous biographical memoir.

The Christmas House is a testament to love of family, personal fortitude against adversity, and recapturing the past. Without an overbearing religious message, it is a book about the Christmas tradition, a perfect antidote to the hyper-commercialization of Christmas that Americans commonly witness.

If anything, its message is "preserve your memories," and it will serve to raise our historical awareness about polio and disability and about a unique moment in American history when a young man in Los Angeles transformed his personal misfortune into a popular holiday tradition.

August 17, 2005 / David Rose / March of Dimes Archives

"My father was passionate about Christmas. He believed Christmas was the perfect time to celebrate all the joy that comes with living, and he did his best to spread good cheer...His zeal came from an unlikely place: the polio epidemic of 1934." - Georja Skinner

On May 22, 1934, a robust twenty-two-year old college named George Skinner was swimming laps at the Los Angeles City College pool. Reading a book at poolside, his girlfriend Allison realized that an unusual quiet had descended. She looked up from her book and was horrified to discover that George was quickly sinking to the bottom of the pool-spread-eagle, motionless, and eyes wide open.

After arriving at the Los Angeles County General Hospital, the doctor immediately recognized George's symptoms: poliomyelitis. In the early 30's many were stricken with polio and, at the time, there was no known cure or prevention for the virus. The only treatment was isolation, rest, time spent in the iron lung, and morphine to relieve the pain.

As he lay in the polio ward, George received a dire prognosis. The disease had spread through 80 percent of his body and there was a strong possibility that he would never walk again. Unable to speak, George blinked his eyes in acknowledgement as the doctor relayed the shocking news. Albert, George's talkative happy-go-lucky Dad, was stunned into silence. Because the ward was under quarantine, the hospital staff asked Albert to leave-leaving George alone.

Although George was inducted President of the Optimist Society in 1932, he still struggled with the question "Why me?" After all, he thought, I believe in God. I go to church. One minute I'm playing varsity sports, in love with my college sweetheart, and the next I'm paralyzed, on the verge of death.

Other troubling thoughts plagued George in the polio ward-ones involving the family he and his father left behind in Canada 14 years ago. He had fond memories of his Mother and his brothers, especially during Christmastime. His Mother had loved Christmas and so had George. Yet, what was supposed to be a "few weeks vacation" turned into a new life in California--*without* his other family members.

Why did his Dad avoid questions about the family they left behind? Where were they? Why didn't they write or visit when he needed them the most?

Fueled by his fond memories of Christmases past, his fiery optimism, and his desire to repay the many kindnesses and overwhelming support shown by church members, friends, and neighbors, George vowed that he would one day walk again-and that he'd create a spectacular Christmas wonderland for all to enjoy.

The Christmas House, written by George's daughter Georja Skinner, chronicles the heart-warming-and sometimes heart-wrenching-account of George's rigorous exercise regimen and arduous recovery, which included enlisting the aid of Eleanor Roosevelt and FDR's private nurse for hydrotherapy. Ms. Skinner lovingly relays George's tireless planning for the Christmas House, the elaborate steps that George and Albert took to bring the vision to life and the outpouring of support from merchants, friends, and the community. In addition, The Christmas House is a poignant story of enormous dedication, creativity, resilience, forgiveness, love, and community spirit. Also tucked within the pages of this touching book is a sweet love story about Georja's parents.

Bound with leather and filled with over 100 photographs, various newspaper clippings and journal entries from George's scrapbook, The Christmas House: How One Man's Dream Changed the Way We Celebrate Christmas is a beautiful homage to a man many have credited with launching the holiday decorating tradition still in practice today.

An indoor holiday forest, hand-painted scenery, snow shipped in from Utah, floodlights, a magical wishing well, home-made baked goods, and an elaborate sound system-all designed by George-were but a few of the wondrous experiences enjoyed by visitors to the Christmas House.

It's fascinating to read how the Skinners transformed a bungalow into the magical Christmas House-and how its presence touched thousands of lives. Volunteers worked tirelessly to bring George's displays into reality. For example, one of George's ideas was to bury tree trunks upside down in holes dug in the backyard. He figured that the twisted roots would resemble leafless branches in the dead of winter. After he was satisfied with his makeshift forest, he painted the exposed roots with white paint and sprinkled metal shavings on the wet paint. You see, in the days of the Great Depression, they didn't have extra money for modern decorative conveniences like glitter.

The Christmas House by Georja Skinner is a stirring tribute to her father and his legacy. I cried, I rejoiced, and I marveled as I read about this remarkable man and his father and the community they rallied together at a time when despair and poverty covered America.

Through the years I have collected all of the Christmas in My Heart Volumes (except I have not been able to locate Volume 4--keeping my eyes open). This Volume as with the others is simply delightful. If you enjoy traditional and current inspiring, family oriented, uplifting wholesome stories you cannot go wrong with any of the Christmas in My Heart Books. They are a nice break from the hectic pace of today's world. Joe Wheeler does an excellent job of gathering and selecting the stories and the stories he writes himself are wonderful also. If you are an avid reader, you will enjoy these books but if you only have small bits of time for reading, it is nice they have the short story format. Enjoy!!

I bought this book as a gift for a friend, but took a peek inside before I mailed it. It's wonderful! Heartwarming, touching, lovely stories that point your heart toward the true meaning of the season...I loved it.

I have read several of the "Christmas In My Heart" Collections and find each worthwhile. While the stories are sentimental, they do remind the reader of the true meaning of Christmas. The stories vary in diversity, which is a great asset to this collection. Some are quite "old-fashioned" (19th century/early 20th century stories), while others are more recent. Some can be shared with small children, while others would greatly appeal to adults ("Meditation in a Minor Key" is my personal favorite). Reading this collection (or any of the other volumes)is a great way to unwind after a day spend shopping. The colleciton is a reminder of what our true focus should be on Christmas.

My daughter has been going to sleep to the sound of these stories (we have all the volumes) for several years now. She listens to them year round, not just at Christmastime.

One of the reasons they last so long, is that she is usually asleep before the end of the story!

I have read a few of the "Christmas In My Heart" Books, and I find each one worthwhile. Although the stories are very sentimental, Christmas, more than any other time of year, is a sentimental season. Probably the greatest asset of this collection (and the other volumes)is the diversity of the stories. The stories range from ones that can be shared with small children ("Small Things") to ones adults would enjoy ("Pandora's Books" in this volume and "Meditation in a Minor Key" in volume 1). While most of the stories are quite old (19th century/early 20th), there are also more recent ones ("Matthew, Mark, Luke,and John" - post Korean War). Each story is deeply moving and refocuses the reader's attention from the hassle of shopping and writing cards to the true meaning of Christmas. The stories are inspirational and heart warming.