 Image by Egor Kamalev at Pexels Lights in the dark There is a Christmas tradition at our house I bet my daughters do not know exists! On the night we put up our tree -- usually the day after Thanksgiving -- I sit with The Boss in the dark admiring the newly hung twinkling lights on the tree. We've listened to the Star Wars Holiday Special album during the day -- don't even get me started on my personal horror of this tradition -- while decorating the tree and, now, all is silent. The children - before they grew up -- are tucked into bed. It's magical. A moment in time filled with quiet wonder and joy -- the laughter happened as we unpacked the tree ornaments reminding each other why the ugliest Santa head in the world exists and must be hung prominently on the tree. I am giddy with anticipation for the night we turn on the lights in the dark this year. Noticing Love How is that lights on a tree fill me with wonder and joy? Or why is there so much laughter while we decorate the tree? If we look at it logically, these activities could be quite mundane or, worse, just a chore. But they're not! The wonder and joy and laughter arise because we have purposefully created these moments in order to be present with one another, to enjoy an activity together, to sit with held breath as we watch the lights. We make the time outside of everyday living to do something which intentionally notices Love -- the Love which knits itself through our lives in ways so gentle we must pause to see its glory. A good book also gives us moments of wonder and joy and laughter. What better way to intentionally give our children their own moments of noticing the Love which knits life together? A Bit Different If you follow Stories Matter, you know each review includes learning connections -- but not in December! The reviews this month will be a bit different with a focus on why I think the book is excellent for sharing wonder with you child or young adult. Mondays: Picture Books
Tuesdays: Emerging Readers
Wednesdays: Early Chapter Books
Thursdays: Middle Chapter Books
Fridays: Young Adult Books
May your December be filled with moments of quiet wonder & joy! |
