I’m sure I love this book because it reminds me so much of my own family. In the story of the Christmas Tree Memories a family sits around their Christmas tree and shares stories of memories. Each ornament brings back a memory. A heart of dough reminds the family of a blizzard and how they coped without electricity. A pine cone angel and a walnut cradle are reminders of a trip to Granny’s house where they gathered things in the woods.
Other ornaments are from a special aunt who brought the children ornaments when they were babies. She has passed on, and the family takes a minute to remember her. Another ornament reminds the family of kindergarten disaster when the mice ate the stained glass cookies. There is an origami ornament from a trip to the museum.
The book is full of “remember whens”. All the ornaments bring back memories of special trips and vacations, meals with family members, learning to crochet during an illness.
The candles die down and the family is tired. The children leave a snack for Santa and Nefi. I’ve never heard of Nefi. I tried to research it but only came up with a prophet.
The children fall asleep thinking of their beautiful memories and wondering what new memories tomorrow might bring.
The book is written and beautifully illustrated by Aliki. She is the author and illustration of many children’s books. In this story she uses ink, and watercolor and pencil crayons, on watercolor board to evoke a late night cozy Christmas Eve feel. The illustrations of the memories show a busy young family living those special moments.
In my own family we hold similar conversations as we decorate our tree. We talk about who gave us the ornaments, or where we bought them, or “remember the year when…..”
For More Christmas Stories See:
A Doll’s Christmas – Tasha Tudor
Dumpy Saves Christmas – Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Barbara Robinson