10 Christmas Holiday Reads for Kids

Christmas seems to be everyone's favourite time of the year, regardless of their faiths. The commercialization gift-giving, feasting during Christmas has somewhat undermined its true religious significance.  We lose sight of the the reason for the season. It is perhaps appropriate that as believers, we set the example in teaching our kids that Christmas isn't about Christmas trees and jingle bells...it isn't about Santa Claus and presents...it's not about log cakes and turkeys and neither carols,  candy canes and Christmas stockings. The essence of Christmas is Christ. I am sharing some good holiday reads which families can read with their little ones as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.

1.  The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name Hardcover by Sally Lloyd-Jones 

The Jesus Storybook Bible contains 21 Old Testament stories. Each one ends with a short paragraph about how the story relates to Jesus’ coming. Follow that with three stories about the birth of Christ,  you have 24 days worth of material to go through with your family starting December 1st!  It helps tie the whole Bible together for even the littlest ones in your household!  From Noah to Moses to the great King David---every story points to him. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle---the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together. From the Old Testament through the New Testament, as the Story unfolds, children will pick up the clues and piece together the puzzle. A Bible like no other, The Jesus Storybook Bible invites children to join in the greatest of all adventures, to discover for themselves that Jesus is at the center of God's great story of salvation---and at the center of their Story too. 

2.  The Sparkle Box: A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas Hardcover by Jill Hardie

The moving story of an uncommon gift and how giving to others shows a little boy the true meaning of Christmas.

Sam is so excited about Christmas! He's thinking about his Christmas list, anticipating holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift -- a sparkly box sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family's good deeds. Sam's parents explain that the things that they've been doing for others are, in fact, a gift for Jesus -- for Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. This heartfelt story will inspire readers to adopt this faith-centered tradition in their own homes. 

3. The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert

Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa's elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals help Anja make her way to Santa. A generous trim-size, matte cover, and foiled title make this a special book for the holiday season.

In the tradition of The Snowman, The Polar Express, and the many books of Jan Brett this cozy Nordic tale filled with extraordinary photographs will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. This is one to pull out every year and savor.

4.  God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren

As Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear begins to wonder “Who invented Christmas?” Mama’s answer only leads to more questions like “Is God more important than Santa?” So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that…Jesus is the best present of all.

This enchanting tale provides the perfect opportunity to help young children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and to discover how very much God loves them.

5.  Itsy Bitsy Christmas: You're Never Too Little for His Love by Max Lucado

“The King has come! Even for a little one like me.”

Do you ever feel like you are too small or too ordinary? That is just how Itsy and Bitsy feel. When these two charming little mice hear that a King is coming to Bethlehem, they set off with great enthusiasm to find Him. Along the way, they are met with discouraging words telling them they are too little and unimportant for any king. Just when Itsy and Bitsy begin to believe that they really aren’t big enough for the new King, they learn that Christ the King has indeed come for everyone. Crafted by master storyteller Max Lucado, Itsy Bitsy Christmas helps children understand God’s great love and know that He sent His Son for all of us—little or big, young or old.

6.  The Christmas Star by Marcus Pfister

Follow the shining star as it guides shepherds, kings, and all the animals of the forest to the stable where the Holy child lies. Now available in a sturdy board book edition, this glittering Nativity, by the author of "The Rainbow Fish," is a perfect Christmas gift for the entire family to share. 

7.   The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Jan Berenstain

In The Berenstain Bears and The Joy of Giving Brother and Sister Bear can't wait for Christmas and all the presents they'll open. But during the Christmas Eve pageant, something special happens! The Bear cubs learn a very valuable lesson about the joy of giving to others.

8.  My Merry Christmas: And the Real Reason for Christmas Joy by Sally Lloyd Jones

This charming board book helps children relate secular holiday customs and symbols - lights, angels, trees, stars, and gifts—to something more important: the story of Jesus’ birth.

9.  Humphrey's First Christmas Paperback by Carol Heyer

 

We've all heard the story of the three wise men who brought their gifts to Baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. Humphrey has lost his blanket and schemes to acquire a new one. When the party reaches its destination, Humphrey is so drawn to the love surrounding Baby Jesus that he finds himself selflessly giving his new blanket to the Christ child. Carol Heyer's rich acrylic paintings showcase the quirkiness of the camel and add humor to the story. Here is a book that both entertains and informs without ever straying from the meaning of the holiday. 

10. The Carpenter's Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel

This new classic Christmas gift book "brings together two great traditions: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the neighbor-helping-neighbor program of Habitat for Humanity." Opening in Depression-era New York City, The Carpenter's Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his father selling Christmas trees. They give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center and celebrate together. Through the kindness of the construction workers and neighbors, Henry gets his wish for a nice, warm home to replace his family's drafty shack. He plants a pinecone from that first Rockefeller Center Tree. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone. After bringing joy to thousands as the Rockefeller Center tree, its wood will be used to build a home for another family in need.

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May your hearts be warmed by the messages within each of these stories this season.

Sentosa PLAYCATION 2013!!

As the year comes to an end, it’s time to wind down and enjoy the upcoming festive celebrations! With the season of giving and well-wishes ahead of us, head on down to Asia's favourite playground, Sentosa to soak up the fun together with your family and friends!

There are creative handicrafts, kids pizza-making, live bands performances, and the unconventional Christmas trees along Sentosa Boardwalk designed by students from Temasek Polytechnic to help raise funds for the needy. Don’t miss as the iconic Sentosa Merlion comes alive and “dance” into the night with 3D video mapping on its facade. We spent a fun-filled, leisurely evening last Sunday at the Sentosa PLAYcation and would love to bring Dana's Aussie cousins there when they visit us in December!

WHAT: Make a Wish, Have a Blast! @ Sentosa PLAYcation 2013

WHEN: 23 Nov 2013 - 1 Jan 2014.  2.30pm – 9pm daily 

WHERE: Merlion Plaza (Imbiah Monorail Station)

ACTIVITIES:

Gifts of Mother Nature 

Little Hands & Minds

Engage the little ones at the art and craft sessions and see them turn simple materials into beautiful Christmas ornaments.

At Little Hands & Minds, children can make their own Badges, Pom-Pom Fuzzies, Art Apron and Wishing Mobil. $10 per activity (Sentosa Islander enjoys 50% off). Dana did two crafts: the Apron and the Wishing Mobil in the form of Snowman Olaf (from Disney's Frozen) for our Christmas tree.

With her completed Christmas Apron!

Pizza Making

Be a little baker and bake your own pizza at the festive village!  Dana baked two Hawaiian Pizzas which we enjoyed while watching the 3D Mapping Laser Show. $10 per set - Closed on Mondays.

 Our Pizza Chef!

Pen a Wish

Leave your well-wishes at the Sentosa-word block and see it transform into a vibrant graffiti art display!

Live Performances by Local Artistes

Soak in the Christmas atmosphere with different renditions of our favourite Christmas tunes infused with blues, jazz, ethnic, ukulele and retro pop melodies!

Balloon Sculpting by Loony Balloons
23 Nov, 7 & 21 Dec
4.30pm & 5.30pm
29 Dec - 4.30pm & 6.30pm

Percussion by Sambarang Batucrang - we love this!
24 Nov, 1, 8, 15 & 29 Dec
3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm

Music by Nick & Rachael
24 Nov, 1, 8 & 15 Dec
4.30pm & 6.30pm

Fire Twirling by The Flaming Matrix
28 Nov, 5, 12, 19 & 26 Dec
7.30pm & 8.30pm

Magic Show by Lightning Fingers
30 Nov, 14 & 28 Dec
4.30pm & 5.30pm

3D Video Mapping @ Sentosa Merlion - THE HIGHLIGHT!

Watch the iconic 37m tall Merlion come alive with dynamic 3D video images projected onto its façade, transforming it into a canvas of colourful festive display accompanied by live music performances.

 Beautiful and mesmerizing!

23 Nov 2013 - 1 Jan 2014
7.30pm, 8.30pm & 9.30pm (Fri & Sat)
7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm & 9.30pm (Sun - Thurs)

Paper Play

Indulge in paper play and bring home your own mini version of the cardboard handicrafts!  Grab your camera and pose with the life-sized unique art displays of Garden Furniture Set and Carousel made of environmentally friendly materials.

1 Dec 2013 - 1 Jan 2014 - $15 per activity

Visit Sentosa's Official Website for more information on Sentosa PLAYcation 2013!

 

5 Reasons Why we like the Holiday Programme at Kids Gallery Singapore

Kids Gallery Singapore opened its doors on November 2010.  It was originally founded in Hong Kong in 1996 as a unique concept in arts enrichment education for children. Today, Kids' Gallery operates centres in Hong Kong, and partners in Singapore, China and India. In a short span of 3 years, Kids Gallery Singapore catapulted itself to become a leading Kids Arts School which offers a comprehensive Creative and Language Arts Curriculum aimed at arousing a deep interest and developing creativity & arts appreciation among children of all ages.

Credit: Kids Gallery FB

Dana attended their November Holiday Programme last week. Here are 5 reasons why we highly recommend Kids Gallery.

1.  Attractive Info-Graphics and Interesting Themes

Their e-newsletters and publicity materials are very well-designed and attractive. Being someone with a keen sense of aesthetics, I am drawn to companies who devote time and resources to market their services and programmes well. Kids Gallery also engages their fans on social media (such as blog and Facebook) so internet savvy parents like me can get quick updates of their new offerings regularly.  I like the creative themes they offer during each School Holiday. For the month of Nov/Dec, a whole series of interesting lessons are centred around the theme of gardening fundamentals which teach kids to appreciate the wondrous world of Nature around us. 

November/December 2013 (Ongoing) - Step Into My Backyard Garden

Nov-Dec 2013: Step Into My Backyard Garden

Oct 2013: The Sorcerers' Halloween Party

2. Big, Clean Classrooms in the heart of town!

I love the premise the moment I stepped in. It's spacious, clean and well-decorated with artwork and photographs of happy kids in their various programmes.  The class size is kept small (max of 10 children to 2 teachers) and kids go to different rooms for different activities. They have a Musical Theatre room, a cookery room and even a room for the full day kids to take their afternoon naps! Being situated in Ngee Ann City also makes it convenient for parents to run errands (or simply catch up on some 'me' time to chill out at a cafe or get some shopping or reading done) while waiting to pick up the kids.

The facade of the school

3.  Cheerful, vibrant and creative bunch of teachers

The teachers here are young, enthusiastic and full of energy. There is an English Teacher and a Chinese Teacher attached to each class so kids have bilingual lessons daily even during the Holiday Camps. All their teachers are full-timers so a consistent quality of instruction is assured (some other enrichment centers we've been to engaged part-timers to run their holiday programmes which can be disastrous). Apart from their regular teaching duties, the teachers (and their Director, Ms Eileen Yeo herself) volunteer at the Children Cancer Foundation at KKH every fortnight as part of their CSR (corporate social responsibility) outreach.  For this reason alone, they have won my respect and admiration.

4.  Fun Multiple-Intelligences Approach

Although this was not explicitly stated in their collateral, it didn't take me too long to notice that Kids Gallery incorporates lots of activities which promote Multiple Intelligences in their lessons.  The children not only learn about the origins, names and uses of Herbs & Spices through storybook, songs and pictures. They got the chance to taste, smell, touch, paint, craft, draw, read poetry and even whip up yummy dishes with the herbs!  They also went on an informative guided tour to Oh's Farm where Dana bravely held a stick insect!  I've never come across a Holiday Programme that is so all-encompassing.  It's no wonder Dana enjoyed herself tremendously this past week.

Some of the Multiple-Intelligences I've observed in this camp include:

A) Verbal/Linguistic Intelligences and Logical/Mathematical Intelligences

Kids learnt that Herbs & Spices can be found anywhere even from the flower, branches, leaves and even the bark of the tree! Herbs & Spices can be used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Some can even be distilled into oils. Dana came home quizzing me the Chinese names of these Herbs & Spices which she learnt in class, impressive!

芦荟AloeVera      海带 Kelp             海苔 Seaweed
桂皮 Cinnamon   八角 Star Anise   薄荷 Mint
陆地 Land            海洋 Ocean          沙漠 Desert

They categorised many types of herbs and spices using the 26 letters from A-Z into a “The Yummy Alphabet Book”.

A - Anise Seed    B - Basil   C - Cinnamon  D - Dill  E - Eucalyptus   F - Fennel   G- Ginger and the list goes on!

B) Visual/Spatial Intelligences, Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligences

Kids were encouraged to explore Herbs & Spices using their five sesnses. They tasted mint (in tiny chocolate mints), Herbal Tea Jelly, Seaweed and Cinnamon Sugar (which was the yummiest of the lot!)  They touched Sea Kelp and Aloe Vera (which Dana claimed to smoothen the skin and insisted that I buy Aloe Vera from the supermarket too). They inhaled various pure grade essential oils supplied by the Kids Gallery Teachers and try to guess what scents they were.

Touching a Kelp for the first time!

Dana brought some of Mommy's Young Living Essential Oils for spontaneous Show & Tell.

Kids have to guess what herb the oils were made of after taking a sniff..

Kids made Potpourri from scratch using fresh roses which were then put into very lovely burlap bags made by the kids themselves. They also concocted their own Natural Bug Spray using citronella oil which smelled so good and authentic! After each day's cookery session, they would decorate a recipe which was compiled into a Recipe Booklet. They painted a cardboard Recipe Holder to store their booklet. Dana enjoyed the cookery sessions the most.  Some of the recipes they cook in class were: Fruit Smoothie with Peppermint, Avocado & Herb Dip, Garlic Herb Bread, Chinese Tea Leaf Hard Boiled Egg and No-bake Cinnamon Roll! How fun!

Making her first Avocado dip here which tastes so good!

So fun to make your own rose-scented potpourri!

Dana loves the natural citronella bug repellant that she made in class!

C) Naturalist Intelligences and Interpersonal Intelligences

Kids were brought on a half-day excursion to Oh's Farm on the fourth day of the camp. Dana held the Stick Insect while waiting for the guided tour to commence. It was like a culinary tour for little chefs as kids got to taste many herbs straight from the plant itself such as Tarragon, Singapore Ribena (Roselle), Thai Basil, Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Lemongrass and Spearmint! It was such an educational tour.

Asking questions during the interactive guided tour!

Happy Campers at the Farm!

Snapshots from the Excursion!

5. Prompt Feedback and Pride in Follow-up

This is one of the rare Holiday Programmes where a comprehensive newsletter is lovingly compiled and emailed to parents within a week after the completion of the camp.  The newsletter gave us a glimpse into the activities that were conducted and a peep into how much fun the kids had.  Kudos to the Kids Gallery team for being so efficient and dedicated. I guess this is what really sets Kids Gallery apart from other enrichment providers - the sense of pride in making sure every kid benefits from their programme and going the extra mile to involve the parents in their child's learning journey.  One other value-added service they provide which was very thoughtful is the teachers are able to pick your child from Ngee Ann City's Tower B Ground Floor Lobby. This saves parents the hassle of having to find a parking lot just to send them up to the school (on the 13th storey).

Our little Kids Gallery Horticulturist!

Kids Gallery Singapore also offers regular enrichment programmes in these areas:
Early Learners, Communication Arts , Star English , Performing Arts  and Visual Art.  Do check out their website for more information.

This has been one of the most enjoyable and educational Holiday Programmes Dana has attended. If  your children are free this school holidays,  do send them to these Dec/Jan camps at Kids Gallery!  We were told that for camps in December, kids get to put up a Christmas Carolling performance at Kinokuniya Book Store (in the same building!).  So cool isn't it?  You'll be pleased to know you can hold kids' birthday parties at Kids Gallery too. Call them at 6235 5993 to inquire.

Kids Gallery Singapore
Telephone: 65 6235 5993
Email: info@kidsgallery.com.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidsgallery.com.sg
Blog: http://kidsgallerysingapore.tumblr.com/
Website: http://www.kidsgallery.com.sg/courses.html
Opening Hours: Wed to Sun 930am to 630pm. Closed on Mon, Tues and Public Holidays.

 

Linking up with Mum in the Making's

Disclaimer: Dana was invited to attend the camp for the purposes of this review.  No monetary compensation was received and all opinions are, as usual, ours.  Some photos were used with permission from Kids Gallery Singapore.