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In my previous post, I shared some of my favorite Winter holiday books with you, this is part two with other books I also love. I forgot to mention that Aisha from “By the Broomstick” (who’s also been the host of “21 Days of Yule“) has some great books that she likes, for the holidays, some pagan/Wiccan and some not. You can see some of her book review posts here.
Fairy tales and mythology speak to me in a language I understand. I resonate with the symbol sand archetypes that say to me I’m not alone with the journey or path I’m on. Hans Christian Andersen is one of those writers whom I’ve always loved and felt most drawn too. His stories are not the Disney “happily-ever-after” type of books, but that’s what I like the best. Life has never been cotton candy clouds and rainbows for anyone I know unless they’re in complete denial or they really have had a life that’s Disney-esque (but I’ve yet to meet one of those types of people.)
This is an illustration from a "Disney-type" of "The Little Match Girl" which I can't relate too at all.
Every Winter, I get out the copy of “The Little Match Girl” I’ve had since I was a little girl and read it when I’m feeling really sad or alienated because it offers me solace and the sense I’m not alone. While I’m not an orphan as the match girl is, I often feel like I’m always outside, looking in at the people who have large families and the warmth which I don’t have. I’ve never been destitute in the literal sense of the world, but I have felt very alone and cold, clinging to any light I can find around the holidays. There are so many beautifully illustrated books of “The Little Match Girl” out there and the version I own has bleak and stark illustrations, but that’s what I relate to, so find one that speaks to you.
So, if you find yourself feeling a longing and separation from the whole “festive” holiday scene, read this book, if you’re not already familiar with it and if you have read it already, than you’ll understand what I’m talking about.
While I had a less than ideal childhood, I was blessed in the fact that my parents introduced me to many different cultures internally and externally which I’m grateful for. The book “Nine Days to Christmas: A Story of Mexico” has a little Mexican girl named, “Ceci” who is preparing for “Las Posadas“, here is a description of “Las Posadas;”
Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican festival which takes place from 16 December to 24 December. It commemorates the search for shelter by Mary and Joseph with a series of parties around the neighborhood. In some parts of Mexico, Las Posadas or Posadas is a major holiday, with the whole community taking part.
In Spanish, Las Posadas means “The Inns,” and during this festival, people form a procession which symbolically visits homes asking for shelter. People in the procession dress up, sing songs, and sometimes bring a burro or donkey along to represent the donkey which brought Mary into Jerusalem. One home in particular is designated as the “inn” each night, and when the procession reaches that home, the hosts welcome them in for a Posadas party which includes music, dancing, food, and prayer. (Last, First. (2010) What is Las Posadas. Retrieved December 19, 2010, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-las-posadas.htm).
“Ceci” wants to find the perfect Piñata, for the celebration and visits the market with her mother where she ends up picking up a beautiful star. When her Piñata, is broken and opened up by all the children, Ceci, feels a sadness and a loss, because she loved her Star Piñata so much. I won’t tell you the ending, but if you’ve ever read “The Velveteen Rabbit” (another favorite childhood book of mine), the story ends with the same message, that what we love, transforms into something that remains forever in our hearts. This is a great book for both children and adults who want to read about other Christmas traditions and learn about the traditional Mexican culture.
Since I loved being read to as a little girl, I couldn’t wait to read books to my now 21 year old son when he was a child. One of our favorite Christmas books that is so beautifully illustrated and written is “The Polar Express.” Chris Van Allsburg is one of the most talented authors and artists out there, so if you’ve never seen any of his work, I think you might be as enchanted with his work as I am.
In “The Polar Express“, a little boy wakens one night as if in dream, to hear a train calling his name which will lead him to a magickal land where he and other children will meet Santa Claus. When he arrives, Santa Claus tells all the children they may choose one special gift from him, but only one. What he picks as a gift from Santa Claus, stays with him throughout his life reminding to keep the wonder and magick alive that most people forget how to do as they grow older.
I still get wonderful chills reading this book and I sometimes wish my son was little again so that we could read this book again like we did every Christmas. (There is also a beautiful movie version of this book you can check out if you haven’t already seen it.)
My final book is an actual “Pagan/Yule” oriented book that I just discovered this year. Let me say that this book, “Pagan Christmas: The Plants, Spirits, and Rituals at the Origins of Yuletide” is one of the trippiest books I’ve ever read and I mean that literally. I forget where I am physically as I ingest all the amazing information this book has to offer.
I haven’t finished reading this book yet as it’s so rich and full of information that I want to take my time to really take in every part of it. I’ve read a few Yule books that are also wonderful, but this book is very unique because it explores the mythical and historical botany of Yule. The last part I just read is talking about Santa Claus being a modern day version of the Norse God, Odin (which I’ve never read before or even thought of) and that the colors of red and white which are associated with him (red and white) are linked to the hallucinogenic mushroom; The Fly Agaric (hallucinogenic “magic mushroom”) which Shamans used to take and some still do today for their astral journeys whether they decide to fly with Reindeer’s or not.
That was definitely a new one to me, and at first I said to myself “Where did they ever come up with that one?” but the more I read, the more “a-ha’s!” I do and it all makes complete sense. Not only do they inform us of the original Christmas/Yule tree and it’s myth and lore, but they delve into with great detail they different types of trees and their magickal properties among other fascinating information. I think this has to be one of my favorite Pagan books exploring Yule/Christmas in a way I’ve never even heard of or thought of.
There are two other books I also love that I won’t go into detail about, but highly recommend. One is called “The Reindeer People” about the Saami culture and their modern day existence. It’s difficult to find books about the Saami people and their ways of living and the importance of the Reindeer and this book does a beautiful and simple job with the topic.
And the other is from an old Time-Life book from “The Enchanted World” series; called; “The Book of Christmas” which has gorgeous illustrations matched with stories and the lore of not only traditional Christmas but also Yule itself. Again, another book that needs to be explored slowly because of all the rich information.
So, these are just a few of my favorite Winter holiday books in my collection. I’m really enjoying your feedback and comments with your favorite Christmas/Yule books and if there’s one you feel I’d love to read, please tell me. I’m always looking to add to my collection.
And don’t forget to check out the other participating blogs from “The 21 Days of Yule” celebration.
I’m going to end this post with a music video from the movie “The Polar Express” I hope you’ll enjoy. (I’m not crazy about the song used, but I still love the imagery which is taken from the book. I apologize if I’ve offended anyone who loves the music, no ill intention meant.)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ19mW-TMRk[/youtube]
© 2010, Wendy S.. All rights reserved.
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Hi sweet Wendy,
I hope my note finds you doing well.
Well, I choose that my life has as many Disney-esque moments as possible. Today I have had a VERY Disney-esque moment for sure! Earlier this week a German movie website had a giveaway for ART OF TANGLED, a book I really, really, really want to have. They asked to write poem about Rapunzel, so I went ahead and wrote a 12-line-poem. The last four lines called for Rapunzel’s hair magic to help me win the book. And now I saw that I am one of the lucky winners!!! I am SO excited and happy — a true Disney-esque moment for me for sure. I love all things Disney — the stories and movies speak to my heart and help me focus on what’s really important. I want to believe in that special magic, and, yes, also in the happily-ever-after. Especially that this time of the year.
Healing thoughts and many hugs,
your friend
Birgit
PS: I am so happy about winning this book — and I will even get a poster, too. I have already made place for the poster. Gotta see Flynn every day!
Birgit recently posted..Happy Thanksgiving
#Birgit→ CONGRATULATIONS, girl! I’m not saying that I hate everything with Disney, just when they take away beauty and power of the original Faery tales. I want to hear more about your poem, are you going to post it? I am really, really happy for you and again congratulations and I hope you make a longgggg post about Rapunzel and your prizes! Sending you many blessings and hugs.
I also have “Pagan Christmas” and love that book for all the interesting botany info in it. I was also taken aback at first with the Agaric mushroom thing but shortly after that I found some ornaments that came from Europe that were very much as described as in the book. I had to buy one for my tree….a sort of hot air balloon ornament that looks like the spotted mushroom.
sophiadawn recently posted..21 Days of Yule – Day 16 & 17
I’d love to hear more about what you read about the mushrooms, Sophiadawn. They’ve always fascinated me. I’m still slowly going through the book, maybe I’ll finish it by next Yule ? : ) And what a good idea to lo9ok for ornaments like mushrooms. I bet Etsy has some great ones, esp. on sale after Christmas!
I love, love LOVE The Polar Express. The golden illustration s are just breathtaking and the story so beautiful it gives me goosebumps. I actually can’t read it any other time of the year for fear that it will put me in the Christmas mood- like in the middle of July!. It almost makes you want to believe in Santa again!
They always used to read The Little Matchgirl in our school assembly around about christmas time when I was little. I don’t know about you but this story always makes me feel very angry when I read it.
So many books Wendy! The only other one I can think of that you may take an interest in is “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. It’s a classic- but I guess you either love classic reading or you absolutely hate it- I love it.
I think I may really like to read Pagan Christmas, what reading what they said about Santa was fascinating.
Anyway some great recommendations you have here Wendy, I will try and check some of them out!.
x
P.S I have always hated fairy tales aka Snow White, Sleeping Beauty- the only one I loved was Beauty and the Beast. They always gave me the chills for some reason especially Snow White. Did you know that those fairy tales are actually very watered- down versions of the originals- which quite frankly were horrific stories. In the orginal version of Sleeping Beauty she was raped….instead of being kissed awake. Seriously!. I knew there was something fishy about those stories :/
Stephi recently posted..Guiding light on a dark day
You mean you don’t believe in Father Christmas/Santa Claus anymore Stephi? ; ) I remember when I was little, one of my older brothers trying to insist and stopping me from believing that he really existed. Well, he didn’t win. And I do love “Christmas Carol” by Dickens. When I’m in a really gothic mood, as that book seems to bring that up for me, I read that one and the ghosts always give me a lot to think about. And yes, I know the “Grimmer” (pun intended) versions of the original fairy tales. They served the purpose they believed of helping children face a world that wasn’t always happy and full of rainbows. Have you ever read the Greek myth of “Psyche and Eros”? It was written long before “Beauty and the Beast” and is the basis for most fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast. Check it out, I think you’d like it.
So many good books! I have to admit I’ve only heard of a couple of them, even though I know the authors. I used to collect Christmas books to read to my kids every day of December when they were little. I’m going to have to look up some of these to start a collection for my granddaugher.
Stacy Lynn recently posted..I Saw Mommy Kissin Santa Claus
I’d love to know what books you read to your children Stacy. I bet you were a great story teller as you’re so funny and full of life. And my mother started collecting books for her grandchildren even before she even had any! ; ) So, it’s never too late to start one for your granddaughter.
I just saw the movie of “The Polar Express” last year for the first time and thought it was charming. I’d love to read the book sometime. I suspect it’s even more charming!
Debra She Who Seeks recently posted..Show Some Holiday Spirit at Work!
The book like most books that are turned into movies for me has a lot more depth. I found the moving illustrations from the movie a bit more distracting which took away some of the books magick. But the movie as you said had it’s own charm.
I’ve never heard of any of the books mentioned. Of course, i know of the polar express because of the movie (though I have not seen that either) However, the velveteen rabbit, was one of my children’s favorite stories and videos growing up.
I remembered another Holiday story from long ago…it might have been written by Hans Christian Anderson. I believe it was called The gift of love. 2 young adults in Holland, teenagers perhaps. They are love each other and want sooo, to get a gift for their beloved at Christmas time. I believe she wanted to get him new blades for his skates and he wanted to buy her a beautiful hair comb. She had her hair cut off and sold in order to buy the new blades for his skates. In the meantime, he sold his skates to buy her the hair comb. That one always gave me goosebumps. I also always enjoyed the story of the Little Drummer Boy.
thanks for sharing.
I’ll come over and sit with the kitties and you can read to me 
Many blessings,
Sue
Susan G recently posted..Days 16-19 of AishaOaktrees 21 days of YULE blog party
I know which story you’re talking about with the couple, it’s called “The Gift of the Magi” and it is beautiful! They just did a Hallmark movie version of it, which I wasn’t too crazy about, but I loved the story too. Have you ever listened to the play “Amahl and the Night Visitors”? It’s really the story of “The Little Drummer Boy” with these characters and beauty that gives ME chills every time I listen to it. I haven’t listened to it in a long time, thank you for reminding me of it. And I would love to read with you and the kitties some day : )
~good morning…thank you so for your l♥ve and blessings sent forth the other day…i truly appreciate such… i had completely forgotten about the little match girl and will be on a mission to find this book to share with my littles…a wonderful post you have shared this day with us…some of these books i have never seen and look forward to reading more about them…there is nothing quite like being taken away to far away places from stories shared…i wish you well…warm holiday wishes and always brightest of blessings upon you~
Hi Faerwillow, I love books because they take me away to a magickal land esp. during the holidays. It’s interesting in the swap you just held that Mother Moon send me a modern version of “The Little Match Girl” which I’ll blog about as well as showing everyone the gorgeous, gorgeous ornaments you send me. I’d love to know some of the holiday books you’ve loved in the past and present.
Your book list and mine are super similar. I added an new one with Hispanic overtones. Pat Mora wrote and MagalyMorales illustrated A Pinata in a Pine Tree. 12 Days of Christmas with wonderful alliteration and the last day is Doce Angelitos Celebrando…twelve little angels rejoicing. It is delightful. I love the little match girl for very much the same reasons. I had things around me but the warm, safe, love was certainly missing. Making up for it now. Probably why I am an amazingly old spoiled child now. Brightest Yule blessings and peace, The Olde Bagg herself, Linda
The Olde Bagg recently posted..Something is missing
I’m going to have to check out “The Pinata in a Pine Tree”, Linda, thanks for letting me know about it. And I think it’s extremely important for anyone to make up for a childhood that was so scary and lonely as you and I both have had. Spoiling ourselves is necessary for a life well-lived, I think. Are there any holiday books that are specific to New Mexico that you can recommend?
My only experience of Christmas books is good ol’ Christmas Carol, which I read to my daughter several times. I’m ambivalent about it. I find the Christian stuff a bit overblown, though I obviously take into account when it was written. What I find interesting is the psychological aspect of Scrooge’s ‘regression therapy.’ I think the fundamental message of that book is overlooked by all the adaptions – that Scrooge didn’t go from being good to bad, he simply had his natural goodness overlayed by materialistic considerations and had to rediscover it. Have you ever noticed that there’s one line in the book that never gets into the adaptations. When talking to the charity collectors, Scrooge says ‘Excuse me, I don’t know that.’ It’s a moment of uncharacteristic uncertainty, and I think it gives the clue to the real meaning.
I’ve been advised to read Possession and The Mists of Avalon – for a reason – so they’re both ordered and I’m hoping to get them before Christmas.
Jeff, you make me laugh so hard. Perhaps you were a Freudian analyst in another life with your thoughts of Scrooge and his “regression therapy.” I love it! I hate all the sentimental and manipulative feel-good modern day versions of “A Christmas Carol.” And again, you’re really in the Zen zone when you noticed Scrooge’s simple questioning of life and himself. And not, I didn’t pick up on it. Most people wouldn’t even notice it or get it. I also thought of the Ghost of Christmas past was his Id, the ghost of Christmas Present as his ego and the Ghost of Xmas future as the death of his old ego. Probably the same thing as your thoughts on his “regression therapy.” I loved both “Possession” and “Mists…” but I also say you must, simply must read “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and the “Song of Fire and Ice” books series with the first book called, “A Game of Thrones.” So more to read, Jeff!
I don’t have any particular books which come out in the winter and I don’t think I’ve read any on your booklist either. I’d love to read the Pagan Christmas book – I’ve only recently discovered Odin as Santa Claus myself.
Sending you many, many Yule blessings, Wendy!!
Lyn
x
Lyn recently posted..Yule Blessings To You
I know that the One-eyed God has wandered into your life a lot lately, Lyn. I have a lot of books where Odin makes an appearance and reading about how he’s related to Yule has been fascinating. I bet you either read some great English books for Christmas as a little girl or have some now you like to read to your children. Yes? If so, I’d love to know what they are.
I just wanted to stop by and thank you for the wishes for my eye, I do hope it will be healed soon.
I also wanted to wish you a very merry Yule. hope the sun is shining near you, it’s dark and gloomy over here today.
D.Suplicki recently posted..Yule Blessings
Thank you Danni for Yule. So glad to hear your eye is healing. May the season bring you visions of beauty and light.
I am loving the one about the reindeer people! I think that is what you thought I would like. Thanks for the amazing button again and Rafiki and I wish you a happy Yule!
Ponderosa Pagan recently posted..Full Moon- Lunar Eclispe- Winter Solstice- YULE!!!!!
Hi Christian,
I did think you’d like the book about the Saami but also the one on the plants and flowers from the “Pagan Christian” book as you’ve seemed to have taken an interest in the green world where you live. You’re such a Green Man and know you’d love this book too. So glad you like your button and am going to grab it today to add to my rolling blog button roll
: )
Aw,
Polar express – so lovley. I love anything to do with Christmas! I love Christmas and remember quite clearly when I found out there was no Father Christmas – so upset… still am!
Thank you for visiting…. I hope you have a wonderful Chritsmas, and I hope the New Year brings lots of happiness. X
ps – One of my new year resolutions, is to make a doll for someone special…no strings attached, no returns, just a gift. So, if you would like an Abi doll, let me know what you imagine your doll to be (and of course, that is a big assumption on my part, since many people like them, but wouldn’t really want one, which is perfectly ok!!) either way, a yes or no would be a cool start :O)
x
Abi Monroe recently posted.. My latest Doll Swap with Michelle
You do have such fabulous taste in books. I have much of The Enchanted World Series and I love each and every one of them. This sounds like Deja Vu – I think I mentioned this in your first book post! LOL And I just pulled out my copy of Take Joy. I watched the documentary “Take Peace” just this afternoon – Tasha was such an amazing person!
Theresa
Theresa recently posted..Winter Solstice Gifts
As I keep telling you, Theresa, great minds think alike ; ) I think we were separated at birth because we have such similar tastes and the books and movies you like I swear I like every one of them! I haven’t seen the video of “Take Peace”! Is that about Tasha? Oh, I’ll have to check it out!