I went to two parties today. One was a Christmas party at a friend’s place of business where she brought her whole family to “help out”. I have ties with this family and couldn’t believe how the “boys” had all grown. Also a student at the local community college whom I try to help out was there dressed as an elf.  She also brought her dog, Lady, who was decorated and dressed to the hilt! She was the biggest ham when it came to taking pictures with Santa.  For the price of one can of food to donate to the local food pantry (not required, just encouraged) people could have their pictures made with Santa.  He was a good Santa, too, with a natural beard and a lovely red velvet suit.   The other party was an 85th BD party for my Sunday School teacher, thrown by her daughters and granddaughters in a nearby town. Everything about it was outstanding: the food, the decorations, the cats (which appealed to me) and the gorgeous house.  I kept taking pictures hoping to steal her decorating ideas. Because of my “social obligations,” I am late posting my books for kids that I will put out in my Little Free Library as soon as the sun comes up tomorrow.

The Curious Little Kitten’s First Christmas, a Little Golden Book, deals with a kitten’s first Christmas and all the curious things that appear around Christmastime at the house. Although it was published in 1986, and I purchased it for 50 cents, it is in mint condition and was originally the garage sale lady’s son’s who is now a grownup.

Jack Prelutsky’s It’s Christmas, published in 1981, was another purchase at that particular garage sale, and one I used in my Basic ESL class where I volunteer. It is a funny book and appeals to beginning readers whether they be second graders or adults. It includes what Christmas means to children, grownups and Santa himself.  The best part is, it is a “chapter book,” but each chapter may be only two pages. It deals with the abundance of Santas appearing around this time of year, as well as a child being ill at Christmas and mad about it. The illustrations by Marylin Hafner are inclusive of ethnic groups and teach life lessons about receiving a blessing from blessing/giving to others–without “preaching.” This is a dream come true for primary teachers and can be purchased at Half Price Books sometimes (as well as garage sales) or from Mulberry Books/An Imprint of William-Morrow and Company/ 1150   Avenue of the Americas/New York, N.Y./ 10019.

Happy Shopping!