While looking for something on the Internet recently, a flashing warning popped up, attempting to instill panic on me and thousands of other computer users. It said "39 Shopping Days Left." The "warning" actually made me smile because it reminded me not of the trips to the mall I will no doubt make (like everyone else), but that when you really understand Advent and Christmas, shopping warnings hold little meaning.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the tradition of Christmas gift-giving. But we should ask ourselves if we're giving the right kind of gifts, especially to children. If we find that our gifts might be lacking in reflecting something about the beautiful feast of Christmas, rest assured because there are plenty of Christ-friendly gift options out there for parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles and friends.
Most people would agree that books make fabulous gifts. Books are keepsakes and memory makers. How much better if a book could also help build up a child's faith?
If you're considering giving a book to a child on your list, here are some Catholic options. The Weight of a Mass by Josephine Nobisso, beautifully illustrated by Katalin Szegedu, tells the story of a poor widow who humbly shows the bitter and snobby town baker the worth of one Mass. Set in a medieval town, Nobisso's use of language and storytelling ability will appeal to readers of all ages.
Any in the series of Can You Find books written by Philip D. Gallery and illustrated by Janet L. Harlow are good choices for offering a little fun and information to children. There are four titles to choose from, including: Can You Find Saints?, Can You Find Bible Heroes?, Can You Find the Followers of Jesus?, and Can You Find Jesus? Children from ages 2 to 10 will get excited about finding the hidden pictures of Bible characters, saints, popes, apostles and Jesus, all while reading short, interesting synopses of their lives and importance to the faith. All four titles also include lesson ideas in the back for parents who may want to use the books as catechetical tools.
Caryll Houselander, author of the adult classic Wood of the Cradle, Wood of the Cross, offers stories for children in her Catholic Tales for Boys and Girls. Filled with the adventures of royalty and even piracy, Houselander reminds children that wealth and status do not matter in the eyes of Christ. Young Catholics are featured as characters who rely on prayer and Jesus for true happiness.
In The Book of Saints and Heroes by Andrew and Lenora Lang, children will be dazzled by tall tales of faith, including a saint who spent seven Easters on a whale's back and an angry wolf converted by St. Francis of Assisi. The large, hardcover book also features true stories of saintly courage and piety, including St. Francis Xavier and St. Elizabeth of Hungary. This book makes a great gift for the whole family, inspiring children and parents to discover the fascinating lives of the saints together.
Though these are a just a few suggestions, there are many more titles that would make great Christmas gifts this year. Younger children would love to find a religious coloring book in their stockings, such as one of the Vision series published by Ignatius Press. Catholic author Melissa Wiley's series The Martha Years is quite popular with school-aged girls, as well as the Maryknoll Sisters' A Catholic Children's Treasure Box. Books centered on the Christmas story are always special gifts. Some good titles that reflect the true spirit of the season include The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado and Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson.
The important thing to remember when choosing a Christmas gift is that there is no need to panic when there are available so many good choices that will help enrich a child's faith. Call or make and visit to your local Catholic bookstore for information.
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