Whilst it may feel like it was March just last week here we are in December and counting down the days to Christmas with Jo over at serendipitousstitching this Advent has become part of my Christmas and I hope it will become part of yours.
Jo asks that we share a Christmas stitch and answer a Christmas themed question which she sets.
So first, my Christmas themed stitch (which will link to my answer, just a little bit)
The two Robins by Margaret Sherry from issue 301 The World of Cross Stitch, but with my colour choices as when designs are as small as this, with a few colours I like to dip into my box of random threads and bits and bobs.
Now to the question. "Tell us what your favourite book at this time of year is" Those of you who have followed the Advent in years gone past and seen my choices for favourite Christmas music or my choice for favourite Christmas film might have tried a guess as to my answer.
But no its not that one, my answer is literally (pun intended) a particular book, this particular book.
The Children's Treasure book (Winter) from 1947.
This is a book of memories for my family, it was a Christmas gift to my mother from her father in 1947.
The stories were a mixture from famous authors we still recognise today and some less well known, they delighted her and she held onto the book and then they delighted first my brother then me.
One of the stories I liked best to hear and then to read was titled Robin, about the poor Robin that lost Father Christmas's note book and the little boy that found and returned it (thank goodness).
I have added that ring around the relevant entry in the contents digitally, its not on the actual book.
As you can see having thought about the book it had to come out and be looked at and talked about, with my mother remembering her Christmases as a child. With my best friend ,who recalled a rather grim poem from later book in the same series which had belonged to her mother, and we laughed at both her recollections and then the fact we still have that book and I could read her the poem over Skype and refresh her memories.
Since I pulled the book out from its place on the shelf, in a little bit of role reversal I am reading the stories to my mother. The book is a bit heavy for her to hold these days.
So Jo thanks for the question it brought back at least three sets of Christmas childhood memories, and that's a gift right there.
Now if you came here from Jo's blog that's great and you know what to do tomorrow. If you are a new visitor and would like to keep following the advent just click on the link at the top of this post it will take you to Jo and all the doors to all the days of the advent.
If you would like to say something about your favourite book at Christmas in the comments that would be nice too. Wishing you all a Christmas with wonderful recollections and the chance to make beautiful new ones to add to your store.
Love your robins, and I had great fun laughing over the old fashioned stories... My poem was the delightfully titled 'Matilda, who told lies and was burned to death' by Hilaire Belloc, for anyone who wishes to find it.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite thing to read around Christmas time is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, some version of which I usually also find an opportunity to watch on TV or DVD.
I love your gorgeous robins. I think they are very festive and joyous. Your book sounds fascinating. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteYour robins are perfect, how special that you are reading the stories to your Mum.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking part in the Advent Calendar Blog Hop this year.
ReplyDeleteThe robins are so sweet and the story about your book is wonderful. It's amazing how these family traditions mean so much. That book is a real treasure. Thanks for sharing with us all.
Also, I am very familiar with Roni's favourite poem, I love that one too!
That sounds like a wonderful book. I enjoy those kinds of collections, and I have a few myself (although none so old).
ReplyDeleteLove your robin stitches. The history of your Christmas story book is enchanting especially as it holds so many family memories for you.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your memories about that book - what a family treasure it is!
ReplyDeleteHow will you finish off your sweet robins? Will they hang from your tree this year?
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure of a book. I was gifted the contents of my aunt's bookshelf when she moved (at age 98) - my cousins recognised that I had got more pleasure out of her book collection than they ever did. (that will lead to the origin of my favourite book on day 13)
I too have several vintage books, some of which have now made their way to my daughter in law who is in turn, enjoying their vintage glory.
Merry Christmas
Oh! Your sweet little robin stitcheries are darling! What a treasure your book is ... how special to have it! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet little Robins! Will they be ornaments?
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you have such a treasured book in your family. I love that you are reading it to your Mother.
Such sweet robins, must see if I have that magazine!
ReplyDeleteLovely to read your memories of that special book!
Merry Christmas!
Barbara xx
What a special book for your family. So glad you are able to share the stories with your Mom now, I am sure that is precious time that you are sharing with her. The robins are cute too!
ReplyDeleteAww your ornaments are precious, and what a lovely way to present your favorite book! I have a book that was my Mothers that she passed on to me when my son was little. I read to him from the same book when he was a child. Those memories are so precious! I hope you have a Very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLovely robins, those sweet birds are always a nice pattern for Christmas. Thanks for sharing your family story about your book. Joyeuses fêtes de Noël. xxx
ReplyDeletePretty robin and stocking.
ReplyDeleteLovely little stitched robins and your book is a wonderful idea and something to be treasured.
ReplyDeleteSweet stitched robins and a wonderful book
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