We gather together
By Children's Librarian Kathleen Whalin
YORK VILLAGE - Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. We shop, bake, cook and spend precious time with family and friends.In my family, gatherings include people of widely differing ages. It can be a challenge to come up with activities to keep everyone involved and happy. If you need some inspiration, stop by the library to pick up some resources to add to your tried and true traditions. Whether you choose to do a craft project, make something delicious to eat, watch a classic film, or share a story, include the library in your holiday preparations.
CRAFTS
The library has a number of craft books, suitable for a range of ages.
If you have very young children visiting, you might want to check out: "Ecoart!" by Laurie Carlson, recycling ideas with flair; "The Little Hands Big Fun Craft Book" by Judy Press, things two- to six-year-olds can make.
Slightly older children will enjoy: "Berry Smudges and Leaf Prints" by Ellen Sensi, a clear guide to extracting colors from natural sources; "Crafts for Kids who are Wild About Reptiles" by Kathy Ross, common household items are transformed into amazing creatures.
COOKING
Molly Katzen, of "The Moosewood Cookbook" fame, has written two wonderful cookbooks for children - "Pretend Soup" and "Salad People." Her recipes are clear and her results delicious. "More Prime Time Activities with Kids" by Donna Erickson, a year's worth of ideas of things to try with your family.
GAMES
Get out the checkers, the cards, the old Monopoly set. If you're uncertain of the rules- check out a book. "Card Games" by Ken Reisenberg, this book and a deck of cards should while away many an afternoon; "The Kids' Book of Chess" by Harvey Kidder, even Bobby Fischer had to start somewhere.
SHARE A CLASSIC FILM
Pop a big bowl of popcorn and gather together to watch a film chosen from the library's DVD and video collection. Films like "It's a Wonderful Life", "Pollyanna," "The Muppet Movie," "Miracle on Thirty-Fourth Street," "Singing in the Rain" and "White Christmas" are designed for families to see together.
SHARE A CLASSIC STORY
Whatever stories your family has loved over the years, this is the season to read them again. You are never too old for bedtime stories!
Some of my favorites: "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis, "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" by Eric Kimmel, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss, "Treasure Island" by R. L. Stevenson, "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame, "Winnie the Pooh" by A.A. Milne.
Caroline Kennedy's remarkable poetry collection, "A Family of Poems" grew out of her childhood tradition of choosing and illustrating a poem for her mother for birthdays and holidays. However you celebrate your holidays, enjoy them.
And if you're stuck for ideas, the library's resources are here for you.
