A Final Christmas Reminder

With Christmas so close, I must make a little plea to parents, grandparents and Santa. I know that most gifts have long since been purchased, wrapped and are waiting for the moment you child can open them. But, do they include books?

Books are important gifts for any occasion, but especially at Christmas. The primary reason for children to love reading is to satisfy a need to gain information. This can only come from parents, grandparents, siblings and early caretakers in their lives. If your child is to value books, then, you must value books. By giving books as gifts, your child will see by example your love of words and pictures. Of course, reading the books to the child is part of the package. And, what a better way to impress your child with the need to love books and reading, than for Santa to also show his love of books and expectation of their enjoyment.

Santa always brought books, every Christmas, to my children. And, at the end of the busy day, their books were the chosen toy. I rarely bought toys except for special occasions (Christmas, birthdays, etc.) but bought books weekly as treats. I must say, my children and grandchildren love books and are excellent readers.

So… if you have not already included books this year, please make a run to a book store and select a few. Remember, for younger children, pictures are important, and for older children, choose something they are interested in. If you’re unsure, ask someone in the book store for help or search the internet. You can also get clues from the TV shows they watch, or the movies they love. Please include books this Christmas. Have a very merry Christmas!