The Gift Giver {A Christmas Book Review + Jesus is the Gift Kids Craft} #sp

A huge thanks to The Gift Giver for sponsoring today's post. All thoughts are my own.

I cannot say enough how much I absolutely, positively LOVE reading Christmas books with my children! When the weather is cold and keeps us inside, there is nothing better than curling up with some hot cocoa and a good book.

I recently shared about how my own mom used to collect Christmas books for my sisters and I to enjoy year after year. Now as a mom self, this is a tradition I have carried on with my own family. I am always on the search for great books to add to our collection. We have some books about Santa and the magic and fun of the holidays, and we have many that are all about the true meaning of Christmas- the birth of Christ and the spirit of giving. Today, I'm excited to share an all new book that is the perfect combination of both and everything we love about the holiday season, The Gift Giver:

On Christmas Eve a boy stirs from sleep to find an old man, in the living room, dressed in red with a bag full of gifts. Excitement soon gives way to disappointment as he finds he has received fewer gifts than expected. The old man sees the young boy's protest and tells the story of his origins and his motives. As the boy becomes privy to this mystery, a question comes to his mind: is it by magic that the old man accomplishes his task, or is it something else... The lesson he learns will change the way he views Christmas forever! If you are a fan of The Polar Express, and T'was the Night Before Christmas, you will love The Gift Giver.

First and formost, I could not help but be drawn into the beauty of this book. The illustrations are stunning! For the little ones that cannot yet read, that's a must... but as a grown up, it's something I really enjoy as well. It definitely helps to make this a book we want to look at and read again and again. But it's not the only reason...

As a Christian family, we really strive to teach our children that Jesus is the center of the holidays and the true reason that we celebrate the season. Still, that doesn't mean we do not also enjoy some of the more secular Christmas traditions as well. We love giving gifts, we love snowmen and baking cookies and making our home into a winter wonderland. And we absolutely, positively love the joy and magic of Santa Claus. In my mind, there is no reason that we cannot enjoy and celebrate both. This book is the perfect way to teach that to my children.

Unfortunately, so many see Santa as the face of Christmas. He's the #1 guy this time of year. Jesus, sadly is more an afterthought. Again, I like Santa Claus, but I want my children to know he's not THE reason we celebrate. In The Gift Giver, we learn a story of how Santa began- and discover that it is a story giving the glory to God. Santa tells the young boy in the story that he is not the face of Christmas, but rather he is only there to remind people of God's love and how He truly is the Gift Giver. When we look at Santa in this light, it really is clear that we CAN enjoy all aspects of the holiday.

This story is truly timeless and one that I look forward to reading with my children again and again, year after year. This has all the makings of a classic Christmas tale and one that is a must add to your Christmas book collection. You can purchase your copy on Amazon today!! Visit the official site to learn more!


And to celebrate this fantastic new book, I'm sharing a fun craft that you can do with your children all about the gift of Jesus!

Jesus is the Gift Popsicle Stick Kids Craft

• 6 popsicle sticks
• paint
• glue
• ribbon for hanging
• wrapping paper scraps (optional)

1. First up, paint your sticks. Two sticks will be the ribbon, two will make your gift. (Note: You can use all the same size to create a square package, or use 3 short, 3 long to create a rectangular gift.) Allow to dry.
2. Now, create a square using for of the sticks. Glue and allow to dry.
3. Next, use the final two sticks to make a ribbon on the package. 
4. Write 'Jesus is a Gift' or something similar on the ribbons.
5. Cut a piece of wrapping paper (or scrapbook paper) to the size of your gift. Glue to back so that the patterned side shows under the popsicle stick ribbons. This is a great way to use those spare bits of wrapping paper that are too small for wrapping! (If you prefer a more simple look, feel free to skip this step.)
6. Finally, add a piece of ribbon to the back to hang.

That's it! This craft is a fun way to help kids remember the message of The Gift Giver...and will be a fun addition to your Christmas decor too!

Will you be adding The Gift Giver to your holiday book collection? In what other ways do you celebrate both Jesus and Santa during the season?