Share the Joy of Reading This Christmas

Cuddling up with a good book during the holiday season is an anticipated pleasure. One of our favorites is of course Luke 2 in the New Testament. However, our family has also found pleasure in the Polar Express (combined with Santa’s sleighbell), Twas the Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Mitten, and The Christmas Carol.  I have gathered some links from the web for some new treasures as well as new versions of the classics with incredible illustrations.  For example, The Night Before Christmas looks beautiful in the first link below.  In the second link the same story is combined with black ink drawings.  Both are gorgeous. If you have a favorite classic, please add comment below.  Merry Christmas!

http://www.countryliving.com/homes/shopping/classic-childrens-christmas-stories#slide-1

Some other versions of the classics are found in the following two links:

http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/holidays/ss/xmasclassics.htm

http://voices.yahoo.com/top-ten-favorite-classic-books-christmas-4666703.html?cat=46

Already Stressed and the Holiday Season is Barely Starting?

As we enter the holiday hustle and bustle, messages that encourage us to simplify and prioritize are timely.  I loved Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s statement in October 2012, in his talk called “Of Regrets and Resolutions”:

 “Isn’t it true that we often get so busy? And, sad to say, we even wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as though being busy, by itself, was an accomplishment or sign of a superior life.”

His talk is worth another read.  You can listen to it as well as read it at the following link:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/of-regrets-and-resolutions?lang=eng&query=regrets

In addition, these “quick read” online articles came across my desk this week. They contain helpful reminders of how to reduce stress, so stress will not take a toll on our health.  I hope you find them beneficial as well.  Please share your insights about stress or resources in the comments below.

Are You Stressed Out?

http://cdn.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=546&sc=3046

7 Ways to Stop Stress Now—One for Each Day of the Week

http://cdn.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=656&sc=3010