December has arrived! A month of goodwill and cheer the world round, this month brings with it excitement for the new year, reflection on the quickly passed year, and many thousands of books on Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Below are recommendations (which may include spoilers) of some of the books I’ve been reading this month:

Christmas Blessings, by Helen Steiner Rice – This is an adorable collection of some of Helen Steiner Rice’s poetry about Christmas and the New Year. It is divided into five sections, each of which begins with part of the Christmas story from the Gospels.

Handbook for Christian Homemakers, by Edith Flowers Kilgo – This is a book I’ve had on my shelf for at least a decade and finally decided to read this year. The author is practical and doesn’t assume that all women are married or have children. In fact, she makes the assertion that as a woman you are a homemaker, no matter your time of life. It is a little dated, having been published in the 1980s, but it was a refreshing read and left me wondering why I had waited so long to read it; as such, it now has a permanent place in my reread collection.

The Ickabog, by J. K. Rowling – I really enjoyed this book. This stand alone tale, which has no connection to any of the Harry Potter books, focuses on the perils of lying and hurting others and the importance of thinking critically. Be aware that there are some bits that could be scary for younger children. The chapters are short and leave the reader wanting to read more. This is a great read aloud.

The Miracle Tree, by Christobel Mattingley – This children’s story is set during and after the attack on Nagasaki, Japan during World War II. Focusing on three people, a husband, wife, and the wife’s mother, it is a story full of hope and reunion; it makes me cry every time I read it. There are few pictures, all of which are in black and white. This is a great read aloud.