Nga mihi o te Kirihimete ki a koe (Christmas geetings to you.
It comes but once a year and wherever you are no doubt you will be celebrating it in some form or another. For some it’s the finishing of school or business for the holidays. Maybe you have been packing for that long-awaited trip away. You maybe enjoying the day with family and friends or simply putting your feet up to listen to the Christmas sermons and carols on the radio or tv and enjoy the peace and tranquility with a hot toddy! Some will be cuddled around an open fire after enjoying a day of fun and joy in the snow, while others are slapping on the sunscreen and sunglasses as they enjoy their holiday at the beach.
Many of us, such as myself, will be remembering loved ones and friends who are no longer with us. Only yesterday we heard of a passing of a dear young friend, and while it came as a shock it is the special things about her I will always remember. Her lovely smile, her bravery, and caring, gentle nature with everyone she met. She was an advocate for Children’s Rights in Cambodia, and I will always be grateful for the short time I knew her.
It is also around this time those less fortunate than ourselves, comes to mind. Remembering the good work done at “Big Brother Mouse,” and other organisations, I thought I would share a lovely book I came across during a quick visit to the library last week. I felt it really showed the true spirit of Christmas. I would also like to post this as a tribute to my dear friend, Naram.
The Bears Christmas Surprise
From a story by: Bruno Hachler, adapted and translated by J Alison James
Illustrated by: Angela Kehlenbeck.
Published by: North South Books- New York /London
Age: five and up
Theme: the giving, true meaning of Christmas
First line: It was Christmas Eve. A bear with a red bow tie sat forgotten on the bookshelf. He had been there for years. Hours of play and then neglect had made his fur dull and shaggy. But the corner of his eyes still held the glow from the time when he first was clasped in a child’s arms.
Synopsis: A heart-warming story of a shaggy stuffed bear who slipped out on Christmas eve to join other bears of all shapes and sizes in sneaking into houses and removing the presents from under the Christmas trees and replacing with mysterious little notes. One can only imagine the shock on Christmas morning when children far and wide opened their presents only to find a note and no gift at all. But it is not until they read the note’s simple message do they get the real meaning behind it. What happens next really shows the true spirit of Christmas and the flow-on effect is sweet and a joy. It will bring tears to your eyes.
Why I like it: Bruno Hachler is a Swiss singer song-writer and this is his first book for North South, has brought a new twist to a holiday festive season with page turning anticipation. Angela’s illustrations are cute and wistful. Those stuffed teddy bears thought only of those less fortunate, the tired and old, and lonely. It’s taking this special time to be kind, gentle and forgiving of one another and to remember the true spirit of Christmas. So go ahead, wish someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. a Merry Christmas! Oh, and if you have a stuffed Teddy Bear on your shelf or wardrobe, bring him out and give him a hug too!
Merry Christmas to you all. Enjoy the festivities with family and friends, keep safe, all the best for 2014 and I look forward to seeing you all then.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
So sorry about your friend Diane. The book sounds really lovely. I won a book called The Little Girl who lost Her Name and it’s printed with the name of the child it’s lovely but glad I won it as it’s expensive. My second granddaughter was born yesterday so we’re all happy here,her name is Katie. Hope you have a lovely Christmas and best wishes for 2014 x
Hi, Merry Christmas my dear friend. So lovely to see you here. Love your Turkey trip notes. I sneak over now and again to catch up. 🙂 Congrats on your second granddaughter, Katie is a lovely name. Enjoy the Christmas festivities and family. See you soon in 2014.
Merry Christmas to you Ms Diane! Hope you find lots of JOY during the holiday.
Hi Rhythm, and Merry Christmas to you, too. So glad you popped by. Hoping you are keeping warm and enjoying the festivities and family around you. I have had a fun time. Thanks!
It’s already Christmas in New Zealand! Merry Christmas to you and Ian! You wrote a very lovely tribute to your friend — So sorry to hear about your loss. What a beautiful story–I can only imagine the ending. Hugs! Pat
Hi Pat and Merry Christmas to you and your family. Are all your family getting together at your place? Hope you are enjoying the festivities. Yes it was a sad loss. She was a very gently person. The book is lovely and I had picked it up a week ago. Hugs and love to you, dear friend. Will email you soon.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas. So sorry to hear about your friend. The Teddy Bear book sounds delightful and meaningful. I have a soft spot for teddy bears. Sending Christmas hugs from Canada. We have to wait a few more hours.
Hi Darlene, so lovely to hear from you, Merry Christmas! The book is lovely and meaningful. I love teddy bears too. Keep warm in that part of the world. One day we will come to Canada again. Who knows! Have a great time with family and friends. All the best for 2014, see you then.
Merry Christmas to you and while I send my condolences on your loss, I also hope you find little pockets of joy this season. Naram must have brought that sort of Christmas spirit to many. The book sounds perfect and I look forward to finding it in my own library.
Hi Julie, Merry Christmas to you, too. So lovely to hear from you. I have enjoyed the festivities, despite the sadness. We had some Cambodian friends over who also knew Naram. Together we remembered and enjoyed the evening. It has been fun with family and friends, and also on the second day we went visiting more family and friends…. The book is lovely, hope you find it. Enjoy! All the best for 2014, see you then.