Inspiring books for an inspiring season

With all this snow lying about, it's only natural for my thoughts to turn towards the ever closer seasons of advent and Christmas.    Here are a few books on my 'want to get' list.  I thought I'd share them with you.  

1) Christmas Mosaic (ok, I already have this one, but it's such a great resource, I couldn't help mention it).

This is a picture-book guidebook that takes you through some of the best children's christmas literature and includes activites, discussion questions and helpful suggestions for how to celebrate the seasons of advent and christmas through rea

ding beautiful picture books together.

2) Christmas With The Holy Fathers

 A new book out from Paraclete Press.  

Spend this Christmas in the good company of the Holy Fathers

"I am an old Christmas person and cannot imagine a more spiritual and impressive way than spending the Christmas season with the popes. This is a marvelous book to give anyone who has a real sense of the Church and of the significance of the teachings of the bishops of Rome. I highly recommend it." --Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R.

3) The Vatican

"Written by a Vatican insider and accomplished church historian, this book is a unique behind-the-scenes look at the world's smallest nation and the spiritual center of the Catholic Church. Produced with the full cooperation of the Vatican, this is a beautifully illustrated insiders guide into the 2,000 year long history of the Vatican and papal influence, daily life and governance of the world's largest religious body, and the art collections and other priceless treasures rarely seen by the public. In addition to a unique photographic tour, the book includes personal interviews with various Vatican employees and insiders who make their home there, from a Swiss Guard to a singer in the Sistine Chapel choir. This book is an unparalleled look into life inside the Holy City."

4. Bella:  Not a book, but a beautiful, touching movie that I recommend everyone watch.   

5. Jesse Tree Kit.  We made this one year and had a lot of fun. I want to do it again this year now that the kids are older and can do the cutting and coloring themselves.  You can get it directly from Illuminated Ink (great store!) or for Canadians, Blue Mantle sells it as well.  Also, check out the wooden ornament tree that you can buy to hang them on as you finish each one.

 

6. Signs and Mysteries: Revealing Ancient Christian Symbols  

This looks like a beautiful and informative book.  It's brand 

new this fall!  I would love to get my hands on one of these.  

Here's a review by Karen Edmiston.