One of our favorite family traditions (on hiatus now until grandkids come along) was to buy one (or more) Christmas books every year. Then throughout the holiday season we’d use those for our nightly story time—which was more special in winter because we’d light a fire in the fireplace and snuggle together on a quilt to read.The books were extra-special because when we took the tree down we also put the books away.
Our holiday baking has also always been a special time for us. Even Danger Boy, contributes—my MIL’s peanut clusters. Social Butterfly and I do our cinnamon rolls, Grownup Girl makes peppermint bark and MVP helps with everything—from homemade Oreos to sugar cookies to peanut butter cookies.
Today’s giveaway is a delightful book that combines the story of a grandmother’s Christmases when she was a little girl in Italy with some excellent recipes; it is by renowned Italian chef Lidia Bastianich.
This sweetly illustrated book serves as an excellent reminder that at Christmas time it is the simple things and the togetherness that serve to make the holiday special.
I was tempted to keep my copy, but in the Christmas spirit I decided to give it away. Leave me a comment telling me what your favorite holiday tradition is and I’ll pick a winner next week. You won’t get the book in time for Christmas, but it will be great to have next year.
Thanks to Running Press for the opportunity to do this giveaway.
We seem to be creating a tradition of finding and making the perfect reindeer cookie. I've got another cookie idea this year and we'll see if this one is the one we will keep.
Posted by: kellyg | December 13, 2010 at 07:48 AM
I think my favorite tradition is the afternoon/evening of Christmas the entire family goes to my cousins house for one big Christmas shindig. There is about 40-50 of us and we eat a bunch of food, play bingo, shake dice, and have a gift exchange.
Posted by: Tonya Lynn | December 13, 2010 at 12:30 PM
On Christmas morning, we eat a Swedish tea ring (sweet rolls, basically, but extra pretty) and scrambled eggs and egg nog.
Posted by: Heather | December 14, 2010 at 05:09 PM
I love these old sweet stories...Just reading them is a tradition in itself. :0
Posted by: JCK | December 14, 2010 at 11:57 PM
We have a collection of Christmas books that only come out at Christmas too. This one sounds lovely.
Posted by: magpie | December 15, 2010 at 04:26 PM