It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No matter how chaotic the holiday season can be, there is no denying that this is one of the most special times of the year. From time with family to traditions, both new and old, the holidays give us so many reasons to celebrate. One of our favorite things about the holidays is sharing stories (obviously!). No matter the holiday you celebrate, Scott County Public Library invites everyone to learn more about all the wonderful holidays this time of year!
Younger audiences
The Night Before Kwanzaa – by Natasha Wing
It’s the night before Kwanzaa, and a little boy is excited to spend it with his family. Every evening, they light a candle, learn about their history, and more! Celebrate Kwanzaa in this installment of the Night Before series, told in the style of Clement C. Moore’s classic tale.
The Story of Hanukkah – by David A. Adler
Hanukkah is a wonderful time filled with games, food, family, and fun. It’s also the celebration of an ancient miracle and retelling and remembering the story of that miracle is an essential part of the holiday, for young and old. The story of the courageous Maccabees is retold in simple yet dramatic text, accompanied by vibrant paintings of the battle, the Temple of Jerusalem, and the oil which miraculously burned for eight long nights. A traditional recipe for latkes is included, as are directions for the dreidel game, for readers who want to continue the festivities at home.
Christmas Around the World – by Mary D. Lankford
Introduces the symbols and traditions of Christmas in other countries, and describes such items as the lighted star lantern, carols of the Philippines, the prune people of Germany, and the posada processions of Mexico.
La Noche before Three Kings Day – by Sheila Colón-Bagley
Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas,” La Noche Before Three Kings Day is a perfect holiday tale. It’s almost Three Kings Day, and while the grownups prepare a large meal, the kids prepare their shoe boxes for Los Reyes to arrive later that night. Will they stay up late enough to wish the Kings a Feliz Día de Los Reyes? Or will the magic pass them by?
Sing along with a great big familia as they fill up their platos, play their favorite juegos, and wait for the three kings and regalitos to arrive. This enchanting celebration of a beloved holiday is brought to life through lively rhyming dual-lingual text by Sheila Colón-Bagley with festive illustrations from Alejandro Mesa
More in-depth
Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, many people throughout the United States celebrate another holiday, Kwanzaa. A joyous celebration of African American culture, Kwanzaa was created as a way for African American families to come together to remember and rejoice in their rich heritage. Author A. P. Porter describes how the holiday got its start and how it is celebrated, and also gives an explanation of each of Kwanzaa’s seven principles. Porter also provides a practical list of the items needed for readers to make their own Kwanzaa celebration.
Hanukkah in America: A History – by Dianne Ashton
In New Orleans, Hanukkah means decorating your door with a menorah made of hominy grits. Latkes in Texas are seasoned with cilantro and cayenne pepper. Children in Cincinnati sing Hanukkah songs and eat oranges and ice cream. While each tradition springs from its own unique set of cultural references, what ties them together is that they all celebrate a holiday that is different in America than it is any place else. For the past two hundred years, American Jews have been transforming the ancient holiday of Hanukkah from a simple occasion into something grand.
Christmas Spirit: The Joyous Stories, Carols, Feasts, and Traditions of the Season – by George Grant
From the origins of jingle bells and mistletoe to recipes for delicious Christmas treats, this is a wonderful celebration of the holiday season with prayers, poems, carols, traditions, legend, lore, and even daily readings for Advent and Epiphany.
Diwali: Festival of Lights – by Rina Singh
During Diwali, Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains celebrate the legends and stories that describe the triumph of good over evil and justice over oppression. Critically acclaimed author Rina Singh explores her Indian roots as she tells the Diwali stories, which remind us that eventually, light will prevail over darkness. Enriched by personal stories and spiced with festive recipes, including two by acclaimed chef, Vikram Vij, Diwali: Festival of Lights brings to life the holiday’s traditions, food, and rituals and takes you on a journey to see how this festival is celebrated around the world! Diwali is the second book in the Orca Origins series, which examines how ancient traditions are kept alive in the modern world.