[This column was published in the Sopris Sun on December 18, 2024.]
Recently I ran across an article from an international boarding school talking about U.S. traditions around Christmas. The “Top 10 holiday traditions” for families include:
In 1958, CONAD merged into NORAD, and the Santa tracking tradition was adopted. I, for one, am grateful. Check out www.noradsanta.org/en on December 24.
Public libraries have a holiday tradition, too. Let me explain why it matters.
What we really need is an all-purpose gift that will satisfy everybody. It should be suitable for all ages. It should require no assembly. It shouldn’t need batteries. You shouldn’t have to feed it. It should last forever. It should be constantly entertaining. The more the recipient uses it, the more he or she should like it.
And of course, it should be free.
No such animal, right? Wrong. I’m talking about a library card.
I’ll never understand it. Most adults these days carry cards of every description; but many of them don’t have library cards. So for the woman or man who has everything, why not offer everything else? That is, access to the total accumulated knowledge of the human race, not to mention the most wonderful stories ever told.
Of course, the real winner of a gift like this is not an adult. It’s a child.
Here’s all you have to do to make your holidays a success. First, come down to the library and fill out a library card application for your child. Then, check out three or four books. Wrap the card and the books and offer them to your children in the fashion that your holiday traditions dictate. Save this very special package for last.
When the child rips it open, say that this unassuming little card will let him or her get presents all year long. Then read your child to sleep that night with one of the books.
After your children have gotten bored with their other toys, read them (or have them read) the other books, then trot them down to the library in that slow week at the end of the year. Teach your children about exchanging one present for another.
At the library, every day is Christmas. Behind every book cover there are riches. After introducing your kids to a treasure trove beyond Aladdin’s wildest dreams, why not mosey over to the adult section, and browse through the latest offerings yourself? You know you deserve it.
Many people — librarians, teachers, secretaries of education, even sport celebrities and actors — have urged every child to obtain and use a library card. It’s good advice.
Besides, at prices like these, who can argue?
Trust me, this could be the best season’s greeting card you’ll ever send.
Recently I ran across an article from an international boarding school talking about U.S. traditions around Christmas. The “Top 10 holiday traditions” for families include:
- Decorate the tree.
- Bake Christmas cookies.
- Write a letter to Santa (and the reindeer).
- Look at the twinkly lights.
- Build a gingerbread house.
- Sing Christmas carols.
- Exchange gifts.
- Wear an ugly sweater.
- Watch Christmas movies.
- Spend time with the people you love.
In 1958, CONAD merged into NORAD, and the Santa tracking tradition was adopted. I, for one, am grateful. Check out www.noradsanta.org/en on December 24.
Public libraries have a holiday tradition, too. Let me explain why it matters.
What we really need is an all-purpose gift that will satisfy everybody. It should be suitable for all ages. It should require no assembly. It shouldn’t need batteries. You shouldn’t have to feed it. It should last forever. It should be constantly entertaining. The more the recipient uses it, the more he or she should like it.
And of course, it should be free.
No such animal, right? Wrong. I’m talking about a library card.
I’ll never understand it. Most adults these days carry cards of every description; but many of them don’t have library cards. So for the woman or man who has everything, why not offer everything else? That is, access to the total accumulated knowledge of the human race, not to mention the most wonderful stories ever told.
Of course, the real winner of a gift like this is not an adult. It’s a child.
Here’s all you have to do to make your holidays a success. First, come down to the library and fill out a library card application for your child. Then, check out three or four books. Wrap the card and the books and offer them to your children in the fashion that your holiday traditions dictate. Save this very special package for last.
When the child rips it open, say that this unassuming little card will let him or her get presents all year long. Then read your child to sleep that night with one of the books.
After your children have gotten bored with their other toys, read them (or have them read) the other books, then trot them down to the library in that slow week at the end of the year. Teach your children about exchanging one present for another.
At the library, every day is Christmas. Behind every book cover there are riches. After introducing your kids to a treasure trove beyond Aladdin’s wildest dreams, why not mosey over to the adult section, and browse through the latest offerings yourself? You know you deserve it.
Many people — librarians, teachers, secretaries of education, even sport celebrities and actors — have urged every child to obtain and use a library card. It’s good advice.
Besides, at prices like these, who can argue?
Trust me, this could be the best season’s greeting card you’ll ever send.
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