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An Island Christmas is a charming story about how one family celebrates Christmas on the Island of Trinidad & Tobago.
This book first captured my attention because we have two children from the Island of St. Vincent & The Grenadines – not far from Trinidad & Tobago. I’m always looking for ways to learn more about where are children were born.
Christmas on an Island
I think at some point most of us have wondered what it would be like to celebrate Christmas in a place with no snow and no access to a traditional Christmas tree. How are the traditions different and yet how are they still the same?
I loved sharing this book with my children.
This year while we are experiencing Christmas without the snow and cold weather, everything is still pretty much the same. We can get a traditional Christmas tree!
I still thought it would be fun to decorate a bare tree like they do in An Island Christmas. We have a small, sad looking tree in our backyard that I thought we could make a bit more festive.
Poor thing is pathetic actually!
But a little white spray paint and some inexpensive ornaments really do make a difference.
Reading about the preparation for Christmas, the anticipation of the young brother and sister attempting to fall asleep on Christmas Eve “tomorrow taking too long to come” – my kids can definitely relate!
The illustrations are beautiful, and I love the way the story ends. From the last page:
“In church we sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and listen to how he was born in a manager”
A beautiful story with a glimpse into how people in a different part of the world celebrate this most important holiday.
Island Christmas Ideas
Recipe for Black Currant Cake
Hear the sounds of a traditional Parang Band
Be sure to visit the other blogs participating in Book & A Big Idea – Winter & Christmas Edition
That is such a cute story! We added that to our collection a couple of years ago when I did the Around the World theme during Advent. There are SO MANY great children’s books out there, especially at this time of the year.