Christmas In America

I absolutely am thrilled when I discover a great children's book that I would be honored to not only own but to read to my children, grandchildren and anyone who enjoys a great look back at America's history and how we celebrated Christmas over the years. Callista Gingrich has written a series of children's books incorporating Ellis the Elephant. In Christmas in America, Ellis journeys back to discover the many ways Christmas has been celebrated in America's history and I found myself a bit amazed at how little I actually knew.

In this beautifully illustrated book, Ellis travels back in time to experience Christmas with such notables as the colonists in Williamsburg, Virginia, George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon, Andrew Jackson at the White House, Civil War soldiers on the battlefield, Calvin Coolidge as he lights the first national Christmas tree and even the Apollo 9 astronauts as they orbit the moon. What surprised me the most was how Presidents Andrew Jackson and Teddy Roosevelt both invited children into the White House to celebrate Christmas. Andrew Jackson opened it to orphans as he was an orphan himself, and no adults were allowed. Teddy Roosevelt offered a Christmas carnival to over 500 children.

I had never considered that the Apollo 8 astronauts actually took turns reading the Bible in a televised broadcast from the Book of Genesis and wished everyone a blessed night. Today these types of events would not be permitted because of fear of offending someone who might not agree. The best part is that it is written in a rhyming pattern for children much like Dr. Seuss books do and there are resources at the conclusion of the book to help your children research these historical topics in greater detail.

I received Christmas in America by Callista Gingrich compliments of Gingrich Productions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest personal review. This is such a great resource for anyone who has children or even for a church children's ministry to share with their children. I can't wait to add the rest of the books to my personal library collection and think these are well written to help keep a child's interest in not only American history but in the Christmas traditions as well. This one is well worth all 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Christmas in America, Callista Gingrich or where you can pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

Christmas in America by Callista Gingrich

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