When I married Dean it was early December and so shortly after out came the Christmas decorations. Among the ones that were here was The Santa Claus Book by Alden Perkes, Ph. D. S. (I believe that means Alden has a Ph.D. in Santa!) This book is certainly authentic, having a brief statement of approval in the front, signed in red, by Santa himself. The book is a composite of all the things we might ever want to know about Santa: how can he live so long, how does he get all those toys in the bag, how do reindeer fly. There is a sketch of the aerodynamics of antlers. We even learn why Rudolph's nose is red. This is a delightful book for all ages. I read it without a grandchild in sight ~ and will be glad to read it again when they arrive.
In a totally different vein is a book I have had since 1965, the inscription from my friend says. American Christmas, edited by Webster Schott and Robert J. Myers, is a compilation of poems by 48 American poets celebrating the beauty of Christmas. The scope of their lives covers 150 years and so we read of the promise of the Nativity at various times and places. All the poems deal with hope and birth, gifts to the soul. I would share the entire book but that I will leave to you. For now, two verses of my favorite poem, one that I would read to every pregnant woman, at the birth of every child; one that speaks of the hope we all carry with us regardless of the darkness around us.
from For Another Birth by Louis Untermeyer
The miracle is now. The place is here.
No angel's wings. No throne. No diadem.
Yet, in this hour locked and rocked with fear,
A birth may mark another Bethlehem.
* * * * *
Some clild unborn may rescue us, for still
The wise men come with promise of release:
The myrrh of hope, the gold of men's good will,
The fresh and precious frankincense of peace.
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