Day 12: Christmas Connections

 

Day 12 Christmas Connections

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!

1 Chronicles 16:34

November flew by. Lizabeta and Mariela visited several times to borrow books.

“Tia is getting so good in English!” Lizabeta crowed. “Do you have any books about Christmas?”

“Just wait and see!” Carol said. Lizabeta scooped up her pile of books and Mariela waved as they headed for the door. Carol took a moment to mentally add Lizabeta’s energy and her aunt’s progress in English to her gratitude list — a list that grew longer and more specific every day. She had always been grateful for readers and books but now she gave thanks for Linh’s willingness to help the tutoring students, for Alma’s reading books to the children in Spanish, for Marty’s enthusiasm for the December project, each and every child and parent who attended Story Hour, Harry and Ron and their fix-it group, and the whole Reading Room gang. 

Before Thanksgiving, the holiday helpers group held one more meeting. All assignments were ready. After the library closed on Wednesday, the tree and decorations would go up. Omar and Simon would put the calendar up on the big bulletin board in the Children’s Alcove.

“The calendar will hit them in the eye when they walk in the door,” Simon said. “We’ve planned simple and fun ways to connect. Folks can take home copies of the calendar so they can connect every day.” 

“Khalil and I have the Staff Picks ready,” said Gina. “Crafts we make in Story Hour will be added to the tree.”

“The tree and the website are ready to go,” said Khalil 

“Great!” said Carol. “I’ve got a theme for December that I think you’ll all love.” 

And she was right. They did.

Advent Challenge: Thank someone you may have forgotten to thank — your mail deliverer, a grocery clerk, a teacher, a pastor — anyone who has offered a service, a shoulder, a listening ear, or a smile to brighten your day. Add five people (at least) to your gratitude list and thank God for each one.

Prayer: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24) Lord, help me today, and every day, to rejoice and give thanks for all your good gifts and to show gratitude to those who share their labor, love, joy, and resources with me. Thank you for your enduring love. Amen

Day 11: Christmas Connections

 

Day 11 Christmas Connections

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Bam! Lizabeta dropped her stack of books on the return desk and marched over to Carol.

“Tía and I finished all the books,” she announced.

Carol picked up the book on top of the pile, Gracias/Thanks* by Pat Mora. 

“That one was so funny!” said Lizabeta. “I liked when the little brother threw mashed peas at his sister. We laughed so hard that we almost fell off our chairs like the boy in the book. After we read it once, we put on our soft pajamas to read it again so we could feel like we were floating on clouds like he did. Tía liked it when the mamá in the story found the homework in the trash and when the bees didn’t sting him after his kite hit their hive.”

“Can you guess which part is my favorite,” said Carol.

“The page where the boy reads the book to his friend!”

“True!” laughed Carol. “Gracias/Thanks* reminds me to be thankful for children and books and family and sunshine and everyday things.”

“I am thankful for Tía Mariela and Mamá and Papá and my sisters, even when they get into my things, and for the library, and the books and …” Lizabeta stopped to take a breath and Carol jumped in.

“Here’s a few more you might like,” Carol dropped a small pile on the desk in front of Lizabeta. Each Kindness* by Jaqueline Woodson sat on top. While Lizabeta sifted through the pile of books, Tía Mariela walked up behind her. 

“Good morning,” she said. “Gracias por los libros. Thank you for the books.”

“I hope they are helping you,” Carol said. “Lizabeta is pleased with your progress.”

“Yes, Lizabeta is a good teacher and the books are divertidos de leer. Fun to read.”

“Keep a list to read to your baby,” Carol suggested.

“Come on, Tía, let’s go home so we can start reading.” Tía Mariela smiled farewell as Lizabeta pulled her out into Saturday morning rain. 

Advent Challenge: Make a point to encourage someone today. Congratulate someone on pursuing a goal. Note accomplishments. Compliment efforts made. Cheer them on!

Prayer: Dear Lord, as you encourage me, help me to encourage others with love. Amen

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement 

give you the same attitude of mind toward each other as Christ Jesus had.  

Romans 15:5

*Available on YouTube

Day 10: Christmas Connections

 

Day 10 Christmas Connections

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,

 for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2

“Welcome to Story Hour!” Settling in the Children’s Alcove took a bit longer in the unfamiliar story space. Gina had removed the toys and bean bags, but the shelves of books tempted little fingers. Children plopped down on carpet squares with their parents beside them. After everyone was more or less settled, Gina pulled the kiddie pool out drawing every eye, and more than a few fingers. 

“Today’s story is A Different Pond* by Bay Phi,” Carol began. “What do you know about ponds?” 

Kids called out answers: They are wet! Fish live in them! My grandpa has one. I’m not allowed to go near it without a grown-up.

“In this story, a little boy goes fishing in a pond with his father.” Carol continued. Several children offered fish stories without prompting. The ruckus attracted a few of the regulars sitting in the Reading Room. Some carried chairs over to sit in the back of the alcove. Carol held up the book cover. 

The kids made observations: The dad has a fishing pole. It looks like night. Why would they go fishing at night? They have a pail. How can they see the fish in the dark? 

Carol began reading. In the story, a boy’s father wakes him up before dawn to go fishing. They take a few sandwiches, a bucket, and a lantern. Dad tells stories of fishing with his father in Vietnam as they drive to the pond. Then, as now, they are fishing for food not pleasure alone. At the pond, they connect with other refugees. At dinner that night, they enjoy telling stories and eating their day’s catch. That night, the boy dreams of fish in faraway ponds.

Kid connections bubble through the story: My mom and dad work! Fish are yucky! My grandma lets me hold her pole. 

With help from Gina and some parents, every child got to fish in the kiddie pool and share stories of fun with their families. Parents offered stories of their own. Laughter echoed through the library. 

Carol noticed the Reading Room regulars watching from the back. After the kids and parents left, Linh came up to Carol. “My mother came from Vietnam when she was a small girl,” she said. “She told me stories about her parents. They wanted a better life for their children. They didn’t have much but they had each other.” 

Marty, one of the tutors, had joined the group as the story ended. He asked Linh if she would speak with his student, a refugee from Cambodia. Linh gladly agreed. While Marty helped Gina put away the pond, Carol shared her idea for getting to know the tutors and their students better. 

Marty loved it. 

Advent Challenge: Research refugee services in your community. Support them in some meaningful way.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you left your home in heaven to live among us. Help us welcome those who left their homes to live among us. As we would welcome you, let us welcome them. Amen 

*Available on YouTube

Day 9: Christmas Connections

 

Day 9 Christmas Connections

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.   

Isaiah 43:19

“Oh, not again!” Carol and Gina squelched across the soggy carpet in the Community Room. The weekend’s rains had seeped through the cement block walls leaving it smelling rank and feeling clammy. Story Hour would have to move to the Children’s Alcove while the room dried out. The staff met to discuss other activities that would have to be moved. 

Carol held up the book she had chosen. “A Different Pond* is about a boy going fishing with his father.” 

“Hmm,” Gina said, “the craft I had planned won’t work without tables. Could we have the kids fish somehow?”

Carol’s eyes grew bright. “I have a kiddie pool at home. What if we cut out some fish and let the kids fish with strings and magnets? Then they could share stories about doing something with their family.”

“We can put the Seniors’ Thanksgiving Social in the staff meeting room. There aren’t too many in the group since many visit family this time of year. We’ll have to tell them that they can’t use the downstairs kitchen but I am sure they can work it out. The yoga class can meet in there too if we move the chairs and table out of the way.” said Khalil.

“We’ll use the Children’s Alcove for Story Hour again on Friday,” said Carol. ”How are the plans for December coming along?”

“Santa-belly growing, Ms. Marion,” Simon called from his corner spot. “Omar and I have almost completed the activities calendar.”

“The decorations are set,” said Khalil. “Gina and Simon gave me a lot of good ideas.”

“As soon as I get a list for Story Hours,” Gina gave Carol a meaningful look, “I’ll get the rest of the  crafts planned.”

“It’s almost ready,” said Carol. In past years, Carol’s book picks had focused on the December holidays. Maybe she could incorporate a few holiday stories that included community connections.

“We can decorate on Wednesday,” said Carol. “We close at noon before Thanksgiving.”

Simon and Omar huddled in the corner with their activities list while Gina and Khalil headed to the storage room to check out the tree. Visions of Story Hour books danced in Carol’s head as she headed back to her office — December dreams flowing from books to readers. 

Advent Challenge: Your plans have changed without warning! Look for blessings in new plans. 

Prayer: God in heaven and on earth, you guide our days. Help me to remember that changed plans are still your plans. Help me find “a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert,” for there I will find you. Amen

*Available on YouTube

Day 8: Christmas Connections

 

Day 8 Christmas Connections

There is no longer Jew or Greek,

there is no longer slave or free,

there is no longer male and female;

for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

Carol’s list of books for Story Hour was coming together. The kids loved Milo Imagines the World.* How hard it was to pick just seven books! Carol’s list of choices grew longer every day as she remembered this sweet story or that wonderful character. She wanted to include some holiday books and a few for Alma to read in Spanish. So many books and so little time!

Gina’s list for the display included stories of connecting (The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan; The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Cassandra Petter; How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior; A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune); some non-fiction “How-To” books on making friends; two Jason Reynolds classics (The Boy in the Black Suit and Ghost) for the YA crowd; The Loser’s Club by Andrew Clements for the middle grades and his Big Al for the younger kids, along with Each Kindness* and The Day You Begin* by Jacqueline Woodson, and Another Pond* by Bao Phi. So many books that Carol loved or longed to read came in multiple languages. 

Sighing loudly and standing to stretch, Carol noticed several tutors and students working quietly at tables. Should she interrupt to make a few connections? She was sure that the tutors had their own lament, So much to teach, so little time, matched by the learners’ So little time to learn so much! 

She wouldn’t interrupt. The pleasant buzz of learning from the tutoring group tickled Carol’s ears. The library was used by so many different groups. Differences divided the groups — young and old, teachers and learners, local folks and new arrivals, and first and second language speakers. 

Such diverse groups shared the library. How could we focus on what we share? How could she get all of the library groups together? 

That’s it! A title for their December theme popped into her head. She couldn’t wait to share it with her happy helpers.

Advent Challenge: When you look at a group of people, do you look for differences or similarities? Today, when you see or interact with others, focus on what you have in common. 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you call us to be together. Why do we focus on our differences instead of what we share? Yet we share so much with you. Remind us daily that your love and peace are meant to be shared. For we are all one in you. Amen

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.       John 17:20-23

*Available on YouTube

Day 7: Christmas Connections

 

Day 7 Christmas Connections

In the same way, even though we are many individuals, 

Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other.

Romans 12:5

Omar, Khalil, and Gina were chatting around the table when Carol entered the meeting room, Simon following closely at her heels. Carol shared her experiences with the regulars and the parents. Omar and Simon were bursting with ideas for the calendar. 

“Connections are the key! We’re thinking of activities that connect people inside and outside of the library. Simon has some doozies in mind!” said Omar.

“Nothing that Santa wouldn’t do,” Simon assured them.

“Gina and I have a list of books for the Staff Picks display. We are coordinating them with some of our calendar activities,” added Khalil. “We have graphics for the website too.”

“Wow,” said Carol. “Connecting is a great theme. What shall we call our program?” 

Silence fell over the table. Titles have to be just right. December Lights? Community Connections? Winter Dreams? Celebrating Readers? Library Friends? Each suggestion fell flat. Feet shuffled and sighs peppered the air. 

“OK, let’s wait on the title. Maybe something will strike us as we prepare. Gina, please type up the list of books for the Staff Picks and send it to me. I’ll have the Story Hour books chosen by the end of the week then we can plan the activities for them. Omar and Simon, forward your calendar ideas to all of us. Khalil, how are the lights coming along?”

“Tangled but most work. I’ll string them around the Children’s Alcove when we close for Thanksgiving. I’ve found some garland and I resurrected the tree from its storage box. I’ve asked some of the Reading Room folks to help decorate” Khalil answered.

“I think the children will enjoy making ornaments for the tree,” Gina offered. “We'll connect them to the Story Hour books. I’ll ask some parents to help” 

“Great,” said Carol. “One week from today we’ll meet again. Keep thinking about a title and work on your projects. This December may be the brightest we’ve ever had.”

Advent Challenge: Ask someone to help you today. 

Prayer: Heavenly Spirit, we know that when we help others, we are offering your love. By asking for help, we offer someone else the chance to do your good work in the world. In helping one another, we connect in your love. Help me ask for and give help today. Amen

Day 6: Christmas Connections

 

Day 6 Christmas Connections

 Let us not become weary in doing good, 

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

Carol knew most of the Story Hour parents by name, but she didn’t know their stories. After she read Milo Imagines the World,* she asked the parents to help their children draw pictures about their homes. Kids drew dogs and Spiderman curtains, bicycles and trampolines, sisters and brothers, gardens, birds, and swing sets. After they finished, Carol asked each to tell about their pictures. 

“My mommy works in the basement. She cuts people’s hair. When she sweeps up the hair, she puts some in the garden for the birds to use to make nests. We have lots of birds!” said Ina

“Daddy rides his bike to work. He races the cars and always wins,” said Alan. “He always wears his helmet and is very careful. My helmet looks just like his! He is teaching me to ride on two wheels."

“We have a HUGE family,” said Carla. “I have two sisters who sleep in my room and a baby brother. My nana sleeps in the attic!” Carla’s mother jumped in to say that her mother has a lovely apartment above their home. Everyone chuckled.

Stories from the pictures expanded as the parents continued sharing after Story Hour. Carol learned more about their families in one morning than she had in a year. Parents exchanged advice and phone numbers as they walked out into the crisp fall air together — now a group of friends instead of strangers. 

After lunch, while Alma translated some library notices, Carol told her about the fun that morning at Story Hour. 

“Alma, the book we read today is available in Spanish too. Would you consider joining us some time to read to the children?”

“Estaria encantada de ayuda. I’d be happy to help you, Carol. May I have a list of books you will be using? I am not so practiced reading to little children, but I welcome the challenge.”

At the next planning meeting, Carol would have a lot of connections to share. She planned on talking to the tutors and their students next.  Connections sparked everywhere.

Advent Challenge: Challenge yourself to help someone in a new way today. Find out what needs can be filled. Prepare. Practice. Share old skills or learn new ones. Do not grow weary in doing good; go for it! 

Prayer: Helping Lord, help me share my skills to help someone in a new way today. Amen

Do all the good you can, 

by all the means you can, 

in all the ways you can, 

in all the places you can, 

at all the times you can, 

to all the people you can, 

as long as ever you can.

John Wesley

*Available on YouTube