A little girl, Nina, can't wait to decorate the Christmas tree her dad bought... As soon as she sees it, she is disappointed because it is small and short... But while searching its branches, a big surprise awaits her... An envelope with instructions to make her own unique Christmas ornaments and give the tree a new look. But there are a few more surprises waiting for her...
A different kind of children's Christmas book that teaches kids the gratitude we should all feel for the 'small' and 'big' things we have in our lives!
It feels like an original treasure hunt, as each letter is a continuation of the previous one... They guide Nina on a unique journey of self-awareness and mini psychoanalysis.
Despite the overconsumption of our times, it promotes ecological awareness... It encourages young children to take home a real tree in a pot, like Nina's. Also, to make their own handmade Christmas ornaments and decorate their tree in a unique way! Thus, even the most 'ugly' tree will change form and look beautiful!
After all, we don't judge a book by its cover, since within its pages we can discover unique treasures... That's exactly what happened to Nina and her little Christmas tree.
The third letter urges Nina and every young reader to think about the people who make them happy, the aspects of themselves they are proud of, and the small insignificant things that are absolutely useful in their lives. It's a good opportunity for deeper conversations with children, so we parents can also learn how they perceive the world and themselves.
Because the real magic of Christmas is not the gifts, clothes, and toys, but being happy with ourselves and our loved ones!
In our library, we also have another favorite book by Katrina Tsantali, 'Fantazou,' full of sensitivity, empathy, and animal-loving feelings.
'Letters Hidden in the Fir' also overflows with positive feelings, sensitivity, empathy, and gratitude towards ourselves and those around us.
The wonderful illustrations, which remind me of the Sarah Kay stickers I had when I was little, follow and highlight the text, which flows effortlessly and is pleasantly followed by both young and older readers.
Reading the third letter, which asks Nina to think of three things that make her happy, 'The Jar of Memories' came to my mind. Every night, we ask the children three things that made them happy during the day, write them on a piece of paper, and put them in a jar. Christmas Eve is a nice day to open the jar and read the notes, which are full of optimism and funny moments.
A nice phrase I kept from the book is: 'Happiness begins with gratitude!'
Let us all be grateful for what we have in our lives and teach our children the true meaning of Christmas!