December Twenty-Five: 12/25 is a story about the traditions of Christmas through the eyes of a boy named Constantine, inspired by the author's youngest son of the same name. It is the third title of the Celebrate the HoliDates(R) children's book series, by author Mara Felicia Kelley.
The book is a fun and information-packed lyrical read that sparks wonder and reinforces a recognition of family-favorite rituals. Readers and listeners engage with playful text and vibrant pictures. A fun and simple word-search question sets the book in motion. It's a quest to find the message within the story. As the tale ends, the sought-after message rewards the word-seeking reader.
To complement the release of the Celebrate the HoliDates(R) Christmas title is the release of the original song Believe on December Twenty-Five. The lyrics of the single were written by Mara Felicia Kelley and feature vocals by popular recording artist Rebecca Jade and musical composition and production by musician and recording artist Carnell Harrell. The song is available for download and streaming on Apple Music, Spotify and other popular music apps.
December Twenty-Five contains a "History of Christmas" section that explores the Christmas tie to the traditional winter solstice celebration, with origins dating back more than 2,000 years. Readers travel through time learning the history of Christmas through the centuries. Written for young, elementary-aged children, the book reveals recognizable cultural connections relating the symbols of the season to both religious and non-religious customs.
With lots of descriptions and colorful pictures, December Twenty-Five paints a portrait of the season. Children will connect with the familiar Christmas Eve and Christmas Day themes. A recipe for festive cookies is a highlight of the book - shared from the Celebrate the HoliDates(R) Kitchen. Making the special treat creates a fun baking experience that is sure to ignite a new tradition in honor of the holiday season. The recipe provides an activity for both classrooms, families and friends to share a love of seasonal foods and baking in the kitchen.
Each Celebrate the HoliDates(R) book explores traditional celebrations throughout the year, orienting young readers to the calendar in general, the seasons and holidays with specific dates.