ANDOVER — The holiday season approaches with its attending celebrations: December solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Diwali, and other traditions around the world. I’ve tried in this column to be broad-minded and include many kinds of literature and attendant cultures (oops, I may have failed at poetry); however, I’m going to simply focus on two books that gave my children and grandchildren great joy at this wintry time.

Wake Up, Bear…It’s Christmas! Stephen Gammell writes and illustrates the story of a single
bear who has been in bed in previous winters, but suddenly says, “I’ve decided what to do. / I’m getting up for Christmas, / instead of sleeping through!” His alarm wakes him on Christmas Eve, in time for cutting and decorating a tree and settling in with candlelight, with his hot cocoa and guitar. Lo and behold, a knock at the door produces a stranger in red, with requisite beard and bald head, whom Bear invites in. 

After enjoying a few songs together, more cocoa, and discussion of the snow and wind, the visitor must go but flings an invitation back from his giant wooden box sled, which Bear accepts, of course. And they’re off: “Oh, what a Christmas!” Bear hollered. / ‘I’ve never had such fun. / I’d like to think it could be/ like this for everyone.’” And wouldn’t that bring joy all around the world.

Amahl and the Night Visitors. Written by Gian Carlo Menotti and illustrated by Michele Lemieux. Amahl’s story is based on Menotti’s opera of the same name and a miraculous cure of his lameness from a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Sacro Monte when he was a little boy. The
illustrations reflect the true colors of the people and surroundings as the Magi followed the star
to Bethlehem, and the depictions of the camels are quite magnificent. 

Amahl himself lives with his widowed mother as they are about to resort to begging since their cupboards and pockets are empty, and yes, Amahl is lame. When first the Kings arrive, then the shepherds with food, there is celebration and dancing, but Amahl’s mother struggles with the Magi’s gifts for the Child heralded by the star in the East and the fact that she can offer them nothing but a place to lay their heads.

No more, no more — this is truly a must-read since miracles might just happen!