In past years I've seen some shows of over the top lights and displays on houses or entire neighborhoods. (I can get dizzy just thinking of the power bill). Merry Christmas, America! Megawatt Displays Across the U.S.A., by Bruce Littlefield features some of them. There are tips on doing your own display, and stories from the home owners on how it all started for them. Since the book came out in 2007 there are now houses with even more lights!

A wonderful book from decades ago ... White Snow, Bright Snow, by Alvin Tresselt and illustrated by Roger Duvosin. It combines a wonderful poem with Caldecott Award winning illustrations of a snow fall.

Remember all those books on Lighthouses back in July? I had to return to that trail when I found Lighthouse Christmas, story by Toni Buzzeo, pictures by Nancy Carpenter. What will Christmas be like at this remote lighthouse? When a storm changes their plans will there even be a Christmas? Set in 1929, it was fun learning about a service that continues today.

Not every one lives in a nice house, but everyone can offer a bit of Christmas spirit. December, by Eve Bunting and illustrated by David Diaz is a sweet story about just that. I love the little tree, and how it is decorated.

Reading Hermit With dog