Book Review

Are you exhausted by the mere thought of Christmas? You are not alone. Many Canadians dread the pressures and over-commercialization of the season. Gifts from the Heart is the perfect antidote to the stress, debts, and “holiday-itis” that can turn normally happy people into Grinches at this time of year. Author Virginia Brucker reminds us that there is more to the holiday than heading to the mall to shop. Rather than worrying about the “perfect gift” or the “perfect tree,” she encourages readers to see Christmas as an opportunity to reach out to others and to connect with family and friends.

Gifts from the Heart is filled with thoughtful, practical ideas that capture the true spirit of Christmas. There are simple suggestions for heartwarming traditions sure to create loving memories, such as leaving a thank you note for Santa or watching for Rudolph's red nose in the sky on Christmas Eve. In the chapter "Handmade with Love," children learn how to make candy cane seed pots and magic reindeer food. "Wrapping it All Up" has easy-to-follow instructions for thumbprint snowmen wrap and gingerbread people gift tags. Readers who love to cook will want to try some of the delicious recipes, including Shortbread Snowballs, Gumdrop Cookies and Christmas Cherry Bars.

Brucker has included simple projects such as volunteering at food banks, pet shelters, and seniors centers. If you think you don't have time to volunteer, "Making Time" shows you how. Grandparents will appreciate the suggestions for gifts that don't require batteries, but do require imagination, as well as the chapter on connecting with grandchildren throughout the year. “Fighting the Gimmies” and the “Gift of Gratitude” are filled with practical tips that help beleaguered parents keep holiday expectations manageable. “Celebrating with Books” has suggestions for great read-alouds and for sharing books with others.

“When the Holidays Hurt” provides sensitive suggestions for reaching out to family, friends and neighbours who are struggling with grief or illness. “Christmas and Divorce” has dozens of suggestions to help single parents or blended families cope more effectively.

Written as a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, Virginia Brucker wanted to write a book that encouraged readers to “do all the good they can.” She has clearly succeeded.

Gifts from the Heart is the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list this year-every family should have a copy to refer to, not only at Christmas but throughout the year.

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