Christmas Tree Memories

by Aliki

Family members admire the ornaments on their Christmas tree and share their memories of previous holidays as evoked by the ornaments

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens

30 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Aliki has written and illustrated many books, both fiction and nonfiction, loved by readers throughout the world. The books were inspired by a word, an experience, or the desire to find out. Aliki lives in London, England.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a favourite Christmas read of both my children, luckily for us I picked this up from a library sale but it's sad the library doesn't have a copy anymore.

A mother and father ring a bell on Christmas eve, a signal to the children come in to the room to see the tree. Sitting by the candle lit tree they share memories of the decorations they have made over the years. They remember the times they made the decorations and think about relatives who are alive and those who are no longer around. They sit and think about the past year and the one to come as candle by candle the tree lights go out and they climb up the stairs to bed.

I appreciated that this story shows a Christmas that focuses on enjoying being together, making decorations and simpler time of games and candlelight. A lovely story about family customs, memories and special times spent with those you love.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written illustrated picture book invites readers into one family's Christmas Eve tradition of sharing memories. The family gathers in front of the decorated tree before bedtime. There are ornaments older than the children, gift ornaments and homemade decorations. Each ornament has a special memory that goes with it. The reader gets the sense that all of these stories have been told many times before, but everyone enjoys them just the same. I love sharing this book with students and discussing their favorite holiday memories.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son has chosen this book from both the county library and now the school library, and at a year or two apart, so there must be something about it that he likes. The pictures are nice. The storyline is a family on Christmas Eve sitting in front of their Christmas tree reminiscing about the ornaments, when they received them, etc. I was bothered by the fact that the conversations are in italics, but I was often confused as to who was speaking, if it was the same person or more than one person, as that is not made clear. However, it is a cute book.

[Jobiska (Cindy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet--tree ornaments bring back year-round memories.

[The Transmuted Tree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red 3rd

A story about a family turning crafts they make throughout the year into Christmas tree decorations. Then at Christmastime they reminisce about each one.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this after Christmas, and I keep thinking about how it encourages family traditions. A great family read, especially good to read if you’re about to make Christmas ornaments.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a nice read before making a special ornament together, or before talking about your own family Christmas memories. I usually like a lot of books written by this author.

[Bat713 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming reminder of past.