Cranberry Christmas Book Review

I received this book for review purposes as part of the Schoolhouse Review Crew.

My whole family loves this time of year! What better way to celebrate the holidays than with the book, Cranberry Christmas, from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine! We were able to review it recently and had a great time with all of the stories, poems, activities, and recipes.

Cranberry Christmas is full of all things cranberry! Do you know the history behind cranberries here in America? Native Americans were using them for all sorts of things, besides eating, from giving their fabrics color to natural cures! There is so much more to it but you will be sure to know it all after reading this book with your family.

This book would be great to work on just before Thanksgiving. There are some beautiful napkin and place holders inside that the children can print, color, and cut out to assemble for the Thanksgiving table! The children will enjoy it and so will the adults when they see their place settings. I tell you though, this book couldn’t have come at a better time! I have been so overwhelmed with everything lately that I totally slacked in the holiday activities area. Thanksgiving was here before I was prepared and my house needed decluttering..BAD! I had only received this book just before Thanksgiving so we weren’t able to get some activities done before then but I was able to read some of the stories and poems to help us get in the holiday mood. I will definitely save them for next year though!

The stories – There are some heartwarming stories in here about cranberries that surround Christmas. A few even got to me while I read them aloud to two of my children! My soon-to-be 8 year old sat on my lap to hug me while I read. Oh how I love this time of year!

Poems – There are a few poems in here about cranberries. Have the children read them aloud (or you can) and then they can use them for copywork!

Recipes – My word…I had absolutely no idea that there were so many ways to make cranberries! Honestly, the only time my family has had them was when we have the cranberry blob in a can for Thanksgiving. With Cranberry Christmas, you get a “real” cranberry sauce recipe! You will also find recipes for easy egg rolls, slaw, and even relish. My sister-in-law actually made a sort of dessert cranberry fluff for our Thanksgiving this year and it was amazing! Who knew? Obviously I didn’t!

Activities – My family loves to throw in activities and crafts while enjoying a book or learning something new. It really helps the lessons to stick with them…plus it’s fun! Included, you will find crossword puzzles along with napkin holders and place holder cards.

Crafts – Inside you while find a whole list of crafts with links that you can make with cranberries! Learn how to make a gorgeous Greeting Card with cranberry dye and so much more!

I would definitely recommend anyone to use Cranberry Christmas with their family for the holidays! We will be revisiting it next year and many more years to come I’m sure.