According to The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg the "J" stands for Jesus. The shepherd's staff is because the shepherds were the first to find out about Jesus' birth. The stripes are because Jesus was beaten. The red and white colors are because "his blood washes away our sins, making us white and pure as snow."I love how The Legend of the Candy Cane takes a simple item from Christmas and creates a special story around it. After reading this book my children will always think of Jesus and our faith when they see a candy cane.
I think that's a good thing.
I like to pair reading our Christmas children's books aloud with an activity. In this case I recommend two activities: The Legend of the Candy Cane Coloring Book and making candy cane reindeer ornaments.
The Legend of the Candy Cane Coloring Book is only 15 pages long. The drawings are simple for even a preschooler to color. It also includes a version of the legend. (This is NOT the same product line as the Walburg book.)
The directions for candy cane reindeer ornaments are quick and easy for kids 8 and up. You can include a copy of the legend with the reindeer for a small gift of present topper.
Did you know why candy canes have stripes?
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4 comments:
This is a favorite at our house--the first one Mia was looking to read! Our coloring book has a note allowing you photocopy it. So, I keep an "original" and make my copies. Last year we put together coloring books for our Sunday school kids and they loved it! Also, a fun one for a playdate to work on together and then take home!
Amy, thanks for the reminder that you can photocopy the coloring book. I forgot to mention that's what I do. But they are only $1.59 at CBD (see link for coloring book title) right now. Might be worth buying the originals if you plan on using it for a group. :)
=D Yes, I do know why the candy cane has stripes. We have this book also! We start our Christmas reads on Wednesday and I CAN'T WAIT! (We did set up the tree last night.)
Carrie, we see to have a lot of the same Christmas books. That makes me smile. We've been reading Christmas books since Saturday. I'm enjoying listening to my oldest pick up the books about songs and then sing the song as he reads. Really cute.
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