Did Santa bring you an ereader?

If you were lucky enough to receive an ereader or tablet for Christmas, check out the following links to help you get started with borrowing Library ebooks.

FAQs for new ereader owners.
http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/onlineresources/ebookfaqs.asp

Step-by-step guide for mobile devices (tablets and smartphones).
http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/pdfs/elm-mobiledevices.pdf

Step-by-step guide for ereaders such as Sony Reader and Kobo.
http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/pdfs/elm-ereaders.pdf

The Scrooge Factor

  

“A Christmas Carol” has always been my favourite story of the holidays and I always revisit it at this time of year.  Luckily, there are many versions of it available at the library, both in print and audio-visual format, to choose from.

Dickens wrote the original tale in 1843, and it was instrumental in revitalising some of the traditions of Christmas that have endured to this day: the Christmas tree, Christmas carols, and giving gifts (though it was often reserved for New Year’s Eve).  Many adaptations have been made of the story for television and cinema, and one can find distinct qualities to recommend each of them, though the one starring Patrick Stewart is one of my favourites for its especially strong acting.  The 1984 version, with George C. Scott has a great Scrooge, is probably the most faithful re-telling of the original book and has gorgeous sets.

But one can’t help but wonder at the end of the “A Christmas Carol”, whatever happens to Tiny Tim?  Well, author Louis Bayard has written a sequel answering this question entitled “Mr. Timothy”, though it is no longer a Christmas story.  We are introduced to the now-adult character of Timothy Cratchit in 1860′s London, who is trying to make a life for himself under difficult conditions -but with the continued help of “Uncle” Ebenezer.  The tale turns into a thriller when Tim is thrown into the role of protector of a homeless girl and, with the help of colorful allies, investigates what could be a series of child murders.

“A Christmas Carol” introduced the immortal Ebenezer Scrooge into our collective consciousness: a miser whose hardened heart makes him loathe Christmas, until the spirit of his former business partner and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future help to rekindle his charity and compassion toward his fellow man. 

Despite this positive change in the character in the story, the term ”Scrooge” is still known in our language as a symbol of cupidity and ”humbugging” toward the holiday season.    Some have embraced this rejection and what they see as the negative aspects of the Christmas season.   If this fits your own mood this season, those titles could be for you.

 “Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham is a humourous take on the phenomenon of people deciding to “skip” Christmas, and the equally humourous reaction of the people close to them.  When Mr. and Mrs. Krank decide to go on a Caribbean vacation on December 25th (while still saving money from Christmas-related expenses!) they quickly realize that their “rebellion” is not only frowned upon by their neighbours and relatives, but is actively resisted.  Like it was up to them whether to celebrate the holidays or not, right!  Wackiness ensues.  

 On the other hand, there are stories where the protagonists attempt to save Christmas from various scrooges, including (remarkably) Christmas mystery novels.  In Joanne Fluke’s Plum Pudding Murder, series’ heroine, bakery owner Hannah Swensen must must solve the murder of the owner of the local Christmas tree lot.  As always with the author’s series, this book is recommended for those who appreciate good food and the art of making it.

Busy Body: An Agatha Raisin Mystery by M. C. Beaton is another Christmas murder investigation story, this time around the death of a would-be scrooge who tried to ban Christmas decorations in Agatha’s town on health and safety grounds, arousing the outrage of its citizens.  But was this the motive for his murder?  And if so, how can one find the guilty party with so many potential suspects? 

If you are in the mood for a more modern (and way more cynical) re-telling of the Scrooge story,  ”A Christmas Caroline” by Kyle Smith is exactly that.  Think a of a mix of Dickens’ novel and “The Devil Wears Prada“, where a selfish woman working at a fashion magazine is taught the true  meaning of Christmas by three mysterious visitors.

This final mention could be of interest to the non-fiction fan. I have noticed a recent trend in self-help books where they are using famous great men and women as models, often taking their own quotes and maxims and using them as advice in various aspects of life.  Winston Churchill, for example, has been used as an inspiration for business leadership.  In this same spirit, a book entitled  “The financial wisdom of Ebenezer Scrooge : 5 principles to transform your relationship with money” was written about our relationship with money. It is available at the library, though I confess to not having read it.

With this, all that remains for me is to wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

-Louis-Philippe

 

Rockin’ Around the Christmas CDs…

    

Are you a Christmas music fanatic? Do you long to hear something different, something other than the standard Bing Crosby, Burl Ives or Nat King Cole? Well, check out the library’s extensive Christmas music collection on CD. The library has more than 800 Christmas music CDs!

For the past year (since last November), I’ve been listening to Christmas music non-stop. Luckily I love Christmas music, and I have a desk job so I can wear headphones while working (I think my coworkers would kill me if I played this stuff out loud year-round). I made it my personal goal to listen to every Christmas CD the library has. I’ll admit sometimes it’s been difficult, especially when it’s been over 30 Celsius in the middle of summer, but now that it’s November again and the snow is back it has become easier. Surprisingly, after a year, I’m still not sick of Christmas music!

In the past year I’ve listened to over 60% of the collection, so I still have a ways to go, but I have listened to hundreds of CDs I would never have listened to and some of those CDs have been so good I’ve went out and bought myself copies. I also know what sort of Christmas music I don’t like, but this article will focus on the some of the ones I think deserve some recognition.

Ashanti’s Christmas was the first CD I listened to that I liked enough to buy. I was vaguely aware that she was a singer, but I had no idea what she sang or anything about her. I have to admit I thought it would be another trite, overdone CD. I couldn’t be more wrong. Her voice is so pure and clear and the songs are fairly traditional. I love this CD!

In a similar vein, A Winter Symphony by Sarah Brightman is also well worth listening to. Again I thought I wouldn’t enjoy the CD, but I was proved wrong once again. She has a clear and powerful, but, at the same time, soft voice and it works wonderfully well with the arrangement of traditional and unfamiliar carols.

Who knew I liked Celtic music, or medieval music? I had never heard of Celtic Woman, but I certainly put A Christmas Celebration on my wish list. Of course I knew of Loreena McKennit, but I was only vaguely familiar with her music. After listening to A Midwinter Night’s Dream I have definitely put it on my “to buy” list.

If you prefer your music more upbeat try Destiny’s Child’s 8 Days of Christmas. I loved the CD and especially loved their interpretation of the 12 days of Christmas. Elton John’s Christmas Party is also great for a rocking good time. His compilation includes everyone from Otis Redding, U2 and The Pet Shop Boys. Of course Elton sings a couple of tunes himself. I would highly recommend both CDs if you’re hosting a party.

Never in a million years would I think I would like choir music, but I loved Joy to the World by the Robert Shaw Chorale. Perhaps because I attended churches with an “open door” policy on choir members (if you wanted to join, you could, regardless of any sort of musical talent), but I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was.

If you really can’t go without Bing or the other crooners, you’ll love the 3-CD set entitled Happy Christmas Memories. Bing, Elvis, Rosemary Clooney, The Andrew Sisters and Danny Kaye are well represented along with many others.

Although I think that Bing Crosby gets overplayed, I did quite enjoy The Voice of Christmas : the Complete Decca Christmas Songbook. It has got all of the tunes we are familiar with, as well as some I had never heard before, including “O fir tree dark”, “Looks like a cold, cold winter” and “Little Jack Frost, get lost”. It’s a great find.

Some other recommendations include: Christmas Portrait by the Carpenters ; Christmas Greatest Hits (a compilation) ; Peace on Earth by Matt Dusk ; Christmas Stays the Same by Linda Eder ; Christmas by Colin James & the Little Big Band ; Joy : a Holiday Collection by Jewel ; Christmas with Dino and Season’s Greetings both by Dean Martin ; and finally The Christmas Music of Johnny Mathis.

-David

A Librarian’s Holiday Gift List

In 1970, when I was an angry young woman full of pathos for the refugees of political turmoil and the ravages of flood and famine in Bangladesh, I entreated my family to send any money they would have spent on gifts for me to a benefit fund. On Christmas morning my father, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, produced a wood packing crate filled with gifts labeled “From the People of Bangladesh to Jane” along with a donor cheque. I learned then that charity and abundance are not mutually exclusive. I also came to the heartbreaking realization that despite my self-sacrifice, the poor are always with us.   Now, while I do donate to charities, I also enjoy giving special books to my favourite people and indulging in one or two for myself.

 

Here is my list for 2011:

For my husband, who is both handy and handsome, a tin of book darts from Lee Valley and The Anarchist’s Tool Chest by Christopher Schwarz. It includes a list of 48 essential hand tools and instructions on how to build a chest to house them.

For my daughter who faithfully PVRs “Iron Chef,” cooking lessons from Chef Bender at Louis Riel Arts & Technology Centre and a copy of The Art of Living According to Joe Beef by the proprietors of the eponymous restaurant in Montreal. More of a philosophy than a cookbook, it includes a recipe for absinthe, a homage to railway dining cars and a gorgeous fold out of a thirty ingredient smorgasbord.

For my mother who misses her daily Oprah fix, the novel The Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. Anointed “Most Cinematic” on Oprah’s Best Fiction list in December 2011 issue,  it is billed “as an irresistible and astonishingly assured debut about working-class women and world weary WASPs in 1930s New York” and is touted to “pick up where The Great Gatsby leaves us”.

To my sister who juggles an active 7-year-old, a part time job, volunteer duties at school and, consequently, has no time to read, a voucher for meals from Supper Central and a subscription to Canadian Family magazine which features Canadian articles and sources for home décor, vacation, food and health and parenting.

To my brother who writes very funny yet cynical letters, I will wrap a fountain pen along with Roz Chast’s What I Hate , an alphabetized list of terrible things that cause anxiety from carnivals and Ouija boards to tunnels. I never fail to laugh out loud at Chast’s cartoons in the New Yorker.

To my brother who now lives in “Shangri-La” on Vancouver Island, a pair of garbage mitts and Winter, the 2011 CBC Massy Lectures by Adam Gopnik to remind him of what he is missing. Did you know that the Russians embraced the return of winter because the snow meant the end of muddy roads?

And for myself…? In a Venn diagram of various literary prizes constructed by The Globe and Mail, the “convergence of opinion” puts Half Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan at the top of my Must Read list.  After an afternoon of delivering hampers for the Christmas Cheer Board, I look forward to a mug of mulled cider and cracking open this winning novel about a jazz musician’s memories of Paris in the Second World War.

Read more books, give more time, spend less money this holiday.

-Jane

‘Tis the Season to be Crafty

Yes, I know!! There isn’t even snow on the ground and here I am writing about Christmas.  However, even before Halloween was over the stores had rows and rows devoted to Christmas–Christmas cards, Christmas decorations, Christmas wrap and Christmas shirts emblazoned with tacky glittery Christmas trees. Though I love Christmas, the commercialism of it does get a bit tiresome with people angsting over buying the perfect gift and getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of preparations with no time to relax. Since there’s still plenty of time until Christmas, why not make this the year you try your hand at making gifts for family and friends, or ornaments and decorations for your home? Whether you’ve done lots of crafts before or you’re a newbie, there are items to make that fit every level of talent. Trust me, I’m not the craftiest person alive and if I can actually make stuff, so can you!    

If you haven’t crafted before, start out simple.  Make wrapping paper out of brown shipping paper.  Use cookie cutters as templates to paint on shapes, rubber stamp designs onto the paper or use a potato as a stamp.  Buy glass canning jars, fill them with candy, homemade cookies or nuts n’ bolts and put a swath of fabric around the lid fastened with pretty ribbon. Make little stuffed stocking ornaments out of fabric or felt and use them as bows on presents.  Bows always get thrown away–at least your ornament will be reused year after year.  Sachets are easy to make. Purchase some satin material, cut it into squares and stuff with fresh or dried herbs such as lavender. These proved to be very popular gifts; I even sold them at a craft sale and was shocked people actually paid money for something I had made! Another cute idea is to make candy skewers. Get some soft Christmas candies such as jujubes, thread them onto a wooden skewer, then wrap them in cellophane and tie with fancy ribbon. (Okay, I stole that idea from my sister who made Halloween candy skewers for my son this year.)

Crafting is much more fun if you do it with friends. Last year, a friend of mine suggested that we have crafting afternoons with her daughter and my son, and those afternoons formed lasting memories. We checked out an assortment of crafting books from the library and had lots of fun making a variety of crafts.   Fa La La La Felt had some really nice ideas for felt stuffies, ornaments and coasters. We made felt penguins with the kids and they had lots of fun. Even my 7 year old son didn’t get bored! What Shall We Do Today? taught us how to make snow globes out of glass canning jars and the kids had fun making those for teachers and relatives. This book also made a great Christmas present for my niece, as it contains crafts for every season.  This year, I’m going to try my hand at crafts from A Very Beaded Christmas.  This book contains beaded ornaments, candle decorations and other fairly simple beaded projects.

For teacher gifts, one afternoon we made cookie mixes in a jar. You layer all the ingredients and then put pretty ribbon and fabric around the top of the jar. However, remember to taste test a recipe before you use it for jars. One recipe I used wasn’t very good but I only discovered this after I had made quite a few jars. Check out the recipes in these  “gifts in a jar” cookbooks or on this Internet site.  

Remember that making home-made gifts isn’t just about saving money. Handmade gifts are the ones that most people will cherish for years to come. My favorite gift of all time? A crocheted blanket that my friend made me when I got married. My son’s favorite present last year? A handmade Advent calendar that my friend and her daughter made him. She used a big sheet and then sewed different sized pockets all over the sheet with numbers on each pocket. Each pocket was then filled with treats and the sheet was hung from a dowel. It hung over our fireplace and was much nicer than any store-bought Advent calendar. This year that Advent calendar will get used again, and I want to make one for my niece in the hope that she’ll like it as much as my son liked his. 

Theresa