Each year Mrs. Claus takes time out of her very busy schedule at the North Pole to present storytimes at JCPL events and in classrooms around Johnson County. Mrs. Claus loves to share stories and help children learn about the library.

This year, the library staff asked Mrs. Claus if she would write a special Memo for Mom blog post for us in order to share her wisdom and favorite books!

Hello Everyone!

How are you? Have you all been good boys and girls this year? I hope so! I have just returned home to the North Pole after JCPL’s Annual Holiday Cookie Contest. I had a delightful time sharing stories and nibbling on delicious homemade cookies.

While I was there, the library staff asked me if I would write a special Memo for Mom blog post and I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to share some of my wisdom with all of you.

Throughout the year, we spend a lot of time on our gadgets and electronics or watching television. The holidays are all about spending time with your family.

Santa and I challenge you to avoid your cell phones, TV’s, tablets and other devices on Christmas Day. Instead, spend the whole day with your family. Here is my list of 15 fun activities that don’t require a screen:

1. Play board games.

2. Bake cookies or build a gingerbread house together.

3. Take turns reading Mrs. Claus’ favorite library books out loud.

4. Write a story together.

5. Listen to an e-audiobook on hoopla or Libby.

6. Write a letter to Santa and Mrs. Claus.

7. Have a family member teach you a new skill.

8. Create a holiday craft like paper snowflakes or ornaments.

9. Have a pretend snowball fight.

10. Listen to Christmas music and sing and dance along.

11. Spend time with your pets.

12. Explore a nearby park, and if you have a white Christmas - go sledding.

13. Go caroling at a nursing home.

14. Deliver cookies and treats to people who work on Christmas such as firefighters, nurses and the police.

15. Hop in the car and go looking at light displays around town.

Santa and I wish you a holly jolly Christmas this year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Claus

P.S.

Don’t forget to check out Mrs. Claus’ Top Ten Favorite Books:

1. “Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear” by Don and Audrey Wood

2. “The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas” by Laura Murray

3. “The Gingerbread Pirates” by Kristin Kladstrup

4. “Bear Stays Up for Christmas” by Karma Wilson

5. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson

6. “A Little House Christmas” by Laura Ingalls Wilder

7. “The Homecoming” by Earl Hamner

8. “The Animals' Santa” by Jan Brett

9. “An Orange for Frankie” by Patricia Polacco

10. “A Shiloh Christmas” (conclusion to the Shiloh quartet) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor