My Ho-Ho-Horrible Christmas (Full House: Michelle)
#17 in Full House: Michelle Series
on Goodreads (45)
What’s inside...
Invited to a Christmas party by her new friend Alta, Michelle is upset when her father tells her she cannot attend unless her nerdy cousin, Marshall, is invited as well. Michelle is forced to bring along her seven-year-old cousin Marshall to the party. When Alta is mean to Marshall, Michelle decides to throw her own holiday party. However, Michelle's excitement turns to disappointment when Alta uninvites her, blaming it on Marshall.
Character compass
Michelle Tanner
Discussion points
What was the funniest part of Michelle's Christmas experience? Why did you find it funny?
How did Michelle handle the challenges she faced during Christmas? What would you have done in her situation?
Can you think of a time when something didn’t go as planned during a holiday or a special event? How did you feel and what did you do?
Why do you think family is important during holidays like Christmas?
If you could give any character in the book a gift, who would it be and what would you give them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers.
Relate the book's scenarios to personal family experiences to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book they found memorable; this can help them reflect deeper and articulate their thoughts better.
Promote empathy by discussing the characters’ emotions and decisions, asking your child how they might have felt in similar situations.
Use humor from the book as a way to keep the discussion light-hearted and enjoyable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'My Ho-Ho-Horrible Christmas,' Michelle experiences a series of mishaps that lead her to understand the feelings of those around her. Her journey promotes understanding and caring for others, even when things don't go as planned.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and experiences of others in their daily interactions at school or home.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and togetherness
Explanation: Throughout the book, Michelle learns the value of spending time with family and the importance of supporting each other during challenging times. The festive setting emphasizes the significance of family unity during the holidays.
Real-World Application: Kids can cherish gathering with their family during special occasions and understand that being together is more important than having everything go perfectly.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Michelle faces many challenges in 'My Ho-Ho-Horrible Christmas,' but she learns to stay positive and keep trying, despite setbacks. This resilience is a central theme in the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to persist and maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with difficulties or when things don't go as expected, whether in school projects or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and creativity
Explanation: As Michelle encounters various problems, she comes up with creative solutions to overcome them. The story encourages thinking outside the box and finding innovative ways to deal with challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can use these skills to tackle their everyday problems in creative ways, whether it's resolving conflicts with friends or coming up with unique answers during school activities.