The Holy Night
What’s inside...
'What that shepherd saw, we might also see, for the angels fly down from heaven every Christmas Eve, if we could only see them.' A picture book edition of Selma Lagerlöf's classic Christmas tale. One cold winter's night, a cruel and hard-hearted shepherd is amazed by the strange happenings. A man comes looking for wood for a fire to warm his wife and new-born baby, and the dogs don't bite him, the sheep don't run away, and the fire doesn't scorch him. Following the man back to his cold grotto, the shepherd discovers the true spirit of Christmas.
Age
0-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Grandma
Discussion points
How did the shepherd boy's journey make you feel?
What do you think was the most important lesson the shepherd boy learned?
Why do you think the angel chose to visit the shepherd boy?
How can we show kindness and hope to others like the characters in the story?
What did you learn about different cultures and traditions from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to the shepherd boy by asking them how they would feel in his situation.
Discuss the historical and cultural setting of the story to broaden your child's understanding of the world.
Point out the moral lessons in the story and ask your child how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Use the vivid descriptions in the book to help your child visualize the scenes and enhance their imaginative thinking.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene or character from the book, promoting artistic expression along with comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'The Holy Night,' the shepherd boy's deep empathy and compassion towards the baby Jesus are demonstrated when he chooses to give his only possession, a lamb, to keep the baby warm.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to show empathy by understanding and responding to the feelings of their peers or family members, offering help or comfort when needed.
Example Lesson: The importance of selflessness
Explanation: The shepherd boy’s selfless act of giving without expecting anything in return highlights the virtue of selflessness.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice this by sharing their toys, snacks, or helping around the house, learning to give freely without seeking personal gain.
Example Lesson: The value of modest offerings
Explanation: Despite his poverty, the shepherd boy’s offering is depicted as valuable because of the love and sincerity behind it. This underscores the notion that even modest gifts can have great significance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and value small gestures of kindness and learn that the thought behind an action often holds more value than the material offering itself.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing hardships
Explanation: The narrative showcases the shepherd boy braving the cold night and making a tough journey to Bethlehem, illustrating courage in adversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in confronting their fears or difficulties, be it at school or when trying something new, understanding that courage can help them overcome challenges.