*This post is sponsored by Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. I received promotional items and/or compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

Christmas for me was a magical time – a special time full of family and fun activities. My mom was and is a BIG believer in creating and keeping traditions – especially those that center around the holidays. It was during my childhood, when I was about the same age that my own children are now, that some of my most beloved Christmas traditions began to take shape, and take root in my heart. Every year, we’d drive to the big department store downtown and ride the Christmas monorail. We went to the little drugstore by my grandparents’ house to visit Santa. We collected Christmas books, Hallmark ornaments, and decorated sugar cookies. And every year without fail, we sat down to watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Bekki

I can still remember getting SO excited to snuggle up in my jammies and watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Every year, I would anxiously await the day it would be shown on tv. Not only would I get to stay up a bit later than usual, I’d get to watch one of my favorite holiday stories unfold before my eyes. I was so entranced.

Now as an adult,it doesn’t feel quite like Christmas until we’ve watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer together. In fact, we decided to kick-off our beloved 25 Days of Christmas Advent Activity with “Rudolph Day!”

We made Rudolph cookies, Rudolph rolls, read and enjoyed the amazing new books from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and of course, watched the movie together. We ran out of time, but we have a few Rudolph crafts up our sleeve for the month of December as well. You can find lots of other great Rudolph/Reindeer activities by clicking, Chasing Supermom’s Reindeer Activities.

After we had celebrated and were getting ready for bed, my son turned to me and said, “Rudolph is definitely the best reindeer of them all. He’s my favorite. I loved this day.” My heart smiles knowing that my children are the third generation of my family to enjoy this classic and timeless Christmas tradition. And, I have a sneaking suspicion that children in my family will be enjoying Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for many many years to come. He’s a part of us. He’s a part of our holiday story. He helps make the season bright. You see, his nose didn’t just light the way for Santa’s sleigh – he lit up our hearts with Christmas cheer and childlike wonder.

rudolph dayThis season, start building memories with your kids. There are so many ways to celebrate beloved characters – and turn a Christmas special or a great book into a magical family memory!

Square Fish, an imprint of the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, is releasing 6 new Rudolph-themed books that span a variety of formats, including the first ever graphic novel starring Rudolph and company, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Island of Misfit Toys, by Brendan Deneen. Other formats include a classic storybook, a picture book, slide-and-find and lift-the-flap board books, and a ‘My Reader’ edition specifically designed for beginning readers. There’s something for the whole family!

 My children (all avid readers) dove head-first into these stories. I loved that there was a book that was “just right” for each of my kids (ages 2-8.) My two year old adored the board books. My four year old claimed The Classic Story as his own, while my six year old claimed the easy readers. My third grader was delighted with the graphic novel, and couldn’t wait to read it at bedtime tonight. (I actually found my six year old asleep clutching “Rudolph Saves the Day” as well!)

 

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One very lucky Chasing Supermom reader is going to win ALL SIX Rudolph books!!! (And they are pretty awesome!!) Thanks for entering and good luck!!!

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