Stamped Shortbread Cookies (AIP, Paleo, Vegan)

My girls made sure I had treats for the feasts of St. Nick and St. Lucy too. It IS possible to make gluten-free, grain-free, egg-free, dairy-free, sugar-free shortbread cookies! This is the second year they have made them for me and they are such a nice little treat along with a cup of tea. 

Stamped Shortbread Cookies

(Paleo, AIP, Vegan)

Ingredients:

• ½ c Coconut Flour
• 2 tbsp. Arrowroot Flour
• Pinch of Sea Salt
• ½ c melted Palm Shortening
• 2 tbsp. Maple Syrup
• ½ tsp alcohol-free Vanilla Extract
• 4 tbsp. Water

Instructions:

1. Set oven to 325 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl sift together the coconut flour, arrowroot flour, and pinch of salt.
3. Make a well in the center and add the melted palm oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir thoroughly. Add the water and continue to stir until you have a nice dough. The mixture will continue to thicken after the water is added. 
4. Roll into one-inch balls, and place on uncreased cookie sheet. 
5. Stamp with cookie stamp. (Tips for using stamps can be found here.)
6. Bake at 325 for 15 minutes, until lightly golden on edges. 
7. Allow the cookies to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing from the baking sheet. 
8. Enjoy! 

We have quite a few Rycraft Cookie Stamps including the cookie stamps featured in this post:

Saint Nicholas • Bishop's Mitre • God Jul • Dala Horse • Lucia Crown • Lucia

If you have a favorite AIP cookie recipe, please share! 

New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas {and a St. Nicholas Giveaway!}

The feast of St. Nicholas is just a few weeks away! On December 6th our children always wake up to find that the letters they wrote to the Holy Child and/or St. Nicholas have been taken and their (sometimes new/replaced) slippers have been filled with little treats, oranges, chocolate gold coins, candy canes, and often times a note from St. Nicholas. Our children (and teens!) have always received a new Christmas book as well, which has helped us build an amazing collection over the years!

“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” - C.S. Lewis

I picked out some of this years books months ago, before life started getting really crazy with our out-of-state move, and last week I went hunting for bookstores near our new home to find a few last books to finish the list. I haven't wrapped them up yet but plan to once again use the brown paper, red ribbon and little St. Nicholas labels.

You are welcome to download my St. Nicholas labels over at Dropbox with either Black or Green text. 

Here is the list of books my husband and I picked out for our children this year:

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For Captain:

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Deluxe Edition

"Celebrate Christmas with Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang in this gorgeous deluxe storybook retelling of the beloved Christmas special! Christmas is almost here, which means ice-skating, Christmas carols, and sparkly lights everywhere—even on Snoopy’s doghouse! Everyone is enjoying the holiday celebrations except Charlie Brown. Can the Peanuts gang help Charlie Brown discover the true meaning of Christmas? Find out in this beautiful deluxe storybook with a cloth cover, lush foil stamping, and incredible illustrations! This makes the perfect holiday gift for fans of Peanuts and the classic Christmas special."

Our eldest son has always loved Charlie Brown! This book will be a fun addition to his collection. 

For Ranger: 

The Village of Lights

"On a snowy hilltop in the north of England lives a lonely old farmer. Every night, he watches the lights flickering cheerily in his village--until World War II brings darkness to his country. As Christmas approaches and the village is threatened by enemy bombers, the old farmer devises a plan to bring hope and light back to his friends and remind all of the peace the Christmas season brings."

I had a hard time deciding which of the boys to give this story to... They will all love it! 

(Originally I thought I'd give this one to our 11 year old and the LEGO Ornament book to Ranger...

but Sean voted for the opposite.) 

For Twinkle Toes: 

The Queen and the First Christmas Tree: Queen Charlotte's Gift to England

"Queen Charlotte brought her family's festive holiday yule bough from Germany to England. While planning a Christmas Day party in 1800 at Windsor Castle for over 100 children, she realized a single bough isn't enough. So she brought in the whole tree instead, making it the first known Christmas Tree in England. This story tells a little known fact about a favorite holiday tradition."

For Chiquita:

Silent Night: The wonderful story of the beloved Christmas Carol

"A warm and wonderful story of the creation of the timeless hymn, Silent Night, and its creator Joseph Mohr. Silent Night celebrates the 200th anniversary of the beloved hymn, and shares the story behind the creation of one of the world's most recognizable tunes. "

Our older two girls have both joined the choir at our new parish and I know they will especially love reading this story about the hymn Silent Night.

For Snuggles: 

LEGO Christmas Ornaments Book, Volume 2: 16 Designs to Spread Holiday Cheer

"Building instructions for 16 clever Christmas ornaments that can be built from standard LEGO parts that fans are likely to have in their collection. These small and uncomplicated ornaments are quick to build and a joy to display. "



**I might end up just giving this to all the kids and giving Snuggles the brand new book by Susan Peek, Saint Rudolph and the Reindeer. 

For Rose: 

Christmas Farm

"When Wilma decides her garden needs a new beginning, she gathers string, scissors, shovels, sixty-two dozen balsam seedlings, and Parker, her five-year-old neighbor. Year after year, Wilma and Parker nurture their trees, keeping careful count of how many they plant, how many perish, and how many grow to become fine, full Christmas trees. A cozy, holiday read-aloud and a lyrical way to usher in the month of December."

For Bud: 

The Little Drummer Boy

"This classic Christmas story about a shy boy who plays his trusted drum for the newborn king will charm children and parents alike. A brand new story from Bernadette Watts, never before published."

For Grace: 

The Nutcracker: A BabyLit Dancing Primer

"With this colorfully illustrated board book version of the classic Christmas-time ballet, Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver present a new holiday favorite, The Nutcracker: A BabyLit® Dancing Primer. This board book features soldiers marching, mice prancing, snowflakes swirling, dolls bending, and buffoons skipping as a way to introduce basic movement terms to babies and toddlers."

Bonus - For Sean and I: 

Drinking with Saint Nick: Christmas Cocktails for Sinners and Saints

Michael Foley, author of Drinking with the Saints, presents cocktail recipes and wine, beer, and cider recommendations that will keep hearths warm and parties joyful throughout the holidays. With stories about the history of St. Nicholas and other saints, as well as an advent calendar leading up to Christmas, this gift book is a must for anyone who starts stringing lights and playing Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. Let the Christmas games begin!


Bonus - Family Read Aloud: 

Seven for St. Nicholas

I found this book on Ebay a few years ago (back before Grace was born when we still had seven children) and keep forgetting to pull it out for the feast of St. Nicholas. It's about seven children in New Amsterdam who worry that St. Nicholas will not be able to find them in the New World. I'm hoping, as we get settled into our new home, that I'll be able to find the time to read it aloud this December. I'm looking forward to it! 

The darling wooden St. Nicholas toys in the above two pictures are from Naturally Catholic and Almond Rod Toys. 

New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas {and a St. Nicholas Giveaway!}

The feast of St. Nicholas is just a month away! On December 6th our children wake up to find that the letters they wrote to the Holy Child and/or St. Nicholas have been taken and their (sometimes new/replaced) slippers have been filled with little treats, oranges, chocolate gold coins, candy canes, and often times a note from St. Nicholas.

Our children have also always received a new Christmas book which has helped us build an amazing collection over the years! I'm still waiting for a few more to arrive, but I just started wrapping most of the books for this year and wanted to share them with you all.

Note: I haven't planned out our Advent Book Basket and O Antiphons for this year yet, and I also haven't visited any of the local bookstores to check out their new books for this year, so there is a chance that I may end up switching up a few things in this post... Either way, the following books are making it into our home this Advent! 

You are welcome to download my St. Nicholas labels over at Dropbox with either Black or Green text. 

Here is the list of books my husband and I picked out for our children this year:

For Captain:

The Secret of Glaston Tor (The Glaston Chronicles)

Fifteen year old Matt Bergin is staying in Glastonbury for Christmas with his cousins, Luke and Annie Martin. Matt feels drawn to Glastonbury Tor, and St Michael's Tower, which crowns its summit. The cousins learn the secret of Glaston Tor and find themselves propelled back in time to 1940s France and the Second World War. They are given a mission by an enigmatic stranger, who asks them to help a young German couple and their son escape from wartime France. But the fearsome Gestapo are on their trail. Matt and his cousins will discover that their destinies are intimately linked to this family, and to a mysterious young stranger who will stop at nothing to learn their secret. With a compelling plot, captivating characters, suspense, excitement and ever-present danger, The Secret of Glaston Tor will take you on an incredible journey into the past, present, and future - and into the never-ending battle between good and evil . . . This book is particularly meant for 11-14 year olds, but can also be read to older young people, or by adults.

Our oldest son loves reading books about WWII. I think he will enjoy this one as well! If so, there is a second book in the series that I may include in his Stack of Books for Christmas/Epiphany too.

For Ranger: 

Nicholas Gilroy

"Since he was in the first grade, fourteen-year-old Nicholas Gilroy has felt that God might be calling him to be a Catholic priest. To determine whether he has a vocation, he applies and is accepted as a freshman at Saint Peter's High School Seminary. Nicholas, who has been homeschooled, is overwhelmed by the size of the building. He is also intimidated by the vice rector, Father Stephen Reynolds, who, from Nicholas's perspective, should be in the marines and not in a seminary. The young man soon develops a friendship with Jose and Luke, two other freshman boys, which helps him to achieve success on the football team and to enjoy his new life at Saint Peter's. But when Nicholas signs up for an after-school program to help tutor children in the inner city, he finds himself thrown into an adventure that puts his life at risk and changes him forever. In this novel, a teenage boy enrolled in a seminary participates in an after-school tutoring program in the inner city and comes face-to-face with life-changing danger."

A book about a Catholic boy named Nicholas? I think that will work for St. Nicholas Day! It looks like one that my boys would enjoy. 

For Twinkle Toes: 

Katy's Christmas Gift

"Katy sets out in the snow to visit the new baby born in the innkeeper's stable. She is bringing gifts: a loaf of bread, her cat Sasha and, most importantly, her favourite toy -- a wooden bird whistle. But Sasha doesn't want to play in the cold snow, and the animals of the forest eat the bread. Soon Katy's carefully chosen gifts are gone -- except the most special one of all. As the snow gets deeper and she gets colder, Katy wonders whether she'll ever have the chance to give her gift to the baby? Katy's Christmas Gift is a heart-warming and original version of the Christmas story for young children. Bernadette Watt's lively illustrations are full of colour, light, joy and festive feeling."

Note: This is a newer renamed edition, with the same beautiful illustrations inside, 

of The Christmas Bird which is featured in Christmas Mosaic.

For Chiquita:

An Introduction to the Liturgical Year

"Traces the life of Christ from birth to Pentecost, 

discussing the church calendar and its annual cycle of dates."

I can't believe we haven't had these next two books before now! They are amazing! I ordered them from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts last summer and can't wait to read them with our children.

For Snuggles: 

The Way to Bethlehem

"Retells the events surrounding the first Christmas, 

from the Annunciation to the Presentation of the Infant Jesus at the temple."

Another excellent book! I love that there are a couple pages dedicated to St. Nicholas and St. Lucy... 

... and a couple more for the Saints of the Christmas Season including St. John and St. Thomas Becket - aka patron namedays in our home!

For Rose: 

'Twas the Evening of Christmas

’Twas the evening of Christmas, when all through the town,

Every inn was so crowded, no room could be found.

Tired Mary and Joseph, who went door to door,

At last found a place on a small stable floor.

"For over 200 years, families have gathered on Christmas Eve to hear the much loved words of Dr. Clement C. Moore’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. This year, families can gather together to share the real Christmas story––the story of Jesus’ birth. ’Twas the Evening of Christmas echoes the familiar language and rhythm of Dr. Clements’ poetry, but instead of focusing on Santa, it focuses on the baby Jesus, who is, after all, the true hero of Christmas. All families will delight in this simple retelling of the most famous story ever told. With a cover that comes alive with foil and sculpted embossing, this book is sure to become a Christmas classic"

There is a chance I may save this book to use as our final book in our annual Advent Book Basket or as an O Antiphon gift for O Emmanuel, but I know Rose would love receiving it too! 

For Bud: 

A Christmas Carol  (Seek & Find Classics)

"Seek and find characters from the popular holiday book A Chrismtas Carol on each page and follow them throughout the story. Each page contains beautifully illustrated characters to find and details to spot, accompanied by abridged text. This seek-and-find book is the perfect way to introduce younger children to the world of Charles Dickens."

Our soon-to-be-six year old has ALWAYS been a huge fan of seek and find themed books.
I think he's going to love this one too.
They also have a Pride & Prejudice version that I might need to get for the girls! 

For Grace: 

The Forgotten Christmas Saint: Saint Anastasia

"Meet Saint Anastasia, one of the greatest Christmas saints and the Patroness of Martyrs. Take her hand and let her lead you to the Crib! When people think of saints that remind them of Christmas, Saint Anastasia is almost always forgotten. For centuries, this humble and unassuming martyr has remained hidden in the shadows of the stable. Yet of all the saints in Heaven, she is the only one whose feast day falls on Christmas itself! It's about time she stepped forward and made some new friends! Join Saint Anastasia and her best friend, Saint Theodota, as they bravely prove their love for God and neighbor, even unto the sacrifice of their own lives. With charming full-color illustrations and easy-to-read text, this third book in Susan Peek's new series for children (companion to her series for teens, “God's Forgotten Friends: Lives of Little-known Saints”) is sure not only to capture the hearts of Catholic children everywhere, but to inspire and inflame them with a greater love for their Holy Faith and the saints who lived and died for it."

I almost bought this book for our little grace last year... I was convinced she was a girl, but we didn't officially find out until Christmas Eve so I decided to wait. It will be the perfect book to start her collection of Christmas themed picture books this year.

For additional Christmas book suggestions you can find some of our lists in the archives: 

Saint Nicholas & the Nine Gold Coins {Beautiful book!}

Christmas Mosaic: A Review & Featured Book List

35 Favorite Christmas Picture Books for Children

Feasts & Seasons :: Advent & Christmas Collection

Our 2015 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels 

Our 2016 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels {I'm planning to share our 2017 Basket and Labels next weekend!}

New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas: 
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Stacks of Books on Christmas Morning or Epiphany: 
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

You can find the rest of our booklists here or scroll through all our past St. Nicholas Day Celebrations in the archives.

Even more St. Nicholas themed gifts can be found in this past post filled with Christmas Gift Ideas & Stocking Stuffers and our children's gift suggestions here!

New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas {and a St. Nicholas Giveaway!}

The feast of St. Nicholas is one month from today! Every year on December 6th our children wake up to find new slippers (or sometimes as new pair of shoes for winter) filled with little treats, chocolate gold coins, candy canes, and new Christmas books.

I just finished wrapping most of the books for this year and have added Trader Joe's Chocolate Coins and TruJoy Candy Canes to my shopping list. Now to start working on the rest of the Christmas list!

Note: You can download my St. Nicholas labels over at Dropbox with either Black or Green text. 

I realized after wrapping all the books that I completely forgot to take pictures of the inside pages...

Note:  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here is the list of books my husband and I picked out for our children this year:

For Captain:

It's getting so hard to choose books for our older boys... Not sure how much longer I'll be able to keep it up, but this year our oldest son is getting this coloring book based on one of his favorite Christmas stories. Coloring while listening to music or audio books is one of favorite ways to relax. I think he will love it!

A Christmas Carol: A Coloring Classic

Illuminate your Christmas with the colors of mystery, charity, kindness, and the melting of old Scrooge's cold heart in this opulent coloring book for grownups; travel back to Victorian London for a Christmas celebration filled with delicious repasts, elaborate costumes, intricate decorations, and iconic imagery from Charles Dickens's beloved tale. Like the other books in the Coloring Classic series-including Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights-this one offers 37 wonderfully complex two-page drawings on heavy paper, each with a carefully selected quotation from the book, while the cover is embellished with red foil details.

For Ranger: 

I have had such a hard time choosing a book for Ranger this year... I still haven't decided! I've narrowed it down to one of the following two books: A Christmas Carol illustrated by Robert Ingpen (his older brother has the beautiful P.J. Lynch version) or Treachery and Truth, the story of Good King Wenceslaus which was just published by Pauline Books. They are both on their way! 

A Christmas Carol with A Christmas Tree

The complete and unabridged text enhanced with more than 70 illustrations by Robert Ingpen Includes an additional story by Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Tree"

- OR - 

Treachery and Truth: A Story of Sinners, Servants, and Saints

Immersed in the historical background of the tenth century, this true tale of Good King Wenceslaus, as told by his faithful servant Poidevin, brings the reader into the Dark Ages. Fear grips the land of Bohemia as the faithful face betrayal and persecution under the reign of the pagan Duchess Dragomira. As she struggles for power with the rightful heir, Prince Vaclav, her foes forge alliances in secret despite the risk of discovery. Who will survive?

For Twinkle Toes: 

We already had books for the girls, but when I ran across the coloring book of Christmas cards and envelopes I had to pick it up for the girls to share. They will love using it to send cards to their pen-pals. The other book is out of print, but worth picking up if you can find a copy.

 

The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas

"The twenty four festive designs include Christmas trees, gingerbread men, reindeer and more and are perfect for all ages to decorate and send to family and friends. Take inspiration from real life, or get experimental – try unusual colors and different materials to make each card truly unique! With enough blank space inside for a message, envelopes to customize and cute stickers to seal your card – this is the complete Christmas creative package!"

The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-na-ween (OOP)

"Readers will want to pull up a creepie (stool) and gather ’round a roaring peat fire to hear every lilting word of Sawyer’s magical and haunting Irish folktale, first published in 1941. Orphan girl Oona, abandoned by her tinker kin, grows into a lonely, ostracized old woman longing for a home of her own. On Christmas Eve, as the legend goes, the wee people to whom Oona has always been kind oblige her in a special way. Gauzy, evocative mixed-media paintings convey a quiet yet powerful energy."

For Chiquita:

This brand new book about Bubushka (with a pretty purple cover!) caught my eye for Chiquita. 

Babushka: A Christmas Tale

"With beautiful illustrations evoking folk art traditions and sensitive storytelling, Babushka tenderly reminds us that nothing is more important during the holiday season than taking the time to show love for one another. This timeless Russian tale will warm your heart and fill you up with the joyful, generous spirit of Christmas."

For Snuggles: 

Though not exactly a Christmas book, this story begins on Christmas Eve and will be absolutely loved by our little Viking! 

The Race of the Birkebeiners

"Based on a 1264 account documenting a true incident in Norwegian history, this engaging narrative opens during a 1206 Christmas Eve gathering at the home of one of the Birkebeiners, a group of brave warriors. A priest knocks on the door, who has in his protection a baby, Prince Hakon, and his mother; a rival band aspires to kill the child (who is heir to the throne) and to declare one of their own king. Soon a handful of Birkebeiners escorts the trio, escaping on skis across tall, stormy mountains. Caldecott winner Azarian's (Snowflake Bentley) finely detailed woodcut illustrations, hand-tinted with watercolors, capture the serene snow-covered landscape as well as the driving snowstorm that impedes the travelers' progress. In direct and compelling prose, Lunge-Larsen recounts how the two Birkebeiners most renowned for their skiing ability forge ahead with the prince, fortuitously happen upon a barn buried under a snowdrift and manage to keep the baby alive by feeding him snow. In a concluding note, the author explains that Hakon became Norway's most powerful king during the Middle Ages and brought peace and prosperity to the country, making this rescue tale all the more gratifying. The stately art, which includes intricate borders framing blocks of text, neatly captures the historical and cultural aspects of this story."

For Rose: 

The Christmas Horse and the Three Wise Men

"The Christmas horse is on a journey to meet baby Jesus! Join him and his animal friends with the three wise men as they cross snow-capped mountains, swift rivers, and hot deserts to reach the peaceful stable in Bethlehem where baby Jesus lies in a manger. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as captured by Isabelle Brent’s stunning illustrations and experience the wonder as the pure-hearted animals and the wise men finally meet their savior and king. The journey of the Three Wise Men following the star is here told from the point of view of the three courageous animals that carried them: Safanad the horse, Gamali the camel, and Simbalo the elephant. Each one comes from a different land and possesses a unique skill. Together there is no challenge they cannot overcome in their quest to find baby Jesus. Verses from the Gospel help to tell the story. Also included in the illustrations are birds connected through legend with the life and wisdom of Christ."

For Bud: 

Calico the Wonder Horse

A Christmas Classic - 75th Anniversary Edition

"Way out west in Cactus county lived a horse named Calico. She wasn’t very pretty, but she was smart and could run like greased lightning. When villain Stewy Stinker threatens to hold up Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, will Calico the Wonder Horse be able to save the day? This gift edition celebrates the 75th Anniversary of this classic tale by Caldecott medalist Virginia Lee Burton, the author of Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel."

For additional Christmas book suggestions you can find some of our lists in the archives: 

Saint Nicholas & the Nine Gold Coins {Beautiful book!}

Christmas Mosaic: A Review & Featured Book List

35 Favorite Christmas Picture Books for Children

Feasts & Seasons :: Advent & Christmas Collection

Our 2015 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels {I'm planning to share our 2016 Basket and Labels next weekend!}

New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Stacks of Books on Christmas Morning: 2013, 2014, 2015

You can find the rest of our booklists here or scroll through all our past St. Nicholas Day Celebrations in the archives.

Even more St. Nicholas themed gifts can be found in last year's post filled with Christmas Gift Ideas & Stocking Stuffers