9 Ways to Celebrate Diversity in December

It's the most wonderful time of the year and I just couldn't be happier!! There are a few major holidays to celebrate this month (Christmas being my main event) and I have curated a little list for everyone to check out to either learn about other holidays or add to your own holiday's book list. Along with holiday celebrations, this month is also National Cookie Day and Rosa Parks Day. Tis the season to be jolly and spread peace to all..

1. Silent Night (The Christmas Choir) by Lara Hawthorne

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this beautifully illustrated book, based on the world's best-loved carol. Rediscover the Nativity Story in all its glory—from quaking shepherds to heaven-sent angels—as the song lyrics are brought to life on every spread. The world’s diversity is reflected in a cast of characters with a range of skin tones. A gorgeous book for all the family to share during the festive season.

2. The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins

Each ring of the doorbell brings more friends to share the delicious cookies Ma has made in this beloved classic.

3. Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford

Kwanzaa is Kayla’s favorite time of year. But this year, it looks as if a heavy snowstorm will keep her big brother, Khari, from getting home in time for the festivities! Will Khari miss the celebration completely? Or will Kayla and her brother somehow find a way to be together for Kwanzaa? A perfect introduction to Kwanzaa, this book will teach children all about the traditions and practices that make it a special winter holiday.

4. Rosa by Nikki Giovanni 

Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed.

5. Nativity by Cynthia Rylant

Cynthia Rylant takes the beloved text of the nativity story, as told in the King James Bible, and lovingly illustrates it in her simple but bold style that has been called “stunning” by School Library Journal. As she did with the creation story, Rylant has created a sublime take on a classic story that will appeal to readers of all ages.

6. Shante Keys and the New Year's Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport

Shanté Keys loves New Year's Day! But while Grandma fixed chitlins, baked ham, greens, and cornbread, she forgot the black-eyed peas! Oh no―it'll be bad luck without them! So Shanté sets out to borrow some from the neighbors.

7. I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and a mother and daughter are enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The little girl hears sleigh bells ringing and carolers singing. She smells chestnuts roasting--CRUNCH! CRUNCH! CRUNCH!--and sees the flashing lights of the department store windows--BLING! BLING! BLING! She spreads the spirit of giving wherever she goes. And when she reaches Santa, she tells him her Christmas wish--for peace and love everywhere, all the days of the year.

8. My First Jewish Baby Book: Almost everything you need to know about being Jewish―from Afikomen to Zayde by Julie Merberg

Hip illustrations accompany snappy, rhyming text in a fun, fabulous package that is  a must-have for any Jewish baby's nursery. This tiny tome covers quintessential foods such as bagels and brisket, rituals and holidays including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Shabbat, and Hanukkah, as well as important cultural references (F is for Fiddler on the Roof!) with a little Yiddish thrown in. Parents and grandparents will love sharing every concise, funny entry with the little ones in their lives.

9. My First Dreidel by Pottery Barn Kids

Teach your little one how to play this classic Hanukkah game with our My First Dreidel set. Complete with a dreidel, coins and a convenient bag to store it all in, they’ll have so much fun collecting their winnings!