Harvest of Holidays

"January brings the snow,
Makes our feet and fingers glow"

. . . and it also begins the HARVEST OF HOLIDAYS, red-letter calendar days that bring color and excitement to every season. New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Lincoln's and Washington's Birthdays—one on top of another—crowd the snowy season with fun and festivities.

As the crocuses peek through the newly-softened earth, Easter ushers in the spring with prayer and reverence, with bonnets and new suits. The green season overflows with occasions—Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Flag Day are only a few of the reasons for celebrating in the spring.

"Hot July brings cooling showers,
Apricots and gillyflowers"

. . . and firecrackers, flags, picnics, and parties that help us to herald the birthday of our country on the Fourth of July.

"Fresh October brings the pheasant,
Then to gather nuts is pleasant"

. . . nuts—to fill the trick or treat bags. Nuts—to decorate the Thanksgiving table.

December brings the year to a close with Hanukkah songs and Christmas carols, with eight-candled menorahs and sparkling Christmas trees. The year ends in gaily wrapped gifts surrounded by laughter and fun.

The year is many moods—some sad in memory of soldiers who have died, some happy in celebration of freedom and democracy. Others are thoughtful in hopes of lasting peace or thankful for the gifts which God has granted us. HARVEST OF HOLIDAYS tours a storied and poetic year, bursting with the richness of our literary heritage.

RUTH WEEDEN STEWART
Formerly Coordinator,
Work with Children,
Brooklyn Public Library

From the book