With one week until Christmas we are getting excited around here!The ground is snow covered and the ice is forming on the lake; time to get geared up for winter activities!
This year in our house we have an obsession with a library book we took home. I think it’s a pretty good depiction of Christmas in Muskoka so I wanted to share it – it’s not quite the same without the fabulous illustrations.
Dashing Through the Snow: A Canadian Jingle Bells
By: Helaine Becker, Illustrated by Werner Zimmermann, Published by North Winds Press (Scholatic Canada)
Dashing through the snow,
On a rusty old Ski-Doo,
Through the bush we go,
Dodging caribou.
Frostbite on my ears,
Nose completely numb,
“Faster, faster!” Beaver cheers,
“For Christmas Eve has come!”
Jingle bells, Beaver yells,
“Santa’s on his way!”
Oh what fun it is to ride
The jolly True North way, eh?
Jingle bells, Beaver yells,
“Santa’s on his way!”
Oh what fun it is to ride
The jolly True North way!
Dashing through the sky,
Across the northern lights,
Santa’s soaring high,
Such a thrilling sight.
Santa’s sled is crammed,
With gifts for everyone,
Sasquatch reaches up a hand
And starts the snowy fun!
Jingle bells, Beaver yells,
“Santa’s on his way!”
Oh what fun it is to ride
The jolly True North way, eh?
Jingle bells, Beaver yells,
“Santa’s on his way!”
Oh what fun it is to ride
The jolly True North way!
Spilling from the night,
Gift-wrapped treats for all,
Blizzard of delight,
We duck as presents fall!
Who knows which is which?
Let’s open them and see.
You and I should make a switch,
‘Cause this one’s not for me!
Maple candy dish –
What a letdown for this loon!
All she wants is fish,
She steals same from Raccoon.
Owl unwraps a prize,
So does Caribou,
Wouldn’t it be wise for them
To make a switcheroo?
Fruitcake’s quite a treat,
For a nutty otter pup,
Fiddles sound so sweet,
When they’re all tuned up!
Muskox gets new boots,
Wolf gets pads – horray!
They really suit when Wolfie shoots
And scores on Christmas Day.
Jingle bells, Beaver yells,
“Santa’s on his way!”
Oh what fun it is to ride
The jolly True North way, eh?
Jingle bells, Beaver yells,
“Santa’s on his way!”
Oh what fun it is to ride
The jolly True North way!
Beaver starts the song,
Puffins join right in,
Moose can sing along,
When carolling begins!
It’s pins-and-needles time,
Is this the gift for me?
I open it and find it is
A pop-up Christmas tree!
When friendship lends a hand,
Dreams, they do come true!
Have a Merry Christmas and
A Happy New Year, too!