December 19th, 1777, George Washington took his Continental Army into winter quarters at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Everyone in school should read “The Winter at Valley Forge” by F. Van Wyck Mason, published 1953.
I think it shows Washington’s character, keeping his soldiers spirits and bodies alive, and holding off desertions during the extremely tough winter at Valley Forge. They had just come off two horrible losses in battles, as well. This is a great example of one of my Landmark Books series.
On December 19th, 1843, Charles Dickens published “A Christmas Carol.” I have a Reader’s Digest “Book of Christmas” published in 1973. Dickens’ story, along with many more in this very Christmassy book.
Christmas time was a great time for me buying books for my mom and her pop-up collection. I bought many pop-ups for the season. This is a four book collection of Christmas pop-ups from 1993.
I also bought this “Christmas Carol” pop-up for her with a companion “Nutcracker” published 1995. Just today, when researching, I found that there are two more in the series. I was able to track them down and order them. I may see a “To Scott, From Scott” card under the tree if they arrive in time.
You can never have a “Bah! Humbug!” Christmas when you are buying yourself books.
December 19th, 1778 Marie Thérèse Charlotte was born. First clue who she was is where she was born:
I used my tour book from France. She was born in Versaille. Marie Thérèse Charlotte de France was also known as Madame Royal, and later Dauphine de France. She was the eldest child of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. When born, her mother said “Poor little one, you are not what was desired, but you are none the less dear to me! A son would have belonged to the state, but you will belong to me.” I found out more about her in the book “Memoirs of the Courts of Europe-Marie Antoinette” published in 1910.
She lead an interesting, yet dangerous life. She was imprisoned during the French Revolution with her family. Her father, mother, brother, and aunt were killed rather quickly-losing heads. Marie Thérèse Charlotte de France spent three years, four months, and five days in the prison. She was released the day before her 16th birthday – a trade with other prisoners. She was exiled from France, and lived with her uncle in Vienna until she married her cousin. They all eventually lived in England, she outliving both the uncle and husband.
Another birthday is on December 19th-my youngest granddaughter. We have made a point to have separate birthday and Christmas presents wrapped in appropriate paper (her older sister has a birthday four days after Christimas-for ten days, they are the same age.) My wife also came up with a rule that up to and including ten years old, they get for their birthday, the same amount of presents as their age from Grandma and Grandpa. This year will be nine for her. To help make things unusual, I gave the following present:
Super Grandpa bought her a coconut. I could be a real nut case…but I crack myself up.
Thanks for reading.
Librarytomes 