The Days After Christmas

by Maggie C. Rudd, Elisa Chavarri (illustrator)

With lyrical writing by Maggie C. Rudd and bright illustrations by Elisa Chavarri, The Days After Christmas is a joyful picture book that reminds us that magic and cheer can still be found even after the decorations are put away. Also features instructions for a post-holiday craft!In the days after ChristmasWhen you wake up in your bedAnd holiday memoriesFloat through your head…After the bustle of the holiday season, grandparents wave goodbye and it's time to pack up the sparkly ornaments. The house feels too quiet. What do you do when the excitement and festivities are over?The fireplace may be a perfect place to read new books with a cup of hot cocoa and some snuggles with Mom and Dad. And leftovers might still be pretty tasty. Upon reflection, the memories of the Christmas season can bring smiles, not sadness – and a hopefulness that there’s still so much to look forward to.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Maggie C. Rudd is from rural North Carolina where she lives with her two boys. When she isn't writing, she is teaching high school, making forts, or outside getting muddy with her kids. She is the author of the picture book I'll Hold Your Hand.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this joyful, colorful book of children and their families celebrating the days after Christmas. Highly recommended for public library collections.

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the message of The Days After Christmas. Everyone gets hyped up for Christmas. We wait for Christmas all year long. Christmas invades the stores, music, our homes, television, the movie theaters. So what happens when it's over? The Christmas spirit doesn't just disappear because it's December 26. The Days After Christmas conveys the message of finding joy in the little moments of life. As the presents and gifts are forgotten, the leftovers eaten, as the tree comes down, as the snow melts, as family disperses back to their homes; the world keeps spinning. Life keeps the clock ticking. It's the little things that matter. The love of your family. The animals in the yard. And the anticipation of the next holiday. The Days After Christmas are where the little things become the big things. I was recently watching the Hallmark show The Way Home and there's a quote that stuck with me. "It is the small moments that matter. The little gestures. Not the grand ones." And that phrase is perfect for this book. The Days After Christmas is a beautifully illustrated book with a beautiful message.

[John Mullarkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title is so unique as it captures the mixed feelings that take place with families AFTER the excitement and fun of Christmas. There are few if any books like this: in a very upbeat and sweet manner author Maggie Rudd and illustrator Elisa Chavarri show readers the many joys of winter and fun winter activities; playing outside, spending time with friends and family, planning the next celebration (New Year's and Valentines Day) and most notably the making of birdseed ornaments to hang outside (directions are included). Yes, taking down the tree, putting away decorations, and even cleaning up the house after guests leave does come with a sense of being let down and disappointed, but this cheery and colorful book shows us that there is plenty to be positive about and activities to look forward to in the upcoming year, after the holiday season.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

This sweet book is all about how to manage your feelings after the excitement of Christmas is over. I love how diverse the book is, not only in people but also in all the things that can still be done after the holiday while it is still winter and snowy. I especially like the nature aspect of still going outside to embrace the winter activities and animals. There is a cool recipe in the back for birdseed ornaments and another great list of things to do while kids wait out the winter break. A great book for the slowdown after Christmas and managing those feelings coming down from the big holiday.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are zillions of picture books about Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The days after the holiday? Not so much. This unique and sweet book captures the mix of emotions families might feel as the big day winds to a close and decorations are put away for another year. It proceeds to celebrate the more quiet, but just as beautiful, sights of wintertime, as well as all of the fun to be had.

[TheRetiredSchoolLibrarian |Mrs. Ferraris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief summary: Children in various homes are packing up the Christmas decorations and cleaning the house, recalling the memories of celebrating with family and friends.

Comments: This lyrical book would be a good read to acknowledge the quietness in the home after the big celebration.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

[Binxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

With so much emphasis on Christmas, seeing a book about life after the holiday is nice. As decorations get put away, leftovers finished, and gifts are mixed in with all one's stuff, this book shows that joy can be found in so many ways. A good addition to holiday collection.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book celebrates the quiet joy in the days after Christmas. It is a time to play with new toys, enjoy nature, and clean up. Love the inclusive families represented. Felt a bit slow, which is probably the point.

[Emily Carlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet ode to the days after Christmas...We all know the feelings.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like the taking down Christmas decorations before new years. That’s a January activity!

[Roben · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is so much excitement that surrounds the holidays - saying goodbye to Christmas and hello to a new year can be a bit of a downer. Even though it is sad to see Christmas end and it is a big change to quiet from the hubbub surrounding the holiday, this book focuses on the fact that you can still find fun things to do. And bring joy to the job of packing up and putting everything away for next year.

There are directions for birdseed ornaments and suggestions for other post-Christmas ideas.