I just have so much to say about this book.⁣⁣⁣⁣ It is not a typical Christmas book and I mentioned it in African American Christmas Books We Love, but it really deserves its own post.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Christmas Gif’ was originally compiled in 1963 by Charlamae Rollins (whose writing led me to Gladiola Garden). The 1993 republished version includes occasional black and white illustrations by Ashley Bryan, a family favorite.

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Christmas Gif’ is an anthology of African American Christmas poems, songs, stories, and recipes is as much a historical treasure as it is a holiday book.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ The title refers to a tradition rooted in the days of enslavement, and I see it as a reminder that, even in our darkest hours, we can cling to joy.⁣⁣⁣⁣ Some of the pieces are written in Black vernacular and old Southern dialect which I personally enjoy, though I haven’t always. You certainly can’t be shy when reading those aloud, and it takes practice. Sometimes I nail it and other times I don’t, but I lean in anyway! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

There is a lot of beautiful content related to the birth of Christ, and there is a story that combines the sacred (Jesus) with the secular (Santa) in a creative way. That would have been a no-no for me growing up, but it sparked incredible conversations with my kids.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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There are a few words used that make sense in context but are 100% not acceptable for use today so either skip those, if you aren’t going to fully discuss, or explain to your children (a quick google search can help build out your explanation).⁣⁣⁣
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This is not a book that you’ll read straight through cover to cover. It’s a book that you journey through, skipping around perhaps, through an entire season and likely across years – not because it’s thick (only 100 pages) but because it’s too rich to rush.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I am horrible at age ranges because every family is so different, but I know this will be asked so I’ll take a stab. All of my kids (ages 5-11) listen and take away what was meant for them. They will always pick up more when we reread it. ⁣⁣⁣⁣For reading alone, I’d say middle school if your child understands the context, but I feel that this book is really best when read aloud and discussed.⁣

Recipes included:

• Scripture cake
• Salt pork cake
• Stack cake
• Stack pie
• Tea cakes
• Buttermilk pie
• Molasses pie
• Sweet potato pone
• Sweet potato pie
• Blackberry cobbler
• Ambrosia
• Beaten biscuits
• Sweet potato candy
• Molasses candy
• Johnnycake
• Vinegar pie
• Spoon bread
• Hog’s head cheese

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