Celebrating 200 years Anniversary of Old Santeclaus with Much Delight

 

"Old Santeclaus with much delight
His reindeer drives this frosty night,
O'r chimney tops, and tracts of snow,
To bring his yearly gifts to you."
-Anonymous, Old Santeclaus with Much Delight (1821)

This December, we not only celebrate a month of festivities leading towards Christmas and New Year, but also the anniversary of Old Santeclaus with Much Delight which was published 200 years ago in New York City. 

This short, illustrated children's poem is the first mention of flying reindeer pulling Santa Claus's sleigh with the first colored lithography in the United States showing the earliest images of Santa dressed in red. While the author remains anonymous, it may have been written by its original publisher, William B. Gilley (1785-1830). 

Cosimo Classics is proud to announce it just released - similarly to the original, also in New York City -  a beautifully recreated hardcover replica of this unique 1821 booklet, which is a true holiday delight for all ages.

                                                                                MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hans Brinker, The Silver Skates - Cosimo's December Classic

This December, pick up a classic for the little one in your life! We recommend our Classic of the Month, Hans Brinker by Mary Mapes Dodge and illustrated by Alice Carsey as the perfect stocking stuffer.

A beloved childhood favorite for a century and a half (and a book that readers continue to enjoy and appreciate long into adulthood), Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates went through more than 100 editions during the author's lifetime alone.

First published in 1865, this replica of the 1917 edition features the exquisite illustrations by Alice Carsey, whose sensitive eye and delicate pen-and-ink lines enliven the tale of the poor but virtuous Dutch boy in a way that few other artists have achieved. This replica edition brings the enchanting work of Dodge and Carsey to a new generation of children.

Dodge's book takes place in the Netherlands and is a fictional portrait of early 19th-century Dutch life. The perfect gift for the young reader, children's lit lover, and readers among your friends & family.

About the Author
Author and editor Mary Mapes Dodge (1831-1905) was born in New York City. She served as editor of the children's magazine St. Nicholas, to which she attracted such writers as Mark Twain, Louisa May Alcott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Rudyard Kipling. She also authored the short-fiction collection Irvington Stories (1864).

The Christmas Mice - A Children's Tale - Cosimo's December Book

"Isn't that strange? It took some babies to teach grown-ups to be nice to each other. Do you suppose that has anything to do with Christmas?" - The Christmas Mice

Our festive Book of the Month for December is The Christmas Mice by John White and illustrated by Dorothy L. Hall.

The Christmas Mice, a tale for children, is a heartwarming story of love and acceptance. It tells of two mice, Roger and Emily, who are outcasts from their community because they are different. One is green, the other is red-the colors of Christmas.

Encouraged by the birth of his children and the beauty of a Christmas tree, Roger teaches the rest of the meadowmice an important lesson about love and brotherhood. As the two main characters gain acceptance and understanding from the other mice, the importance of peace and oneness of all life is sensitively communicated. Especially relevant this year due to the tumultous times, this book would make the perfect bedtime story or gift.

The Christmas Mice is a touching tale with a powerful message that will delight young readers of all ages. The book is available in paperback at Amazon, and in paperback at Barnes & Noble. It is also available for your Kindle.


About the Author
John White is an internationally-known author in the fields of consciousness research and higher human development. His writing has appeared in magazines and newspapers around the world, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, Omni, Esquire and Woman's Day, and his books have been translated into ten languages. He holds a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and a master of arts degree in teaching from Yale University. He has served on the governing and consulting boards of various academic and research organizations. He has also lectured at various colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada, and has made numerous radio and television appearances.

About the Illustrator
Dorothy L. Hall is an illustrator, art teacher, and cartoonist. She worked as a visual journalist for 20 years and taught Newspaper Design and Magazine Editing and Production at Southern Conn. State University. During the 70’s she was a muralist for the Peabody Museum in New Haven, Connecticut, and has had seven one-woman shows of her paintings.

The Santa Clause & St. Nicholas Connection

The history of Saint Nicholas is a colorful and storied one: he lived from 270 to December 6, 343 AD, was the Greek Bishop of Myra - located in modern day Turkey - and he was a Christian saint known for his miracles and secret gift-giving. Saint Nicholas attended the First Council of Nicaea, which was the first effort to attain consensus in the Church through an assembly representing all of Christendom. Later on Saint Nicholas became an important figure for Italians and Greeks, honored in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church. Throughout Europe he is celebrated for his generosity, especially towards children. Next Sunday evening, December 5, the Dutch will celebrate their feast of Sint Nicolaas, with poems, marzipan, ginger biscuits and hot chocolate, and with presents for the children.

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas became a figure of folklore, who would visit the Netherlands every November traveling by steamboat from Spain, riding a white horse and joined by.... 

Thanksgiving with Johnny Cash

While today Thanksgiving is being celebrated in the United States, everyone, Americans and also others around the world, could give thanks to the positives in their lives: from appreciating the small things, to being grateful for one's challenges; from being thankful to be alive, to breathing fresh air; from having family and friends to having access to technology, such as cars, cell phones and the internet; from being able to be entertained and inspired by art, movies, books and sports, to see the seasons changing, and much more.

In these bizarre and difficult times, or especially in these times it is even more important to be grateful and show appreciation for what one does have, and realize that we take many good things for granted. 

Listen above to what legendary country and western singer, Johnny Cash, once said and sings about the importance of Thanksgiving.

On behalf of Cosimo, Happy Thanksgiving!