Everywhere They Are Wisest

In our house, we have an advent calendar which is based on a Muppet version of O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi. No one can really do Kermit's voice successfully, but that's not to say we don't try.

ReadWriteThink.org has a neat poetry lesson plan based on The Gift of the Magi. I like how they mix the story with poetry and music.

If you'd like to listen to the original The Gift of the Magi, you can on LibriVox. In addition to audio options, they also have text versions.

While we're thinking about meaningful gifts, here's an excerpt from Giving by Kahlil Gibran:

You give but little when you give of your possessions.

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?

And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the overprudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?

And what is fear of need but need itself?

Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, thirst that is unquenchable?

There are those who give little of the much which they have - and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.

And there are those who have little and give it all.

These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.

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You can read the rest here.

Lastly, if you'd like to hear Twas the Night Before Christmas, LibriVox has that too.