💎 Tolkien Treasures #002: December 2022
Plus Some Last-Minute Gift Ideas for the Tolkien Fan
Today’s newsletter has some recent favorites of mine along with some last-minute Lord of the Rings gift ideas. I had wanted to include an “Is it a Christmas movie?” lightning round inspired by my recent 10 Reasons The Lord of the Rings is A Christmas Movie newsletter to wrap things up, but I think that will have to wait till next week so I can do it justice. Let’s jump in!1
Tolkien Treasures: December
During this third week of Advent, I’ve been continuing to enjoy listening not just to Christmas music but also to Advent music: music that focuses on the anticipation, longing, and preparation that Christians do in this time leading up to Christmas. Last year we went through Shadow and Light: A Journey into Advent by
. We’re going through the devotional again this year and—in addition to another playlist that goes more closely with the content of the devotional—enjoying an Advent background music playlist Tsh put together. we’ve had on for many evenings this past couple weeks.I can’t help but be filled with joy whenever I see The Second Breakfast Club together again!
Always one to ask the hard-hitting questions, Matthew Pierce tackles the thorny issue of whether it’s a sin for Christians to worship Santa Claus.
The King of Christmas is a children’s book published by Lexham Press.2
Taking inspiration not just from the story in Matthew 2 but also the Psalms and Mary’s Song—or the Magnificat—in Luke 1:46-55, it tells the story of the journey of the wise men following the star to Bethlehem.
Every page features FatCat, a feline friend who guides the reader from scene to scene. Our toddler loves to find FatCat and describe what he’s doing, whether it’s chasing a bird, looking up at the star, riding on a camel, or getting some pets from a new friend.
The art is both beautiful and fun, as there are things for children and parents alike to track from page to page. It’s been a real hit around these parts and I’m sure we’ll continue to read it at bedtime well past Christmas.
Two links for you: the first directly to Lexham Press’s store (it’s on sale!) and the second to Amazon.The tweet that keeps on giving has provided us with another wonderful reply:
Let me know in the comments one or more things you’ve been enjoying recently!
Last-Minute Gifts for the Tolkien Fan
I’ve shared this list on Twitter and linked to it in a previous newsletter but I wanted to highlight some gift ideas on it that met a specific criteria: they’re favorites of mine that still say (as of today, 12/15) they’ll arrive before Christmas!
The illustrated edition of The Lord of the Rings that I’ve gone on and on about is not just on sale and qualifying for quick shipping that will get it to you before Christmas, it’s also got an additional $8 off coupon currently! That means it’s over 55% off and comes in at just around $32. Hard to say no to a gift like that for someone else OR yourself!
(It looks like a ton of other Tolkien books on Amazon have an additional coupon you can add to whatever the sale price is for a really good deal—over 50% off for almost all of them! This includes the Hobbit/LOTR paperback box set, Deluxe Hobbit/LOTR Pocket Boxed set, and the absolutely stunning illustrated Silmarillion.)
Speak ‘Friend’ and Enter Doormat - welcome visitors to your humble abode with a doormat inscribed with instructions for how to open your doors. Speak, friend, and enter: (watcher in the water for your front yard pool sold separately).
What better way to go deeper into the world of Middle-earth than to learn more about the author and creator of the world itself. This collection of his letters gives you insight into his mind and creative process as well as his life, faith, and work. (Also has an additional coupon!)
This map of Middle-earth throw blanket would work well as a blanket or hanging like a tapestry! No more need to grab a copy of LOTR off the shelf to see where the Fellowship are during the movie: just look down!
Ok this last one is maybe more of a White Oliphant gift, but this precious Gollum ornament would make for an unforgettable gift
Check out the rest of the list here!
Thanks for reading! What is something you’ve been enjoying this December or a favorite gift that you’ve ever given or received? Let me know in the comments!
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Thank you to Lexham for a review copy that they kindly provided!