My fascination with sharing information about the 1930s and 1940s is rooted in the fact that my parents were born and grew up in that time period. Together, they used to share stories with me about their youth. Some very funny ones, especially about attending a one-room schoolhouse. The stories from my dad initiated the writing of a middle-grade fiction chapter book called, Benjy and the Belsnickel. The book is yet to be published but I keep trying.
What is a Belsnickel? Almost everyone asks me that question. It is a folktale that came from our German ancestors who immigrated to America and settled in Central Pennsylvania. Basically, the Belsnickel is the opposite of Santa Claus who rewards children with gifts at Christmas time. Unlike the jolly appearance of Santa Claus, the Belsnickel is a scary looking creature covered with soot and a special hat that is adorned with porcupine quills and jingle bells. The Belsnickel has been known to visit naughty children at Christmas time. Oh, and he carries a whip! What happens when he arrives at the young boy or girl’s home? Well, I guess we’ll have to wait and see when the book is published and ready for distribution.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Thursday, February 15, 2018
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