Advent Books

This little book is so packed full of insight and reminders that it should be in the hands of every busy, holiday-stressed mom (or dad!) It is a lovely, gentle reminder about the importance of relaxing and actually ENJOYING the holiday season. It is my new favorite hostess gift to bring anytime - because Christmas is always "just around the corner"!

When I first saw this book I thought - "What an awesome idea." So, I bought my first copy for myself and about 6 others as gifts to special friends. They all loved it. What a great way to set up the holiday season with the right plan, attitude and spirit for the season. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to make the season a little brighter and less stressful.

This beautiful book is small in size but big in spirit. What a fabulous gift idea for friends and family at Thanksgiving. Family discussions of the daily scriptures and recorded intentions and gratitude would be a powerful way for parents to reestablish relationships with pre-teen or teenage children, providing emphasis on the spiritual aspects of Christmas rather than the material aspects. The price is right to purchase a book for each member of the family. The size is right to carry it with you in your purse or tote so that there is no excuse for not having enough time to complete the daily practices. I felt more peaceful after reading only a few pages. The author's lovely spirit shines through each page.

Prepare Your Heart for Christmas is a WONDERFUL gift for those you love... particularly for the BUSY women you love... The book/journal is an opportunity to slow down and prepare for the holiday in the spirit of reflection, looking back and looking forward. I introduced a friend to this book at an eWomen Network meeting in St. Louis, MO and the woman bought 9 copies to give to her girlfriends. With a price point under $15 ($12.95?) it is a wonderful value and wonderful keepsake!

The modern family Christmas all too often reaches a peak of anxious, panic buying and rushed commitments before surrendering to the familiar charms of sloth, gluttony and indulgence. Exhaustion rather than peace becomes the hallmark of the festival. If only we could be more organised. If only it was not so difficult to stay in touch with our inner (fine) motives. If only we could retrieve the mystery and sacredness of the festival we remember from childhood. Next year, we promise, I will do it differently!

Now Maria O'Rourke has produced a self-help book that tries to harmonize the organizational and spiritual needs of the busy Christian mom. For each day for 6 weeks leading up to the Christmas season there is a page with a short Biblical quotation and a few paragraphs of reflection and meditation. On each facing page there is a blank workspace to organize the continuing Christmas Project under the headings : "Today I am grateful for", "My intentions for the Day", "My to-do list for the day".

Maria's writing is sensitive and thoughtful, bringing fresh perspectives to well-worn Bible stories. She gently teases open our hearts to remind us of the deeper feelings that underlie our commitments to spouse, family and community. Often-times she finds the profound nestling amongst the mundane of everyday family life, just as, so many years ago, an extraordinarily blessed child nestled into the straw of a common manger for comfort.

Recommended.

We read this together out loud as a family (3 boys 13, 11, 7). The boys were rolling in the floor they were laughing so hard! (Mom and Dad were hee hawing as well) Mr. Mason makes you feel like you are right there in the thick of things. I could hardly read some chapters for crying through them but turn the page and he'd have you laughing again. I even read a chapter for my Cub Scouts at Pack Meeting and they were begging for more. Young and old everyone will love this book! We can hardly wait for his next book.

Every single person I have shared your book with has loved it.

My father just finished it and absolutely could not say enough wonderful things about it. In fact, he asked me if the New York Times had read it and said they really needed to share it with the rest of the world. And, he's buying a copy to give to my Uncle for Christmas.

My 9-year-old son even told me how much some of the kids at his school were enjoying reading it and grabbed his copy to start reading it on his own.

That is really, really saying something when a piece of literature can cut across so many generations and bring so much Christmas joy to so many. Congratulations and thanks for sharing a piece of your Arkansas childhood with the rest of us!

Excellent story of life in the rural South from years gone by. I would
very favorably compare this book to John Grisham's 'A painted House'.
It exemplifies the upbringing that formed this generation. For all ages,
a really good tale.

Not classically a Christmas story, THE RED SCARF is a look at life in Arkansas in the fall of 1944. The reader meets a young Richard Mason. He is an eleven-year-old sixth-grader. His best friend is John Clayton. He has a dim-witted dog named Sniffer. And he lives in a small town with approximately 650 residents.

Richard has always had a crush on Rosalie. They've almost been boyfriend and girlfriend. But then Richard does something stupid, like any eleven-year-old boy would do. So to get back into her best graces, he decides he will buy her a Christmas present. Richard has it on the good authority of one of Rosalie's friends that the red scarf in Samples Department Store is just what Rosalie would love.

The only problem is that Richard doesn't have enough money to buy the scarf. At least not since his mom made him spend his paper route money on a new pair of shoes. But that doesn't deter Richard. He keeps getting up at 5am to deliver the newspapers to the townsfolk.

Taking place during the span between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, Richard tells the story of his efforts to buy the scarf for Rosalie. During the course of the month, the reader gets to experience Richard's daily life. The reader meets many interesting characters from the town of Norphlet. Among some of the most unique are Uncle Hugh, the old black man in the woods that Richard delivers groceries to every week; Bubba, the large cook at City Café, who's pretty daunting with a skillet; Curly Sawyer, the drunk constable; and many others. The reader also finds out about how accident-prone Richard can be. And the reader gets to experience the hardships on a family during the end of World War II.

Richard's spirit is pure and the story is infective. Mr. Mason weaves a sweet tale in spite of the hardships that his main character has to struggle with. As mentioned in the first sentence, this isn't a traditional Christmas story, but the spirit rings out for a joyous holiday season for everyone.

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

The author has written an excellent Christmas story with a most unusual ending. The style of writing is reminiscent of Mark Twain and captures the readers attention from page one to the surprise ending.

The novel recounts the struggles and adventures of two young boys who are best friends in rural South Arkansas during the mid-forties. Despite all obstacles with which the boys are faced, they do have a very Merry Christmas.

This novel is excellent reading and I recommend it to all.

What a fun book! The illustrations are very eye catching and the book made both of my toddlers laugh and giggle the whole way through - priceless! Sweet natured story with a lesson in team work!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2RC70JZBKPV6B
Cullen of CullensAbcs.com reviews this book and gives you ideas on how to use to use it interactively with your child. For you I have more video book reviews, free children videos and free activity idea videos at the CullensAbcs.com website. If you have a children's book you would like me to review and offer ideas on how to use it interactively with children please send an email to CullensAbcs@gmail.com. Also, feel free to to add me, Cullen Wood, as a Facebook friend.

Santa's Stuck was used at a recent school board sponsored workshop for teachers. It is an excellent resource for the classroom or library.

We bought this at a book fair at my sons school in October and have been reading it ever since (it's February!) It's adorable & funny and my son loves to yell out the "Puuuull, puuush ... whooooosh! Santa's out!" every time. Very sweet illustrations as well. A winner.

THIS IS A FAST FUN FINE LITTLE BOOK THAT THE KIDS COULD READ TO ME! WE WOULD JUST LOVE TO HAVE A FIREPLACE FOR SANTA TO GET STUCK IN & HAVE ALL KINDS OF CRITTERS TRYING TO HELP OUT!!! I ALWAYS MAKE THE STORY READING TIME AN ALL OUT ONE TWO THREE EVERYONE GETS INVOVLED KINDA TRIP!

I love all the Hank books, and this is a great one for the Christmas season. These books are hilarious and more important to the young reader, fun to read. I'd also check the rest of the series.

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hank the cowdog is a great book for the family or by yourself . john r erikson did a wonderful job on this book . you need to read it to belive it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Hank the cowdog is "head of ranch security," and tend to act like Barney Fife. the entire seires of Hank the Cowdog stories are hilarious. The story is told from the perspective of Hank and the animal characters in this story, such as Drover, the young pup in training for ranch security, are constantly causing problems for Hank. In one story Hank gets sick after eating a frying pan full of bacon grease. He knows what he should and should not do, but always finds himself being overcome by his true nature--egotistical, gluttonous, etc.

Read this book and you will be addicted to Hank.

This is one of my favriote books it is funny and exciting. It takes the perspective of a cowdog on a ranch in east texas. That thinks he is head of ranch security and goes through a lot of hillarius storys.

In this book a buzzard gets hurt, and he gets taken care of.Well,one day Slim,Little Alfred, Drover(the dog),and Hank(the dog)was driving to town to get Christmas presents,and a buzzard named Wallace flew into the wind shield.He got hurt pretty bad,and Little Alfred begged Slim to take him home and take care of him.Slim took him home after he went shopping,and cured him.Then Wallace flew away with his son happily ever after.

In this brief text, Fr. Brown masterfully distills his biblical exegesis into a form which is digestible by those who do not have a predisposition for exegesis. In this collection of essays based on his larger work "The Birth of the Messiah," Fr. Brown discusses specific motifs from each of the infancy narratives, looking for their significance not only intra-textually but also inter-testamentally. While much of the exegesis remains brief, it is enlightening for each narrative and serves as a "spring board" to further studies as needed and desired. Nonetheless, for its brevity, the content is dense enough to truly give one something upon which to reflect during Advent and Christmas.

Father brown has written some great books. While this is a good book, i would advise some caution here. If you or your church believe in strict literal interpretation of the Bible, this book may not be good for you. That said, this book is an interesting study. Father Brown points out that both Matthew and Luke have passages in the Gospels that tell of Jesus' birth. However, neither Matthew or Luke were present at the birth of Christ. There is a theory that Mother Mary (who was obviously present at the birth of Christ) talked to Matthew and Luke about the birth of Christ. (Father Brown does not seem to believe this.) But even if we accept this theory as true, it does not disprove the important facts that Father Brown points out.

The 1st thing he points out is that while Matthew and Luke give a different picture of Jesus' birth, they both wrote with hindsight of Jesus' great works, his crucifixion, and his resurrection. (Anytime you are writing something with hindsight, we can color the previous events to our liking. Moreso if the way we color it helps lead up to the ending.) Matthew wanted to emphasize Jesus' greatness, so he includes the star that lead the 3 wise men to Jesus. Matthew also wrote for the Jewish populations. He wanted to emphasize that Jesus was the new Moses. In the OT, there is the slaughter of children at the time of the birth of Moses. So, Matthew has Herod order the deaths of the children 2 and under.

Luke was also trying to emphasize the greatness of Jesus even at his birth. So, Luke adds the beautiful story of the wise Simeon who pronounces Jesus' greatness: "Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people" ("Luke" 2:29-31). Also, with hindsight, Simeon makes a reference to the crucifixion: "Yea, a sword, shall pierce through thy own soul also" ("Luke" 2:35).

Father Brown's point is emphasized further when he points this out. Obviously, Matthew and Luke included passages on Jesus' birth. But while they made some changes, they had to some extent stay within the patterns of the earlier written Gospel According to Mark. (Mark did not include a birth chapter.) Well, obviously Mark presented Jesus' conflict with the Jewish authorities. Well, the Jewish authorities were fascinated by the 12 year old Christ in Luke's Gospel: "...all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers" ("Luke" 2:47). So, if the religious authorities were so fascinated by Christ as a 12 year old, then why as an adult was he rejected to the point where he was crucified?

Don't get me wrong. This is a GREAT book as well as an important study. but it is my opinion that the content of it could be disturbing to some.

This booklet contains an excellent summary of some of the important conclusions reached in Father Brown's comprehensive and scholarly work, "The Birth of the Messiah." Father Brown's concern in the booklet is the theological message of the evangelists--he views this as the most important aspect of the message, and something that can get lost amid modern searches to either prove or disprove each item of the stories as historical events.

As usual, the late great Father Brown did an excellent job. He explores the Old Testament roots of Mathew's and Luke's Birth Stories and analyzes broad and beautiful topics such as "the Meaning of the Magi" (the Good News is for all who will believe, including Gentiles) and the "Importance of the Shepherds" (they symbolize an Israel that comes to recognize and glorify its Lord Jesus, the Davidic Messiah foretold in the Jewish Scriptures).

Father Brown said he hopes the regognition that there is an adult Christ in the message of Christmas--i.e., that the theological meaning of God's gift of Jesus is included in these beautiful opening verses--will lead believers to proclaim that revelation to others, and that they will respond in faith. It was a wonderful thing to have this brilliant and intellectually honest scholar also put his faith on display.

One of Raymond Brown's most enduring and significant works is THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH. It is without a doubt the most helpful work for preparing Advent and Christmas homilies as well as Bible studies based on the Advent and Christmas seasons. Though it's filled with great information, it's not quick reading by any stretch of the imagination. A quick reference guide would be more than appreciated by most readers and AN ADULT CHRIST AT CHRISTMAS and a volume that precedes it, A COMING CHRIST IN ADVENT, both published by Liturgical Press, serve this purpose.

AN ADULT CHRIST AT CHRISTMAS looks at the second chapters of Matthew and Luke's Gospels which deal with the birth of Jesus. Brown acknowledges the historical difficulties associated with these stories: Why did people not notice and record the star or Herod's massacre of the infants but doesn't allow these factors to take away from the overall message of Jesus' birth. He pays attention to the theology of the stories, namely that the Infancy Narratives for both Matthew and Luke summarize what we will discover in the Gospels themselves, specifically that upon learning of Jesus Christ some will respond and others will not. Brown further states that these stories challenge readers today in the same manner, so they're not cute stories as much as important lessons for mature believers, hence the titles.

The three essays in this book, the first of which focuses on Matthew's narrative, the second which looks at Luke's birth narrative and the Presentation in the Temple, and what Brown calls the "Third Christmas Story" or the finding of Christ in the Temple, were originally published as articles in the journal WORSHIP. They're informative and great for group discussion or homily ideas. Because it's a slender volume, it's perfect for an Advent Bible Study series or spiritual reading for people who combine scripture study and prayer. At such a busy time of the year, people want substance but often don't have time for lengthier works. This volume is perfect for that purpose. It's also great for preparing a homily, since it has major themes specifically for Advent. It also has footnotes with references for THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH and other works by Brown which makes it a great beginning for further research.

I read this book in this time of Christmas, 2001-2002. The content was incredibly interesting and changed my mind about the narratives of Jesus infancy. The two initial chapters of Matthew and Luke now say different things than I understood just a month ago. Recommendable only for people with a very well cemented faith. Short and very interesting and clear reading. That is the reason why I am a father Brown's fan.

Alabaster's Song is a story that you should own, even if you don't have a child. It is warm and sweet, and brings you back to the place where the child inside each one of us still lives.

As always, Max Lucado has the gift of reaching down into the depths of your heart and soul, and touching you, drawing you closer to God.

Make this book part of your library, part of your Christmas traditions. I read it each year to my "babies", who are now 19, 17, and 13. It is a tradition I will carry on with my grandchildren.

This is a fabulous book that brings to mind the wonder of Christmas through a child's eyes. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is timeless and unforgettable! I read this story to my children, ages 11, 8, and 4, each year around Christmas. I even read it to my MOPS group as a Christmas reading last year. Thank you, Max Lucado, for another wonderful children's book!

Very cute story about a little boy whose Christmas Tree angel comes to life to sing sweet songs to him. Gorgeous artwork brings the story to life with brilliance. I loved that the story repeated itself once the little boy grew up and had a son of his own who hears the angels music.

This is one of the most beautifully illustrated, delightful stories I have had the good fortune to encouter. Alabaster, the spirited little angel, touches the life a boy with positive results. The message in this gentle story is that when good is done, pass it on. It is so lovely, so moving that it might make one misty eyed. This book is a real treasure. Max Lucado and the illustrator have used their talents to enrich the lives of others.

As a Preschool Teacher of 4 and 5 year olds, I have read many books about the Christmas Story. This book is by far, the childrens' favorite. It is both touching and exciting. I have never read one of Max Lucado's books that I was not absolutely thrilled with.

A few weeks ago, I was feeling very nostalgic for my childhood Christmases in the frozen north (I'm now living in Australia where Christmas arrives when it's thirty degrees in the shade) and I must have read reviews of half the Christmas books on Amazon. On the strength of the enthusiasm of its reviewers I chose 'Believe: A Christmas Treasury'.

It arrived this afternoon and to my delight it's the kind of book that every book-lover dreams of: every page (and I do mean every page, from the titles to the final words of thanks) is filled with the most exquisite illustrations, quotations, stories, poems and reminders of the true spirit of Christmas. I found myself turning each page and thinking again and again, "I can't believe it's so lovely!"

A fair portion of the book was familiar material but this didn't detract from the experience at all. On the contrary, it was wonderful to have a lot of my favourite Christmas stories and songs gathered together along with lots of things that I hadn't come across before.

I remember one or two very special books that I adored as a child because they seemed somehow more real than other books, touched by a certain magic. This belongs firmly in that category and for anyone who wants to be inspired with the joy and love of the holiday season, I urge you to get this glorious book now!

This is a book to be passed on from generation to generation. The illustrations are exquisite, and the poetry and stories and vignettes are extremely well chosen.

This book's gilt-edged pages, charming colorful illustrations and classic Christmas treats including among many, O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi" and the nostalgic holiday song, "Over the River and Through the Woods" make for merry family holiday pleasure. Splendid! This book is called a treasury for good reason.

I'm a grandmother and I would recommend this book to anybody who loves Christmas and what it stands for. A treasured keepsake. Wonderful stories to read your children, Poems, food for thought, a few stories could be used for programs in church etc. It's an enjoyable read and I wouldn't part with it.The pictures are beautiful and I can't say enough. It was even nicer than I had expected. Love it!

What a beautiful book - and a great gift idea! I saw this at the bookstore a few weeks ago and loved it. I ordered it as a gift for a friend out of state off of amazon.com and was pleasantly surprised when 2nd day air and the book came to less than the cost of the book at the bookstore. Add this book to your Christmas collection!

I bought several copies of this beautiful book as gifts and was told by everyone, how much they thoroughly enjoyed this gem of a book. Should hit the number one best seller list along with the others. My own story, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is included in this book and as an author and poet, I was quite happy to be in very good company with the other wonderful writers in a Chicken Soup Christmas!

Janet K. Brennan

I got this book as a birthday present this year. With my birthday falling on Thanksgiving it was a perfect way to get me into the holiday spirit. The book has so many uplifting stories in it that I could hardly put the book down. It will truly inspire even the grinches & scrooge's in your life.

My favorite Chicken Soup book is always the new one that I'm reading. So, right now my favorite book is "A Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas." Every story is a gem! What I like about the Chicken Soup books is that you can read a story a day, or a couple of stories a week, or sit down and read the whole book through! (Which I ofter do, because sometimes I just can't stop reading these stories.) One of my favorite things about Chicken Soup books is the wide variety of stories--stories by children, funny stories, touching stories, inspiring stories.

I can't wait for next years Christmas Chicken Soup book--I know that one will be my new favorite book.

I also love Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--a touching story in the wonderful "Chicken Soup" tradition.

Bravo Chicken Soup for reminding us what Christmas is all about. Read this collection and pass the spirit on to your children and grandchildren.
My favorite is " Cheap Sax ", by Robin Shope. I find myself reading it again and again.

A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts: Stories to Warm Your Heart and Tips to Simplify Your Holidays

Chicken Soup books are always easy, inspiring, treasured reads. This one is no exception. I love the many heartwarming stories and recommend it to anyone who loves anything Christmas.

I love Christmas books...and I certainly love this one! This is the kind of book you can read to your whole family. It talks about the real meaning of Christmas...and the special love that is is shared between family members.

Also recommended:

Christmas at Grandfather's House: a heart-warming novel in stories--a collection of inter-connected holiday stories.

Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--a story about the blessings simple acts of kindness can bring.

I first "heard" this book at a church women's group. Two of the ladies
presented it as the program. One read the letters - and at different times during the reading, the other lady placed items (mentioned in the book) on the table or board. It was very touching - brought back many Christmas memories to those of us present. Very well written. I, myself,
was so impressed, I ordered a copy for four of my grown children as a Christmas gift for each family.

The Christmas Letters by Brett Nicholaus is one of those books that as soon as you finish reading it, you can't wait to pass it on to someone else so they can enjoy it too. While taking out Christmas decorations, the narrator reflects on the previous Christmas: the last he spent with his grandfather. Grandpa gave each member of his family a small piece of red felt cut out in the shape of a letter. Each letter signifies something special about that person that was important to Grandpa. Putting all the letters together spelled CHRISTMAS, and without any one of them, the holiday wouldn't feel complete. Grandpa also takes the time to remind his family the real meaning of Christmas and how much he loves them. The book has beautiful illustrations and is a really quick read. It's perfect as a gift book or to put out on the coffee table for guests to read. It will stir your emotions and remind you of what Christmas really means. I did pass the book on to my mom, and she thinks it will be a best-seller. I hope so!

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (11/06)

"The Christmas Letters," written by Bret Nicholaus, is a heart-warming tale of a Grandfather's love for his family and the legacy he left them, that only he could provide. The reader is instantly drawn into the setting for this book, a family gathering in which everyone surprised when typically quiet `Grandpa' asks for everyone's attention and proceeds to hand out envelopes to each member of the family. As the family sets spellbound, Grandpa explains that he would like each member to open their envelopes. As the family follows Grandpa's wishes, confused glances are exchanged when hand cut red velvet alphabet letters tumble onto the table in front of each member of the family.

As the family sits silently, Grandpa explains that each letter symbolizes an important part of the holiday for him. Continuing on, Grandpa tells each recipient what their letter means to him and why each letter stands for a special part of Christmas. Combining the letters C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, he explains, adds up to what makes Christmas complete for him. The family members realize that he is in fact telling them that they are each an important part of Christmas for him and without one of them; his Christmas would not be complete. As they sit silently thinking about their individual letters, Grandpa reaches for another envelope, tears it open, and withdraws the letter "J." Confusion is once again seen in the faces around the table until Grandpa speaks. He tells them that the "J" stands for `Jesus' and says..."without this piece of Christmas, there can be no peace of Christmas." As the meaning dawns on the family, Grandpa cuts the "J" into small pieces and hands one to each person present. With this simple gesture and the deep faith behind it, the family is reminded of what Christmas really means in their lives and how Jesus is the "piece" that defines Christmas for what it truly is.

This book touched a part of my heart that I didn't expect it to, upon first opening the cover. I found myself transformed to a Christmas Eve celebration, with my own family in attendance and saw through its pages, how everyone adds their own special "piece" of Christmas to the family. I was touched by Grandpa's love for his family and his need to tell them so. I too have an older father and I know my Christmas' with him will someday be no more. Somehow, through reading this book, although it brought tears to my eyes, it also brought a peace to my soul as well. It is a book that I intend to purchase for many friends this holiday season, as it is one of timeless love and deep faith as well. It is not just a story of Christmas but a story of deep love for not only family but for Jesus as well.

I would highly recommend "The Christmas Letters" as a gift for anyone on your list. It is a book that is rare indeed, as it can touch the youngest and the oldest heart alike with its message. It would be a welcome addition to any family bookshelf and reading it aloud could easily become a family tradition during many Christmas seasons to come. This book is one that will stay with you long after you close its cover and will touch you every time you read it. It is a jewel of a book for the Christmas season ahead and one that should be on everyone's "must read" list.

As the family has done for years, they all come together to share Christmas with Grandpa. Four generations invade the patriarch's home to shower each other with love. However, this year turns out slightly differently as Grandpa announced to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild that "This may be the last Christmas I get to spend with each of you". He gives his beloved relatives nine sealed individualized notes using the letters in the word Christmas to symbolize the recipient. The loving notes explain how each brought joy and happiness into his well filled contented life as well providing them with a life parable.

Christmas is coming soon, but Grandpa proved accurate as he died in the summer. Yet everyone gathers at Grandpa's house because they all believe he is there for them through his letters and in spirit to celebrate Christmas with his loved ones.

This novella is a terrific tale as each of the family members receive a precious memento from a person held in high regard and cherished by all. Readers will appreciate the gift from Grandpa as Bret Nicholaus provides touching short vignettes of what Grandpa as says in his letters to each person. THE CHRISTMAS LETTERS is an uplifting holiday tale that reminds the audience what really is blessed about life is giving and receiving love.

Harriet Klausner

Then buy this! In essence, this is a five-year Christmas scrap book where the pages are all done for you- you just have to fill in the blanks, add your own photos, etc. I have bought so many of these already... for family, for friends and for me :) What a wonderful gift for people you know who love to document special memories.

(If you keep your eyes peeled you can find these books for quite a reasonable price- I found 2 at Borders at $2 each! Almost a steal really...)

I loved this book so much, I used all the pages each year and was delighted that Amazon had a copy to order a second one! The whole family enjoys looking at the book each year, going over the previous years events and memories. I recommend it, a treasure for your grandchildren!

This is my second book, I love this book and hope to get one every 5 years! It's a great way to save all our wonderful Christmas memories, places to put photos,write notes and share your wonderful experiences for years to come. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys scrapbooking but doesn't have the time...it's done for you except what you put in...love it

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (10/07)

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19NIV)
What a marvelous event she had to ponder in her heart. What are your favorite Christmas memories? Do you remember all the particular details of that special time? Don't you wish you would have a book where you could write down special memories so that just by reading them later on, all those wonderful memories could come back, without having to rely on your memory? Imagine the fascination of the children when they read about when Mom and Dad were young or they were just youngsters.

Susan Branch has created just the keepsake book for your favorite five Christmases. Remembering your last Christmas or New Years with a special family member or special friend are just a couple of ideas she presents. Preserving memories for years to come is just what this book is terrific for. There is a place for traditions, movies of that year, moments, humorous happenings and a picture of the tree which adorned your house could be kept.

There are very beautiful illustrations throughout this spiral-bound album for you to enjoy as you prepare it from year to year. Even if you aren't a scrapbooker, you too can become a `preserver of memories.' We don't have all the special times and the miracle of the first Christmas like Mary did, but we all have our own special "Christmas Memories."

Although our 2 children are still very small, we already love to flip through the pages of this book and look at the first year when our oldest was a baby. This book records 5 years of Christmas memories and is a treasure in our home. Each year in full of areas for pictures, attaching keepsakes, and recording memories that would otherwise get forgotten with the passage of time. There is also a pocket in the far back to keep other treasures in as well, such as letters to Santa, etc. We have completed the first 4 years and I intend on buying another copy after we complete the 5th year in December 2006. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to preserve memories!