Christmas Day Books

Everyone can use some inspiration. Inspiration can definitely be found in Illuminations: A Road Less Traveled. It was indeed a pleasure to read such an inspiring piece of literary work. Christmas Miller's approach is one that can be appreciated by people from all walks of life. She doesn't come off as preachy or pushy, by challenges us to be in tune to our own spirituality and inner voices. Illuminations captures your attention, flows well from one topic to the next, and is a must read for anyone looking for simple, but effective approaches to some of life's most puzzling questions. One can immediately tell from Christmas Miller's heartfelt approach, that there is truth and sincerity in her words of wisdom.

This book adds a new dimension to Christmas titles. Its sliding, changing pictures feature M. Engelbreit's best Christmas illustrations, each with a short, witty, thought-provoking line of verse. Lots of fun for adults or kids, with a refreshing message about living in peace (tough as it may be at times).

This Advent devotional is a delightful and thought-provoking preparation for the yearly celebration of the incarnation of Jesus the Christ. The author is a Young Life leader living in Nicaragua; her illustrations are reminiscent of that country's culture. To awake each morning and close each evening with Hornsby's drawings and ddevotionals is an advent gift to look forward to each year. This is a wonderful gift to give others. We all have the tendency to forget what we as Christians truly celebrate. Hornsby's book re-anchors the reader in the wonder, awe, as well the simplicity into which Jesus was born. You will be blessed as you enter into Hornsby's reflections on the coming to earth of God's only begotten Son, Jesus.

This book is a wonderful look at Josephs' role in the Nativity Story. The book is complete with a map of Mary and Joseph's travels through the Holy Land along with Cultural Facts about the period in which the story takes place. The illustrations by Hinke are the traditional, rich paintings of the Holy Land, created in the early 1950's. Hinke was a wonderful artist that captured the simplicity and warmth of the setting in the manger. The story and the paintings work well together. I believe the story appeals to a wide range of readers, from ages 9 to 90. I really enjoyed reading this book.

This is a great book for beginner quilters and experienced quilters. As usual, Eleanor burns gives excellent directions, and her method is above all. It is nice to make this in the traditional Christmas greens and also in florals for spring.

This is my first review, so I hope that tells you how strongly I feel about this book. I actually purchased my copy as a college freshman in 1989 when I was feeling homesick before the holidays. It was very comforting and comfortable - really reminded me of what Christmas felt like at home with Mom baking cookies and Christmas caroles on the record player. I re-read most of the stories every few years, and get something else out of them each time. This year as a mother I saw a few of them with new eyes (sometimes teary). I am now purchasing a few copies to use as gifts - this is a book that every Christian woman can enjoy. There is fine literatrure here, but also warm stories and heartfelt themes.

Replete with illustrations that bloom with an understated yet bold use of color, this story shows how Christmas is made personal to a young girl in a beautiful Mexican town, via a very special pinata.

This is a great book for celebrating the holidays. There are a lot of activities to do and each are very cute! Great recipes, too!

Children will truly enjoy learning about this less-familiar carol, "ON CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING," if they follow the suggestions about dressing up as animal farmers. From the amusing sparrow that "went out to harrow" to the crow who "went out to sow" kids will have a great time devising masks and costumes for a reinactment. They can go back to an age when farmers in England danced & sang to help their plants grow! Some of those farmers even wore animal masks with that hope.

Merry are Melissa Sweet's illustrations that show these imaginative preparations for the Nativity. The artist has embellished her paintings with symbols of Nature which help *plant* in our minds some thoughts of the miracle of rebirth.

Children always welcome the idea of Feasting, and will be eager to create a celebration similar to that shown in the joy-filled double-spread. MCHAIKU SUGGESTS WE ALL ENTER INTO THE SPIRIT !

I don't know how my book came to be sold on Amazon especially at such an outrageous price. You can get this book from me for six bucks and postage at PFornatar@aol.com. I had a difficult time with Christmas when I was a young lad. In our family it was time for battles of meaningless sorts. However, I love to write Christmas stories. These are funny, wacky, sad and some deep. It's a fun read. I happen to think Christmas should be limited to one day. And, that's what the stories are about.

As for the Michele person linked to my name...I'd love to meet her. I've never heard of her. Merry Christmas