Christmas Decorations

Of course, it’s not Christmas without decorations.  Here are some pictures I snapped for just this occasion.

We bought a new Christmas tree this year from Michaels.  It’s more slender and has smaller lights than our last one, but otherwise it’s a good tree.

The snowman wreath was originally from a garage sale.  We bought it a long time ago, but only started using it last year.

My sister found these nutcrackers at Michaels last year.  The penguin is my favorite.

My sister and I bought the snowmen afghan from Kmart and the pillow from Kohls.

From left to right, the top of the bookcase contains a Madonna and Child bell-shaped music box from Germany, plastic poinsettia flowers from Michaels, Victorian doll with bear from Ebay, and Santa from Meijers (bought 3 years ago for half off).

The holiday scene was from Michaels, and the gopher was from a garage sale.

The stockings, which were from Michaels, were embroidered by my sister.

The snowmen were from an estate sale.  The snowman snow globe and brown sleigh (hidden by snowmen parade) were from garage sales.

I bought the red-clothed singers and basket bear from garage sales.  The ceramic birds were from Frank’s Nursery and Crafts.  The nut mouse was made by my brother for my parents.

My sister purchased the nativity snow globe from Target.  It’s also a music box that plays “Joy to the World”.

My sister also bought this nutcracker snow globe / music box from Target.  It plays “The Nutcracker Suite - March”. 

Mom found this nativity snow window at our church.  It plays “Away in a Manger”, and the star even lights up with a push of a button!

Book Review: The Perfect Christmas

In Debbie Macomber’s “The Perfect Christmas”, a desperate woman seeks out a matchmaker to find a husband.  Simon then gives her 3 Christmas-related jobs, to see if she’s a match for the man he's selected.  Will she survive these tasks?

Starting with the first job, I felt sorry for Cassie when the wife of a charity donator threw coffee on her.  Personally, I remember my time as a Salvation Army bell ringer with fondness.  On the other hand, I didn’t have to stand outside in freezing temperatures.  I also wasn’t crazy about the heroine being humiliated during her second job as an elf.  As for the third job, I always enjoy reading about what’s on the menu for Christmas dinner.  Besides all that, Simon could have been more polite. 

Despite some flaws, I think this is a great novel.  I read it every year.

Book Review: Unwrapping Christmas

A frazzled woman finds out what’s important after she takes a tumble in “Unwrapping Christmas” by Lori Copeland.

The only thing that bothers me about this novella is that the husband tells Rose that because she volunteers a lot, she's at fault for neglecting her family.  Though Joey does finally admit that he's to blame too (because of the long hours at his job), he’s not the one who ends up changing his ways. 

Other than that, I enjoyed this hardcover book.  It helps that it’s also about God.

Story Review: Tumbleweed Christmas

In “Tumbleweed Christmas” by Kristin James, a widow is employed as housekeeper for a Scrooge-like man.

This romantic story is a favorite of mine.  I especially love the descriptions of food and cleaning.  I also enjoy reading about Christmases long-ago.  Besides that, it doesn’t hurt that sparks fly as Melinda shows Daniel that she is truly his match.

Unfortunately, this tale is the only one in the book (of “Harlequin Historical Christmas Stories”) that’s really good.

Movie Review: Secret of Giving

My first Christmas movie is “Secret of Giving”, starring Reba McEntire.  In 1903 Oregon, a mystery man inspires a widow to help others.

There are touches of humor in this charming film.  Particularly funny is when “Harry” tells a sad story about a silver tray that he’s selling.  As each seller of the platter shares the tale, the buyers’ reactions are hilarious! 

The songs and acting are also wonderful.  Not to mention that the Chinese food looks delicious.

Book Review: The Christmas Lamp

In Lori Copeland’s “The Christmas Lamp”, Jake and Roni clash over how Christmas should be celebrated, after Jake crashes into town to save Nativity from extinction.

My main problem with this book is that I’m not crazy about how the heroine thinks one thing and then does the complete opposite.  For example, when Jake asks for permission to sit with Roni, she wants him to go away.  Instead of making some excuse to escape the situation, she moves aside to make room for him.  Okay…so she’s not rude.  But then she gives him part of her roast beef sandwich, just because his tuna fish sandwich comes from a vending machine?  The trouble with that is that Roni is upset about all the changes Jake has been making to her town’s Christmas celebration.  So this friendly gesture doesn’t make sense.

Other than that, this novella is pretty good.  I especially love how Jake resolves what will happen to Nativity, in a very Christmassy way.   

It’s a Wrap

I’ve decided to wrap the presents early, since wrapping is my least favorite Christmas activity.  So here are my 3 gifts plus one of my sister’s (I snapped a picture of Mom’s present earlier).

By the way, we’ve already put up the tree and decorations.

Book review: Christmas at Harrington’s

I just finished “Christmas at Harrington’s” by Melody Carlson.  It’s about a woman who has just been released from jail, and is looking for a fresh start.  She is then given a job as Mrs. Santa.  Suddenly, her future seems brighter...but for how long?

I found this novel very readable.  The heroine’s attempts at life after prison are inspiring.  I also like that she learns to fight back and tell the truth about her imprisonment.  Furthermore, it’s good to know that prisons don’t just let you go without helping you to find employment.  All in all, a satisfying Christmas read.

Favorite Christmas Songs

Last year, I started listening to Christmas music in late October – early November.  Unfortunately, the radio isn’t cooperating this year.  So I’m playing our Xmas cassettes and CDs instead. 

Here are my favorite songs:

• It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Andy Williams)
• White Christmas (Bing Crosby)
• Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives)
• I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (John Cougar Mellencamp)
• Santa Baby (Madonna)
• Do They Know It’s Christmas? / Feed the World (Band Aid)
• Peace on Earth / Little Drummer Boy (Bing Crosby / David Bowie)
• Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Frank Sinatra / Cyndi Lauper)
• Mary Did You Know? (Kenny Rogers / Wynonna Judd)
• God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman (Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan)
• Sleigh Ride (Instrumental)
• What Child is This? (Vicki Carr)
• The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) (Nat King Cole)
• Merry Christmas Darling (The Carpenters)
• The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) (Alvin & the Chipmunks)
• Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee)

What are your favorites?