Christmas Spirit

Drowning (happily) Myself in Simple Christmas Stories

Posted by Barbara Techel

Drowning (happily) Myself in Simple Christmas Stories

During the month of December I treat myself to reading only Christmas stories.

This is the time of year I like to pause and give my brain a rest from self-help, memoir, educational and guru type books, and just lavishly linger in the spirit of Christmas through fiction books.

I was excited to learn about an author I’d never heard of before, Melody Carlson. She’s quite the prolific writer having written over 200 books. I’m guessing she is somewhere in her 50s so I am quite blown away by the number of books she has put out into the world already.  I wonder if she ever sleeps?  ha!

She has quite a few Christmas Novellas. So far I’ve read The Christmas Pony, The Christmas Bus and A Simple Christmas Wish. Currently I’m reading The Christmas Shoppe.

a simple christmas wish

They are all simple stories and quick reads. While some may consider the stories kind of sappy, I do like losing myself in a simpler world and time…even for just a little while.

the christmas bus

I don’t know if I’ll get to reading all her holiday books, but there is always next year. And it looks like she comes out with a new Christmas story just about every year.

But in case you are like me and enjoy these type of books this time of year, thought I’d share with you this author.

christmasshoppe

I’d love to hear of other Christmas stories you may be reading!

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The Joy of Simplicity

Posted by Barbara Techel

The Joy of Simplicity

I wanted to share with you today my mini nativity. I just adore it and thought it might make you smile, too. It was given to me by my friend, Diane, many years ago.

It sits on my altar in my writing cottage. In the early morning, before the sun rises, I love sitting in my cottage for a few moments with the lights turned off. I enjoy just having a candle burning as a way of invoking the Christmas spirit this time of year.

Also, being in the quiet before the world begins to stir is such a delicious treat.

It’s the small, but simple things that I find so much joy in.

It was fun coming across this quote also that I felt is so fitting…

A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,
But softly gives itself away.
~Eva Logue

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A Favorite Christmas Tradition in Pictures

Posted by Barbara Techel

A Favorite Christmas Tradition in Pictures

Every year I look so forward to sleeping over at my Sistah V’s (a.k.a. Victoria) condo.

In many ways it’s like stepping back in time. Many of her holiday decorations are from her grandparents and parents, and items she has saved from when she was a little girl.

I’ve always fondly said it’s like going to grandma’s because that is what it reminds me of….and it fills my soul in such a heartwarming, touching way that lovingly lingers with me until we do it again the next year. My time with Sistah V always fills me with Christmas spirit!

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