Focus on Christmas with Elizabeth Ludwig

Today I welcome Elizabeth Ludwig to my blog for my Focus on Christmas special. Thanks for stopping by Elizabeth. Check out her 2 books she has out at present both would be great Christmas gifts. Stop by and leave a comment (I know there are many readers out there who read the posts but never post I would love to know what you thing of the interviews and my blog).

1. Firstly thanks for coming back to my blog this time we are focusing on Christmas.
What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?
Christmas is a special time for me and my family. It’s always been our favorite time of year. The past few years, however, have been quite different from my experience growing up. Since moving to Texas, we’ve traded snow days for hurricanes and Yule logs for bon fires held outdoors. Still, I’d have to say the one thing that hasn’t changed is the annual Christmas parade and lighting of the Christmas tree downtown. (Jenny here, We have a Christmas parade every year also its this coming Saturday)

I love to go riding in the car late at night just to see the lights. My family and I pack up a thermos of hot chocolate (even if the weather is eighty degrees outside) and head out into the neighborhood to find the best lighting display of the season. (Jenny again, This is one thing I love to do also well the seeing the Christmas lights displayed in the town its normally not to cold when we do it)

2. Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?
Several years ago, my husband and I started a tradition with our kids that has become one of our favorite things about Christmas. We noticed that after weeks of anticipation, Christmas morning came and went in a mad rush of shredded paper and gifts swiftly examined and tossed aside.

To avoid this, we begin opening presents the week before Christmas. . .one gift per day, for the seven days leading up to Christmas morning. Instead of ripping open a present and tossing it aside, our kids savor each gift, and share it with their friends.
One year, my daughter wore a sweater she had received to go Christmas shopping. Later that night, we sat down as a family to enjoy a video that my son received. It’s our way of extending the joy of gift-giving, but also teaching our children to appreciate the the giver! (Sounds like a great tradition)

3. Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?
I love everything about the holidays, especially the music. Every year, our church puts on a cantata, but one song in particular stands out in my mind. It’s called Joseph’s Song, and it focuses on the unique position that Joseph found himself in as father to the Son of God. What a job! It’s a beautiful message, and a precious reminder that sometimes, God calls us to impossible circumstances, yet His plan is always perfect.

4. If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?
No doubt…I would have all of family and extended family gathered about in a warm winter cabin with a gentle snow falling outside. Special guests would be those beloved family members who’ve gone on to be with the Father. I would really love to spend Christmas with them.

5. Do you have any special memories of Christmas?
Too many to count! LOL! How do I narrow down a lifetime of Christmases to a few I call special? Every year has had its particular moments, but all of them have been a celebration of the coming of my Savior.

I was reminded of that a few years ago when my mother-in-law passed away from cancer. Driving home to Texas after the funeral, I was listening to the CD of our church’s Christmas musical and thinking there was no way I wanted to participate that year, when my heart was so heavy. But then, a song called Joy, Joy came on, and I realized that Jesus had indeed come to bring joy. . .even in the very worst moments of despair.

I must have been a sight, I tell you, singing at the top of my lungs, the windows rolled down and tears streaming down my face, “Jesus has come to bring joy!”

6. What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.
Christmas Eve is so much fun. We leave the Christmas tree lit all day and a candle burning in the fireplace at night. Then, early in the morning, we get the kids up, open presents, cook a big breakfast, and settle in for some football. After that, it’s eat, sleep, eat, go to the movies, eat…you get the idea.

7. Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

There are a handful of movies I watch every year, no matter what. A Christmas Carol (the George C. Scott version), and It’s A Wonderful Life with James Stewart. I also like While You Were Sleeping because it makes me laugh, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. LOL! Bet I surprised you with that last one, huh? Still, it’s just not Christmas until Linus gives his famous speech. (Jenny again, Its A Wonderful Life isn't as big in Australia infact I didn't realize it was a Christmas movie till watching Days of our Lives years ago and Sammy saying it was her favourite movie and it is years I dont watch it now. Also think I have to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas this year if I can hire it. I don't know If I have seen it).

8. Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?
Enjoy Christmas with all of your heart. This Holy Child, Jesus, was born for you. He lived and died for you. My prayer is that you will make Him yours this holiday season. May your season be blessed.

Elizabeth has 2 great books out at present. One is a cozy Mystery the other is part of a novella which I am wating to read this year. Its one of the next to be read. Both would make a wonderful Christmas gift. You can find more about Elizabeth at here website http://www.elizabethludwig.com/

Where the Truth Lies
Heartsong Presents: MYSTERIES!
Spring 2008Casey Alexander refuses to believe her aunt committed suicide. Her personal investigation makes some people uncomfortable enough to want her dead.
As the main suspect in Casey's quest, Luke Kerrigan does some searching of his own. What he finds has him doing a little more digging that leads him to doors he may not want opened.
The secrets unearthed will turn lives upside down and threaten the peace in their small community.

Christmas Homecoming
Barbour Publishing
Fall 2009
Christmas Scheirer left home in pursuit of a writing career in New York. What she found was false friends and heartache, but she's always been too ashamed to admit she squandered the money her grandfather left her, or that her greed may have led to his death. Driven by a need to make amends, Christmas returns home for her grandmother's wedding, but it's one last gift—a generation's worth of letters written by her grandfather—that makes Christmas realize where life's true treasure lies. She'll do anything to see the letters published, even if it means battling with the handsome guardian of her grandfather's estate, Marcus Taggert.