Christmas Memories with Pam Hillman

Please join me in welcoming Pam Hillman to my blog today to talk about Christmas Memories.

Remember is you can get a further 8 entries in this weeks giveaway which you will find here.

1.      What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Ah, Christmas way down in South Mississippi, in the good ol’ USA. I’ll just say that it rarely ever snows in Mississippi, so a white Christmas with lots of beautiful fluff is not on the agenda. But it can be fairly cold. As I write this, it’s 28 degrees. But some Christmases, we’re in shirt-sleeves. The things I associate with Christmas: Jesus’ birth. Family. Laughter. Joy. Children. Practising Christmas plays, and then my own children being on stage in plays. And nativity scenes acted out by adorable little children. Those kinds of memories make me smile! I close my eyes and think about the smell of my mother-in-law’s house on Christmas morning, the laughter and the squeals of excitement as my kids and their cousins open their presents. Lots of hustle and bustle, not necessarily shopping, even though there is some of that, but family get-togethers, Christmas parties, Christmas plays and cantatas. Precious memories! 

2.    Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

As families change, so do traditions. As a newly-wed, I had visions of making hot chocolate, playing Christmas music, and decorating the Christmas tree with my husband. My Norman Rockwell fantasy died a quick death. My Cowboy doesn’t drink hot chocolate, and he’s simply not into decorating! Later, when my children were small, I tried again. When 20 ornaments ended up on one poor beleaguered limb, I decided those boys were just like their daddy and a career in decorating was not in their future. Fast forward several years and my daughter-in-law decorated my Christmas tree this year! A tradition is born! Yes!!!!

(Jenny here it became my job to do the tree otherwise we would not have had a tree. mum would have been happy to not have a tree so I would do it when she was in bed)

3.    Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why? 

I love Christmas music and as I write this, I have a Christmas cd playing. Generally, I work all year long in the quiet of my office, but occasionally I’ll listen to music. Today is one of those days. I used to wonder why we didn’t  listen to Christmas Carols all year long, but then I came to the conclusion that the very fact that we don’t play Christmas music until right around or right after Thanksgiving Day is what makes it so magical. Even though We Three Kings isn’t the most popular song at Christmas, I’ve just always loved it. I don’t know why, I just like the rhythm, and the words. Silent Night is a favorite, too. And The Little Drummer Boy.

4.    If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

At first, I read this question to ask anywhere, so I’ll answer it that way first. I’d be right where I’ve always been. Home. At my mother’s house. At my in-laws. At church. With my family. While I don’t actually make a lot of crafts, I like the idea of doing it. I think it would be fun to gather all my family in an old farm house somewhere (think The Waltons) where family members have to hand craft all the gifts. Rocking horses, sleds, carved animals, rag dolls for the children, homemade cookies, crafts and keepsake boxes for the adults. Children would make popcorn balls and craft paper ornaments. Cell phones, television, computers and electronic games would be banned for the duration. (Jenny here that is how I meant the question how would you spend a Christmas if you could do anything. I think I would like to have that sort of Christmas, I will be home alone and I miss having the excitement of being with a big group of people)

5.      Do you have any special memories of Christmas?  

I remember one year when my cousin and I decided to cut trees for both of our families. This was way before Christmas tree farms became popular. I was about 14. He was 12. Standing at a distance, we found these perfectly shaped trees. We chopped, and chopped, and chopped. It wasn’t until we got those trees on the ground that we discovered both were about 8-10’ tall and 6’ in diameter at the bottom and would never fit in our homes. Not to mention that we wouldn’t have had nearly enough ornaments to decorate them! We had to trim them at the bottom. Practically ruined the big, bushy look of the trees, but all that work taught us to pay attention to the size of a tree out in the woods the next time we got a wild hair to cut down a tree. (Jenny again Oh I love it and its amazing what looks smaller outside is often bigger.)

6.    What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

We have a quiet Christmas Eve mostly, sometimes at my mothers, depending on when my nieces and nephews come to visit. If Christmas Eve or Christmas day falls on Saturday, Sunday, or Wednesday, we don’t dismiss church. We carry on services as usual, but celebrate Jesus’ birth singing Christmas songs, reading the Christmas story, sometimes by candlelight. Simply beautiful. Now that my children are grown and we don’t have little ones around, Christmas morning at my house is fairly quiet as well. Things start hopping around 10 am when we go to my in-laws for a huge breakfast, then exchange gifts there. I have some great-nieces and nephews, so the excitement of Christmas morning is fresh and new with children around.

7.     Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Over the years, as I’m sure all of us have, my Christmas has run the gamut of over-the-top commercialism to tough years where we tightened our belts a bit and did without, from the abundance of health to having loved ones hospitalized or at death’s door on Christmas day. From year to year, the pendulum swings from one extreme to the other. But no matter our circumstances, no matter if there is no money to buy toys or extra food, no matter if you or a loved one is sick and the doctors have given up hope, no matter if you’re sitting in a foxhole in a war-torn country, or wondering where the money for rent will come from…Jesus was born on Christmas morn to wipe it ALL away. All sickness, all financial troubles, all worries, war and strife. No, answers might not come today. Answers might not even come in this lifetime. But He is the answer. He’s the reason for the season. Now and for always.

BIO: Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove the Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of! Claiming Mariah is her second novel. www.pamhillman.com

Christmas Memories with Helen Gray and link to giveaway

Please Welcome Helen Gray to my blog today. Her debut book is out next March with Hearsong Presents. I got to know Helen at Seekerville. Also dont forget this weeks giveaway.

1.  What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Here in the Missouri Ozarks the things I associate with Christmas are cold weather, programs at church. lots of bright lights, and lots of church and civic groups reaching out in various ways to the needy. 

2. Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

We have a lot of fun with the goofy little stocking stuffer gifts we exchange. Other than that, our traditions are --well, traditional. Lots of food and just enjoying being together as a family. (Jenny here, today I was visiting my dr and for the first time on an appointment was really sick, I have a fever etc. well we were talking Christmas as I will be alone and I mentioned bacon and she looked I said you have to have bacon on Christmas its a tradition to which she looked at me again and I explained. When we were little we would open our gifts then go to Church Christmas day. Dad would make bacon for breakfast and it was a treat as we rarely had bacon and even when he was gone we kept up the tradition.)

3. Do you have a favorite Christmas carol and if so do you know why?

O Holy Night is my favorite. It paints such a beautiful picture, both lyrically and musically. (Jenny here this is one of my all time favourties song by a male tenor. Michael Crawford or someone else in that vain)

4. If you could spend Christmas any way you could, how would you celebrate?

At home and church with my family.

5. Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

Poverty meant very little in the way of gifts, but we always had a good time. There were always nuts and candy in our hung stockings. (While we were not the poorest we never had a lot but like you Helen we always had a good time and loved our gifts, Christmas isn't about expensive gifts its about the love that goes into them. I remember one year getting a special shell and thinking it was the best gift ever infact I still have that shell)

6. What is a typical Christmas Eve and or Christmas Day for you?

Christmas Eve is usually visiting time with the family, sometimes including some times playing board games. Christmas morning we have our gift exchange, followed by the big meal.

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

When the kids were home, they always watched the Snoopy and Rudolph movies. Ken and I aren't big movie watchers. I read whatever Christmas books my writer friends have releasing near the holiday.

8. Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Don't get so caught up in the hoopla of Christmas that we short-change the time with our families--and the TRUE REASON for Christmas, Christ's birth and death here on earth.

My debut book, Ozark Sweetheart, is scheduled to release on March 1 in digital and March 4 in print. The characters are drawn from my mother's background and the notes she made for me about growing up in the Great Depression.

Christmas Memories with Christina Rich

Please welcome Christina Rich to my blog today. Christina's book will be out next year with Love Inspired Historical. Don't for get to check Mondays post for the week long giveaway.

1.       It’s hard to associate any one thing with Christmas, especially since decorations start hitting the shelves the day after all the Halloween candy is dumped into the clearance carts.

2.       Ahhhh…. Family traditions. My husband and I have never held to the idea of Santa. The kids grew up knowing that their presents were because we were blessed by Jesus and able to buy them presents. When the kids were little we used to have a tradition of going to my parents’ home on Christmas Eve for lunch, then hubs and I would do our Christmas shopping for the kids. We’d come home take all the presents to our room and wrap. The kids loved sitting outside the door waiting to be handed wrapped presents so they could place them under the tree. As soon as the last present was placed under the tree they’d all dance around with excitement waiting to open up their presents. (Jenny here that is so fun the in our house all gifts got the feel test. As I was the youngest I often was the one to do it as if we got caught I was the youngest)

3.       I love Christmas music, and not just the traditional Christmas Carols. I grew up listening to Mannheim Steamroller, Tchaikovsky, and Alvin and the Chimpmunks, but I think my all time favorite is O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

4.       Every year I have visions of spending Christmas with my family in a cabin in the mountains, but if I had the money I’d love to spend it in Israel with my family.

5.       One of my favorite memories is from when I was a teenager. My brothers are quite a bit younger than I am so they were little. Maybe first grade and kindergarten. Anyway, Dad, a pilot, would concoct a story that he needed to check on the plane. Mom would load us kids up into the car and then have to use the restroom. She’d come back to the car and then Dad would say he forgot his wallet. This would go on for a few minutes before we’d make our way to the airport. The whole way there the boys would be watching out the window for Santa, but this one particular year it was foggy and the boys were concerned Santa wouldn’t be able to find his way to our house. But he did and the boys’ excitement was priceless. (I love that how cool)

6.       We no longer have a typical Christmas. We’re in that stage of our lives where we have adult kids and young kids. We try to accommodate schedules.

7.       Let’s just say I’m addicted to Christmas movies and books. Whatever is out, I watch and read.

8.        John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Christmastime is the celebration of our savior being birthed into our world. It’s the evidence of God’s grace and mercy. Many people believe Christmas is a time to spread love, kindness and good cheer. However, God’s word says that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves and we are to pray for our enemies. I believe that is something that should be done 365 days a year. Christmas should be a time to reflect on the goodness of Jesus as our savior and the blessings he’s showered upon us.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

The Guardian’s Promise Blurb

A Kingdom in Jeopardy
An evil queen and her royal guards will stop at nothing to find—and kill—the rightful heir to the throne of Judah. When their pursuit leads them to Mira’s village, only her father’s bond servant, Ari, a man shrouded in secrets, can keep Mira safe.

Abandoning his life as a temple guard and becoming an indentured servant was the only way Ari could protect young Joash, the true King of Judah, from Queen Athaliah. But his sacred duty prevents him from confessing his feelings for his master’s daughter. With the future of their nation on the line, Ari and Mira will risk everything to save their people.

When she was younger, Christina tried to dig herself to China, loved Three Billy Goats Gruff, and had an obsession with maps. She gave up her dig to China but still jumps at the chance to travel even if it’s just down the road. She loves watching modern takes of fairytales and mythologies on the big screen and still has a huge obsession with maps. The older the better.
Born and raised in Kansas, where she currently lives with her husband and children, Christina loves to read stories with happily ever afters, research,  take photos, knit scarves, dig into her ancestry, fish, visit the ocean, write stories with happily ever afters and talk about her family and Jesus.

Her debut novel, The Guardian’s Promise, releases from Love Inspired March 2013.

Christmas Memories with Dorothy Adamek with giveaway

Please welcome another Aussie writer Dorothy Adamek to my blog today. Also this week you can win an Amazon gift voucher.

1.    What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

For our family it means summer has arrived, and the school year has ended. It's the start of our 6 or so weeks of beach holiday and the chance to meet with family and relax over a laden Christmas Day table. (Jenny here when I was at school it was 8 weeks and we got of a few weeks before Christmas so had time to do things for Christmas now it seem kids only get out a week before some not even that)

2.    Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

My father-in-law has an acre of cherry trees under protective bird netting. One of our late December traditions is to pick boxes-full (not counting bellies-full) of fat, juicy cherries when we visit his farm. Cherries and Christmas go together so well.

Back at home, I like to decorate with a hand-knitted nativity set my mum made for me. It's so sweet and reminds me to focus on what really matters ~ the Lord Jesus, appearing just when it was foretold ~ in Bethlehem, with the angels and the shepherds. And even though there's speculation about when they arrived... there's a trio of magi in there, too.

3.    Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?

 Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child... I love this Christmas song, although I'm not sure you'd call it a carol. The tune is catchy, and I once taught it to my Sunday School class and they had the best fun performing it in church. But more than that, the words remind us that the coming of Jesus brings 'new life, new hope and new joy.' The entire Christmas message is encapsulated in that one line. Jesus came to offer newness for today and for all eternity. Something no one else could. No wonder we sing about it in celebration!   (I am not sure I know this song Yes I know I have it on one of my cds and I would call it a carol)

4.    If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

One day, it would be a dream come true to experience a White Christmas. I already suffer from snow-envy. Match that with Christmas Day and you'd have to slap me a little before I fainted with unmatched thrills!! Somewhere in the US or UK would be awesome. Can you arrange that, Jenny? Thanks, lovely friend. (I know I am good but not that good besides I like warm weather but hey it snowed in Ballarat one Christmas)

5.    Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

In 1992, my firstborn, Sophie, arrived a few days after Christmas, so I was heavily pregnant on Christmas Day that year.  We even gave her a Christmas middle name ~ Holly. The hospital where I delivered was still decorated with tinsel and Christmas trees, and one of the nurses who cared for me still wore her angel earrings. I remember thinking a lot about Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the arrival of her a baby in an environment so different to mine. And my 'first baby' moments fill my heart each year when I hear Christmas carols.

6.    What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

Christmas Day varies depending on which side of the family we're celebrating with. But Christmas Eve is spent at home, baking almond bread with green and red sugared cherries and watching Carols By Candlelight. We light the candles and transform our family room to match the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Carols by Candlelight is a long held tradition in Melbourne, and although I attended the rehearsal once, I do love watching it on TV each year with the family.  Sylvie Paladino is my favourite caroller. Interestingly, my parents sat in the audience once...long ago when my mum was pregnant with me. I'm detecting a Christmas/Pregnancy theme happening here....! :)  (Sitting watching the carols on Christmas Eve is a tradition for me too. I cried so hard last year at the Hallelujah chorus as mum said when she got to heaven she would be singing it with the heavenly choir. I love Maria Prior too)

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

Movies - Funny Farm. I know it's a little silly, but I just love the snow drifts and the house. And there's a writer in it, so that's good for a giggle.

Books are different. With books I want to enjoy the real Christmas story. I have a collection of Children's books I would put beside the Christmas Tree in a basket for my own kids when they were little. Even though they're simple books, I still enjoy the beautiful illustrations and nativity story.

8.    Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

I've always rested in the knowledge God's timing is perfect, for the details of my own life, and for my family. When we've been impatient for something or disappointed, we've encouraged one another with the assurance God's timing is perfect.

At Christmas time, I like to remember the words of Galatians 4:4 "When the time was right, God sent His son."

God held the plan for His son's coming until the time was right. And we not only rejoice that Jesus came, but that He came to seek and save us. What a privilege to know the story and understand we are the reason. Jesus came when God determined THAT day had arrived. And we can sing with the angels, "Glory to God in the Highest " everyday.., and especially at Christmas time.

Dorothy lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her Beloved and their children. She's the winner of the 2013 FHL ~ Touched By Love Competition. Enamoured by all things 19th century, she writes The Heartbeat of Yesteryear, Historical Romance - Aussie style.

Visit her blog, Ink Dots. http://dorothyadamek.blogspot.com.au/ 

 Giveaway

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Christmas Memories with Michelle Dennis Evans

Please Welcome Michelle Dennis Evans an Australian Author to my blog today to share memories.

1.    What do you most associate with Christmas where you live? After Jesus... heat, air conditioning and a swim in the pool! 

2.    Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time? Each year my husband and I make some special time for just us and our children. Sometimes that might be while we are at my parents house an hour away and sometimes it's at home. We take turns with our extended family. This year we spend Christmas Day with the Evans's and next year we'll be with my family again. 

3.    Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why? Until a couple of years ago, O Holy Night, was my favourite but now my favourite is Born is the King (It's Christmas) because it tells it all in one song. http://youtu.be/Qf6OoAZbAQg

4.    If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate? In airconditioning, with friends and family, with a drink (red wine is good), with laughter, Christmas carols playing and great food. 

5.    Do you have any special memories of Christmas? Every year my Nan put so much effort into Christmas. She lived next door to us on the farm and we would help her put up the tree and decorate her house. It was never over the top and she never spent much money on decorations but she was very particular with how she liked them. She would load the table with sugar but balance it out with making sure there was plenty of peaches, plums and nectarines there as well. She loved buying gifts and sticking $2 scratchies on each present. Every Christmas with Nan was special -  I sure do miss her. 

6.    What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you. If our church has a service, we are there and involved. Celebrating with our church family always comes first. Celebrating with our blood family always falls into place.  

7.    Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year? No. 

8.    Do you have a Christmas message for my readers? Jesus spent years in training. Then he was obedient.  

book blurb... 

Temptation, depression, seduction, betrayal ... Not what Stephanie was expecting at fifteen years of age. Uprooted from her happy, all-girl high school life with a dream filled future and thrown into an unfriendly co-ed school, Stephanie spirals into depression. 

When charismatic high school senior, Jason notices her, Stephanie jumps in feet first and willingly puts all her faith and trust in him, a boy she barely knows. 

Every choice she makes and turn she takes leads her towards a dangerous path.

Her best friend is never far away and ready to catch her … but will she push Tabbie too far away when she needs her most?

This novel contains adult themes.

Recommended reading audiences 17+

Please pop over  here http://www.john316marketingnetwork.com/christian-book-launches/ and check out some other authors, purchase their books and scroll down for you chance to win a $200 Amazon Voucher.

Christmas Memories with Valerie Hansen

Please welcome Valerie Hansen to my blog today. She has a new Love Inspired book out this month.

1.    What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Here, it's snow and warm, crackling fires in a wood stove and the pristine quiet of the forest.

2.    Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

Unfortunately, not anymore. When our children were little we used to go to grand parents' homes but it got really hectic and none of them were eager to share the time. If I had it to do over again I'd have stayed home more. The cookies were really good, though!

3.    Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why? 

I'm particularly fond of Silent Night and Away in a Manger. I like the old fashioned ones a lot better than any "new" arrangements of the classics.

4.    If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

As long as I can choose any part of my life, I'd pick the times when we were all together as a family with young children. Now that that's no longer possible, I prefer times at church, like a candle light service Christmas eve. Those bring wonderous peace. And I'm not nearly as patient with little kids as I used to be!  (Jenny here I understand about the children and not being as patient)

5.    Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

As a child, I was used to 4 seasons. Moving back to Arkansas from California brought lots of great memories of sledding on snow and ice skating while holding my daddy's hand. Mom used to let me hang the wreaths in the front windows and I was so proud to be helping her decorate. 

6.    What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

This year I'll be on my own for the first time in over 50 years. It will be interesting to see how I fare. I suspect that as long as I keep my eyes and my heart focused on Jesus I'll be just fine. After all, He's the reason we celebrate. (Jenny here I know this will be a touch christmas but something I learnt last year was to do something different and create a new tradition which helps to cope with the day a little better. I started a Christmas village last year which was totally new just to me.)

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

I have always loved the original "Miracle on 34th Street" and "It's a Wonderful Life."  Books would be the one my grandmother read to me, "T'was the Night Before Christmas".  

8.    Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Yes. When I was asked to write a Christmas book by my publisher, Love Inspired, I resisted. God had other ideas, of course, and the result is COZY CHRISTMAS. Few families enjoy storybook holidays and neither did I. In order to write this book I had to search my heart and come to grips with my own shortcomings as well as those of others whose customs and opinions may have differed from mine. It was quite a struggle - for me as well as for Josh Barton, the hero of the book. When you read about heroine Whitney Leigh's adventures in the kitchen, those of you who follow me on Facebook may also recognize a few of my personal fiascos.  My point is this. Our lives are a gift from God and so are the people around us who shape our futures. If we accept what we have as the precious gift that it is, we're far more likely to be able to honestly give thanks for whatever happens, not only at Christmas but every day of the year.

Blurb:

"For the first time in years, Christmas brings hope to Bygones, Knasas. But for Josh Barton, Main Street's coffee shop owner, it brings back sad memories he'd rather forget. He's a new man, with a new life and faith now. Still, he hides a huge part of himself from his neighbors - and from one very inquisitive reporter. Whitney Leigh seems determined to uncover the mystery of the town's recent windfall, and Josh could help her. But that would mean opening his guarded heart. Can a man who thought family and Christmas were only for others find a forever home where he least expects?" 

www.ValerieHansen.com
https://www.facebook.com/Valerie.Whisenand

Christmas Memories with Ruth O'Neil

Please Join me in welcoming Ruth O'Neil to my blog today to talk about Christmas Memories. I met Ruth a couple years back after reading a book her mother wrote which

I loved. 

1.    What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

It isn’t necessarily where I live now, but I always associated snow with Christmas. I grew up in upstate New York and we often have to wait Christmas. But now I live in Virginia and white Christmases are few and far between.

2.    Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

One of the things that I do Christmas time as a tradition is to decorate the house while my husband is at work. He hates decorating. He becomes a Scrooge. So I like to turn up the Christmas music and decorate when he’s not here. He likes it that way to. We also have braided bread every Christmas morning for breakfast. This is a recipe for my grandmother and it’s one my mom always made a Christmas time while we were growing. (Jenny here mum was like your husband. I would decorate the tree etc at night when she went to bed cos if she had her way we would have had no decorations)

3.    Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?

Favorite? I like a lot of different ones. I love “O Holy Night” and Steven Curtis Chapman’s rendition of “O, Come, O, Come Emmanuel.” (Jenny again I love O Holy Night and also O, Come, O, Come Emmanuel)

4.    If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

I’m not sure that I would spend it any differently than I do now. I love to be with my family. Our family dynamics are changing as our kids grow and my oldest is getting married this next spring so I think Christmas is all together as a family will be even more important.

5.    Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

I remember as a kid we were allowed to get up and get into our stockings early in the morning, but we couldn’t get into the presents under the tree until my parents got up, and we were not allowed to wake them. I think that’s kind of a tradition my husband and I tried to carry over with our kids. The only problem is my husband is the one who gets up early in does wake everybody up because he’s so excited. (Jenny again we had the same rule we could look at our stocking but nothing else. Oh we would then go and wake mum and dad can’t remember the time but what I didn’t realise at the time mum and dad were already awake as mum was always up before 5.30am)

6.    What is a typical Christmas eve, and or Christmas day for you.

We try to keep it relaxing. Were so busy every other day of the year that it’s nice to just sit and relax and not rush through things and enjoy our time together as a family.

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

I love Christmas movies. I think last year was the year I watched the most Christmas movies. I think I had a lot of sewing that I needed to do for other people so I would plan my hand sewing around the Christmas movie schedule. As far as favorites, I don’t know that I have a favorite. The same goes for books. I just enjoy reading different ones each December just to get myself in the Christmas spirit.

8.    Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Just enjoy the time that you have with your family. Don’t worry about making every little event a big deal. Sometimes I find with my own family it’s the little things that really mean a lot and the least planned events are the most fun and the most relaxing.

Here is my book blurb - "Come Eat at My Table"

Karin is a woman with a past. About the time she thinks no one will ever know, it comes back to haunt her in full force. The deeper she tries to push it away the more prominently it returns. Forgiveness is a word that isn’t in her vocabulary as far as the people from her past are concerned.  She thinks she's fine until someone from her past shows up unexpectedly forcing her to think about what happened. With the help of her family and other people around her she realizes that she must learn to forgive, even if forgiveness wasn't asked of her.

 http://ruthoneil.weebly.com/

http://www.ruths-real-life.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RuthONeilAuthor

http://www.amazon.com/Come-Eat-My-Table-ebook/dp/B00BUUPW5M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366635822&sr=8-1&keywords=come+eat+at+my+table

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/come-eat-at-my-table-oneil-ruth-ruth-oneil/1115981534?ean=2940148236528

Christmas Memories with Ruth Logan Herne and Giveaway

Please welcome Ruth Logan Herne to my blog today to talk about Christmas Memories. 

1.    What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

SNOW!!!! I live in the quintessential picture-postcard setting for most Christmas shots. We are in a snow belt off of Lake Ontario and we get plenty of snow usually... from December well into March. In December I love it. In January, it's peaceful. By February, I'm counting the days until the first tiny crocuses poke their heads up out of the ground with the higher arc of the sun! But yes, December here brings cold and snow and Christmas lights to break the long spell of 16 hours of darkness... Love it! And Jenny, it can be VERY ROMANTIC!!!!  :)

(Jenny here except its Cricket season I think you have me at Very Romantic can I come stay? Of course it’s just for the Christmas season.)

2.    Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

We have a lot of them, but one of my favorites is "yarn for Jesus". Every time a little child does something kind or good, they get to lay a piece of colored yarn in the stable. The more good things we do, the more yarn there is to make Jesus's resting spot warm and cozy on Christmas Eve! It's a great visual for kids to see how they affect things around them... and a wonderful celebration when the baby is laid in the manger. All that yarn! All that kindness! Yay! (Jenny again love the “yarn for Jesus” how original and what a way to teach the children and adults)

3.    Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?

My favorite is the medley hymn "Child of the Poor/What Child is This?". It's a beautiful rendition of remembering the spirit of Christmas was truly a child, a child born to a poor family in the dark of a stable. It's heart-wrenching, soulful and beautiful.

4.    If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

With family. That's my biggest treat is to be with the people I love. I don't need fancy. I don't need vacations. I just like being with my family. Unless they're snots, and in that case, a vacation might tempt me!!!  :) (Jenny again if they are snots as you say come visit me to see what a warmer Christmas is like can’t promise you a lot but I do know how to roast lamb)

5.    Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

I was born into a family that had become desperately poor by the time I was old enough to remember anything. It was very sad in some ways. Alcoholism and depression had taken my mother down a dark and lonely road. My father's anger and drinking completed a circle of sadness. But in that sadness were kind people, people who welcomed me into their homes, who didn't cast stones, who made me feel normal. We had food baskets delivered to us on Thanksgiving and Christmas. My father would mock the things in the baskets, as if he was too good to be eating their food. And then he would go and buy a much bigger turkey to show he was in charge. My mother would hide when people would come to the door. She'd send me or my younger brother to answer it, too embarrassed to go herself. But that kindness of strangers is what moves me to go bell-ringing for the Salvation Army. It's what spurs me to write the books I do, that show the sweet natures of neighbors and how that can affect a child of the poor. Those little kindnesses and welcomes of childhood helped me to become the person I am today. (I am so glad you found the kindness of strangers to be strength and made you what you are today.)

6.    What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

Christmas Eve is a lovely gathering with my husband's family. It's wonderful, good food, nice people and then it's culminated by MidnightMass at our church. When I was a kid I was so excited about getting old enough to sing in the Sacred Heart choir and sing for MidnightMass!!! Now I get to do the same thing and I love it!

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

Yes!!! I'm so predictable! I love "It's a Wonderful Life".... "Saint Maybe"... "Bells of St. Mary's".... "Charlie Brown Christmas"... "Miracle on 34th Street". And I listen to Christmas music ALL YEAR!!!! Sometimes because I'm writing a Christmas story and listening to "Breath of Heaven" or "Mary, Did You Know?" puts me in the mood for crafting Christmas, but usually it's just because I love Christmas music!!!  Trans-Siberian Orchestra is my favorite.

8.    Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

We've been working harder to "keep Christmas simple" in honor of Christ's simple beginnings. We do family gift-giving projects with the Salvation Army Adopt-a-family and Heifer International. And we do local charity things to help ease that strain of expectation so many face at Christmas. It's a great way to celebrate how blessed we are to have education and jobs and health... and to help others find that same path to self-sufficiency. So my message would be "Keep Christmas Simple" with God's love and blessings!

 

Blurb for Love Finds You in the City at Christmas:

In 'Red Kettle Christmas,' (book one of Love Finds You in the City at Christmas) it's 1947, and police officer Mike Wolzak inherits the family home. . . and the custody of his troubled sister. While on patrol during Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mike meets a Salvation Army bell ringer struggling to support herself and her young child. Over the holiday season in Manhattan, she teaches the veteran how to support his family. In the process, he gains a new one.

Blurb for The Lawman's Holiday Wish:

Second-Chance Christmas

No one in Kirkwood Lake seems willing to forget, or forgive, Rainey McKinney's troubled past. But Rainey can't afford to let that bother her. Her top priority is rebuilding her life and being a good mom to her twin daughters. Even handsome deputy sheriff Luke Campbell can't distract her, tempting as he is. She's determined to keep her distance, but as his son and her girls form a special bond, Rainey and Luke can't help but do the same. Can Rainey put her past behind her once and for all and embrace a future full of hope—and love?

Kirkwood Lake: A town full of heart and hope.

Giveaway:

Ruthy has gladly offered one reader an ecopy of one of these books. This is an international giveaway as both are available. For a chance to enter please tell me one of your Christmas traditions or if you do not have any comment on the interview. Entries open to Dec 8. Please leave a way to contact you if I don’t already have a contact.