The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen (Review)

While not your run-of-the-mill, cheery Christmas tale, The Fir Tree, written in 1845 by Hans Christian Andersen, will (hopefully) make the reader stop, think, and enjoy the life they have, not the life they dreamed of. This edition, illustrated by Sanna Annukka, is absolutely exquisite! I love the vintage look and feel of the cover, and the illustrations are rich and beautiful. This is a book that I don't want to hide away on a shelf! I look forward to reading it to my children during this holiday season. 

One of the amazing illustrations.

Back cover.

From the Book Description:

Gorgeously packaged with intricate illustrations from Finnish illustrator, Sanna Annukka, this new edition of Hans Christian Andersen's well-loved fairy tale, The Fir Tree, is the perfect holiday gift for adults and children alike.

Hans Christian Andersen's tragic tale of naive greed and dissatisfaction is retold through the striking and contemporary illustrations of Finnish illustrator Sanna Annukka. Cloth-bound in rich forest green, with gold foil embellishments, The Fir Tree is elevated from a children's book to a unique work of art and makes an ideal gift for people of all ages.

I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Amy Grant ~ Tennessee Christmas (CD Review and Giveaway)

I jumped at the chance to review this CD! I adore Christmas music and always enjoy finding new favorites! Honestly, I'm not a fan of country music, so I wasn't sure if this certain CD would become a favorite or not. So far a few of the songs, including "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm", "Christmas Don't Be Late" and "White Christmas" are promising, but others are easily skipped. I prefer Christmas songs to be, well, Christmas-y, and some of these weren't. But that's just me! I'm sure others would think differently. "Tennessee Christmas", even though it's country, is one I've always loved. (Amy Grant's voice hasn't changed a bit!) The insert includes song lyrics and photos of Amy and her family. 

Songs on this album:

  1. Tennessee Christmas

  2. To Be Together

  3. Christmas For You and Me

  4. Melancholy Christmas

  5. December

  6. White Christmas

  7. Joy to the World

  8. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

  9. Baby It's Cold Outside

10. Christmas Don't Be Late

11. Still Can't Sleep

12. Another Merry Christmas

13. O Come, All Ye Faithful

You can listen to a sample here, and purchase Tennessee Christmas here.

You can win one a copy of Tennessee Christmas for yourself! To enter, simply comment below with the name of your favorite Christmas song. That's it! The giveaway will end Tuesday, Dec. 6th, at 9:00 pm. Good luck!

The giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Vonnie Warden! 

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

52 Little Lessons from a Christmas Carol, by Bob Welch

I reviewed 52 Little Life Lessons from Les Miserable, and I loved it! I had already planned to buy 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol, so I was excited to see it on the list of titles up for review. I wasn't disappointed by this little book!

Bob Welch takes a story already filled with meaning and makes it even more meaningful. In each chapter, an excerpt is given, along with a scriptural tie-in, which I found especially helpful. One thing I enjoy about this author is his sense of humor. This is an easy, enjoyable, inspiring and fun read. I highly recommend this book, and I'm eager to read more from this author.

5 out of 5 stars.

More info: 

Gold Medallion Award-winner Bob Welch crafts 52 nuggets of Bible-based wisdom from one of the most popular novels of all time, A Christmas Carol. 

• “For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.”
• “No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused.”
• “God bless us, every one.”

The lessons and stories from the beloved novel A Christmas Carol point to bedrock values we all share. Award-winning author Bob Welch takes readers deeper into the nuances of this classic by Charles Dickens. From the miserliness of Scrooge to the innocence of Tiny Tim, 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol will inspire readers to live for what really matters, not only at Christmas, but all year long.

About the Author:

Bob Welch is the author of 12 books, an award-winning columnist, a speaker, and an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Oregon in Eugene. His articles have been published in inspirational books, including the popular “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series.

224 pages, hardcover. 

Thank you to BookLook Bloggers for my free review copy, received in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In Which I Humbly Give My Little Ol' Opinion About Christmas And The Fight Surrounding It

Everyone knows that there is a war on Christmas, but not everyone realizes that the opposition to Christmas, or at least certain aspects of it, comes from both sides. On one hand, there are those who twist the meaning of separation of church and state and insist that any and all Christian symbols not be displayed publicly. Cuz, you know, mangers are menacing and all that. On the other hand, there are Christians who abhor the materialism that seems to embody the holiday. Not only that, but they remind everyone about the pagan origins of Christmas and its beloved symbols. OH, and the big one...S-A-N-T-A rearranged spells S-A-T-A-N. Scary stuff.

I grew up within the "Anti-Claus" ranks. if the jolly red elf was on an ornament, card, or wrapping paper, ya just didn't buy it! Period! To this day I feel guilty about hanging a little Santa on our tree.

                                             

I'm not here to argue for or against either side, but I will tell you that, for our family, Christmas is most definitely all about the birth of Jesus and celebrating His gift to the world. We have never told our children that Santa is real, but we haven't banned him either. We like to remember who Saint Nicholas was and what he did. We enjoy giving gifts, but that's not what the holiday is all about. When someone says "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" I will probably respond with "Merry Christmas" anyway, but I will say it with a smile. I will not spit it at them. Oh, and "Merry Xmas?" Yeah--I really hate that one. I know some people say that it's just a short cut, but c'mon. How hard is it to write five little ol' letters?

Mr. Rodney King once asked, "Can't we all just get along?" Sadly, the answer is "No". There will always be fault finders and haters on both sides. So, I just ask Christians who are trying to do away with Christmas to rethink it. Find the joy in the season and celebrate this special, Christ-filled time with your family and friends.

 MERRY CHRISTMAS, Y'ALL! 

Coming Home For Christmas DVD (Review & Giveaway)

The Winner Is: Vonnie! Congrats, Vonnie! :)

It is sooo hard to find a good Christmas movie, at least in my opinion. Most of them are really, really cheesy. In a desperate attempt to find something Christmasy to watch, we have seen some real stinkers. (Think Christmas Village. I think that's the title. My brain sort of blocks it out.) Some of the funniest, most popular Christmas movies are simply not family appropriate. (Again, my opinion.) I was pleased to discover that Coming Home for Christmas while corny and yes, a little cheesy in spots, was actually pretty good--even genuinely funny. We were able to watch it as a family without worrying about the content, and we all enjoyed it. Best of all, the messages about family, forgiveness, and finding true happiness were all there. 

Keep reading to find out how you can win a copy of Coming Home for Christmas!

About COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

After their parents separate, two estranged sisters who haven't been on speaking terms reunite in hopes that having a family Christmas all together for the first time in years will bring their Mom and Dad close again. They plan to do this in their old family home... the only problem is someone else lives there now.

The DVD includes a limited edition Norman Rockwell print!

Who is Norman Rockwell?  Rockwell was famous for his famous American culture illustrations and artwork. He was born in the late 1800’s and died in the mid 1900’s. 

Director: Vanessa Parise

Cast: George Canyon (Christmas Miracle, Dawn Rider, Man of Steel), Aaron Pritchett, Britt McKillip (Dead Like Me), Carly McKillip (Hot Rod)

$14.99

Available at Walmart 

Soundtrack also available featuring holiday songs performed by George Canyon

Who is This Movie Aimed For?

The audience for this movie is primarily families, but would be enjoyed by couples and children groups as well.

Where Can I purchase This DVD?

WALMART! 

You can order the DVD here: http://www.walmart.com/ip/25983152http://www.walmart.com/ip/25983152

  

Trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI5OSK0BAzw

To enter to win a copy of Coming Home for Christmas, simply comment below with the title of your favorite Christmas movie. That's it! :) The giveaway ends Next Friday night at 9:00 pm.

~Jessica