I’m looking at Christmas in a new light this year. My kids are teenagers now, and while they haven’t lost all of their magical appreciation for the season, they do have a very frank understanding of Santa which significantly alters the gift-giving angle. After all, the reason for the season isn’t gifts, its God. Jesus.

Makes a gal feel kind of superficial and materialistic focusing on the shopping business. So I won’t. This year isn’t going to be about finding the perfect gift, the one that lights up their faces on Christmas morning. Nope. There will be gifts Christmas morning, but greatly reduced. I’ll carry the sentiment through Christmas dinner. As hostess for the family gathering, I’ve asked the relatives to dispense with our customary gift exchange. It only adds chaos to the evening, anyway. I mean, we’re talking 25 people for dinner and my house is far from a mansion. Trust me when I tell you it gets a little crazy. And to exchange gifts right before we’re serving a home-cooked meal? Double the chaos. We need all hands on deck to carve the turkey, make the gravy, toast the marshmallows atop the sweet potatoes, warm the veggies… The list goes on.

Recently, I discovered that one family in our community celebrates the season without gifts. For themselves, that is, including their kids. Instead, they wrap a gift box, cut a slit in the top, then deposit money into it throughout the month. A week before Christmas, they take the money and buy food for the hungry, clothes for the homeless; wherever they see a need, they fill it.
I like it. It embraces the charitable spirit of the season and reminds me it’s time to focus on the basics. Family, friends, charity, hospitality, song and prayer. How about you? Any changes this season to your celebration?

Today begins my Facebook Release Party for Silver Creek! Not Without You is book one and goes live on November 11th at all your favorite retail outlets. To celebrate, I’m hosting a party, dishing out Colorado trivia and of course–giveaways. What fun is a party without party favors?

Not much in my world! So be sure and stop by any time this week, M-F, on my Facebook page and join the fun. Know something about Colorado? Do share! My guess is there will be a bunch of new tourists to the state come 2015 after this shindig.

Also releasing on November 11th is Ladd Christmas. It’s a reunion of sorts, where you’ll catch up with all of your favorite characters as well as get a taste of what’s to come. **wink, wink** And DO try your hand at making REAL pumpkin pie this season–it’s easy & delicious! You can find full details on my garden blog.

Looking forward to seeing you this week! And please share–the more the merrier always applies to parties. :)

It’s Amber’s birthday and I want to wish her a GREAT day, filled with fun and gifts.  Because I love gifts–and giveaways–and it’s no fun having your birthday fall smack dab in the middle of the holidays.  Seems to get lost in the shuffle!  (With 5 December birthdays in the family, I hear about it every year ~ LOL.)

So this year Amber has decided to do something special for her readers.  She’s put together a blog hop with over 25 authors and bloggers to celebrate her 24th birthday (We won’t mention how many years she’s turned 24 AGAIN. ;)) and this year, she’s not the only one receiving gifts today—you can, too!