Friday, October 31, 2008

A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts

Title: A SCRAPBOOK OF CHRISTMAS FIRSTS
Authors: Cathy Messecar, Terra Hangen, Trish Berg, Karen Robbins, Leslie Wilson, Brenda Nixon
Publisher: Leafwood Publishers
2008
ISBN: 978-0-89112-564-8
Genre: Inspirational/holiday

Is your December cluttered?
Does Christmas leave you fretting instead of singing “Joy to the World”?
(from the back cover)

A SCRAPBOOK OF CHRISTMAS FIRSTS is a heartwarming collection of family traditions, recipes, favorite things, short holiday stories that are guaranteed to warm your soul, tips on how to grow myrrh and care for poinsettias, and so much more. .

The book has different categories, such as:

Ø Family snapshot (which includes stories about a holiday campout, and other sweet essays)
Ø Gingerbread genealogy (history of Christmas traditions)
Ø Vintage poetry and lyrics
Ø Stocking stuffing traditions
Ø Cookie Canister
Ø Favorite things
Ø And much more

A SCRAPBOOK OF CHRISTMAS FIRSTS starts out with scripture reading to get your mind on the things that is most important about Christmas – the birth of our Savior. Then each chapter starts out with a verse.

I easily read through this book in a day, but it is a book intended to be savored and enjoyed over the course of the holiday season. In hardcover form, it is also ideal for giving as a gift to someone you love at Christmas. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will look forward to reading it over again in holiday seasons to come. Don’t miss A SCRAPBOOK OF CHRISTMAS FIRSTS. It is sure to become a favorite, whether its for the recipes, the stories, or the tips for simplifying your holidays. $16.99. 157 pages.

Scrap Christmas Stress!
Discover Secrets for Celebrating Christmas in Hassle-Free Holiday Fashion
Take six women who have never all been in the same place at one time, add an online mentoring group and a love for the Christmas season and what do you have? A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts!
If your idea of a joyfilled Christmas season seems less than attainable, look no further! Cathy Messacar, Trish Berg, Leslie Wilson, Terra Hangen and Karen Robbins compiled a one stop resource book for all your Christmas concerns and delights. Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts highlights ideas, inspirational stories, tips and hints for making this coming Christmas season one filled with Christ-centered memories and joy.
About the Book:

Is your Christmas cluttered? Does it leave you fretting instead of singing "Joy to the World"? In A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts, discover how to bring harmony to this busy season. As you turn the pages of this practical book, you'll find tips for family traditions, children, gift giving, how to grow myrrh and much more. Try the scrumptious "Cookie Canister" recipes, read heart-warming stories about families who experienced Christmas firsts and enjoy the feelings of nostalgia and home. This is a book to help you uncomplicate Christmas, rediscover the real source of joy and usher in the celebration of faith, family and a Savior. The eye-catching scrapbooking designs used throughout the colorful book make this an ideal gift as well as coffee table book.
The first time something happens in your life is usually a significant moment and often a transforming event. Who doesn't remember their first kiss? Christmas is a time of year when events become even more significant because of the importance we place on the holiday. The First Christmas truly changed lives--and this compilation of "Christmas Firsts" show families enriched by the holiday, the beginning of new traditions, and a fond remembrance of why we continue to celebrate that First Christmas.
A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts invites you to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. Laugh with the light quotes and quips, learn about the origins of many Christmas traditions, and enjoy holiday tips to make your celebrations complete.
About the Authors:
These women have never all been together at one time, they haven't even all met each other in person! If you are looking for a great interview...schedule them all for an informative interview that's sure to be sprinkled with a family reunion feel.

You can find out more about each of the contributing authors at their blog or at their personal websites:

Blog: http://scrapbookofchristmasfirsts.blogspot.com/
Brenda Nixon: http://www.brendanixon.com/
Cathy Messacar: http://www.cathymessecar.com/
Karen Robbins: http://www.karenrobbins.com/
Leslie Wilson: http://www.lesliewilson.com/
Terra Hangen: http://terragarden.blogspot.com/
Trish Berg: http://www.trishberg.com/

5 comments:

Santa Larry Fitzgerald said...

I, too, have read the book and found it inspiring. I purchased my copy directly from the publisher leafwoodpublishers [dot] com. I found the stories uplifting and can't wait to try the recipes. -- Larry

Wandering Writer said...

Merry Christmas! So glad you enjoyed our book and yes, the best part is that you can savor it--just like the wonderful memories of Christmas. Thanks!!

Brenda Nixon, Author and Speaker said...

Thanks for your review of our new holiday title, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts (Leafwood). My story about my dad's first Christmas as a high school graduate will touch those with military affiliation. (Tuck a tissue in your sleeve before reading.)

The historical fun facts like the first president to decorate a White House Christmas tree make this an educational read, too.

We appreciate you giving a nod to our new, inspirational, educational "scrapbook" for the holidays.

Brenda Nixon, Co-Author, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts and
Author, The Birth to Five Book (Revell)

Cathy Messecar said...

Thank you for covering the content of the book with such a thourough review. We had such fun compiling the tidbits and stories and such. I retold about my first taste of wassail as a child and how I can't pass up brewing a hot cider concotion with all those pungent spices during the holiday. But, as we know, Christmas is a state of mind, not things...and flavors...Again, thanks...Cathy Messecar, co-author A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts

Terra said...

I appreciate your review, and agree that you can read it quickly and then dip in to it again and again, and find a new idea or recipe.
I am imagining our book as a family treasure. Hey, lots of the tips are fun and free.
On another note, the titles on your reading list are intriguing.

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