Lovely presents. Lovingly wrapped. Unfortunately the week before Christmas my house was broken into and the presents conveniently packed in a large basket were among the items stolen. Along with  my laptop. With all my writing. And writers everywhere gasp in horror. It was difficult not to panic. The happy ending to the story  – the thieves were caught, our stolen items are found and being held for evidence. The Christmas gifts were returned just before Christmas. A traumatic week filled with meetings with state troopers, claim adjusters and the noise of power tools as my husband installed deadbolts and a security system. Throughout the ordeal there was a deep thankfulness in my heart. Things could have been so much worse. 

My image of Christmas adjusted quickly. The glitter and glitz disappeared. My home was violated. My possessions taken. Yet through it all, my constant thought and comfort. “They can take all the Christmas gifts but they can’t steal my Christmas. Because NO ONE can  steal Christ from my heart.”

Peace on earth, good will to men. Amen.

NOTE: I apologize for no post last Friday. I’m working on a borrowed laptop.  Winner of the Christmas dvd is Janice Garey. Happy New Year!

Christmas is not always a happy time. If you have lost a loved one around the holidays, there will be bittersweet memories accompanying your holiday journey. This is a time to draw closer to Jesus. Only He can understand our sorrows and the longing in our hearts to see our loved ones once again.

My mother went to be with the Lord several years ago, on a December day. Through the years I have discovered ways to still enjoy the holidays and not put a damper on the enthusiasm of others.

Are you involved in your church celebrations? My husband and I direct our choir and are heavily involved in our Christmas production. This helps to focus on a worthwhile project. And when visitors comment, “I was so tired of the Christmas hype, but this concert put it all back in perspective,” I am blessed. Are you alone with too much time to dwell on the past? Connect with others who are in need. Encourage someone else going through a difficult time. As we reach out to others, we also receive comfort.

I pray for those who are struggling – may God fill the loneliness in your heart with the beauty of His presence. He is the God of all Comfort. And He longs to embrace us and surround us with His love.                                                                                                  

May God bless your Christmas.

NOTE: Congrats to Julie Bihn, the winner of Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball. Please send me your address.

NEW DRAWING – for a dvd “Christmas Child,” a Max Lucado story. Leave a comment to enter. Winner announced next Friday, Dec. 23rd.

Simplicity in Christmas. In our cherished traditions. Our gift giving. And in our….Decor!

I’m sorting through my ornaments each year and trying to build up a collection of items that fit in with the Christmas story. After Christmas sales find me picking up lovely Nativity scenes and all types of angels. This season is a time to proclaim the love of God and the beauty of Jesus coming to earth to live among us.

I have stunning silver and gold stars which remind me of the beauty of the heavens. A golden snow globe on a pedestal that features a small manger scene inside. A carefully crafted nativity ornament, made in Bethlehem of Olive Wood. And angels in all shapes and forms that were given to me by different friends. One from a pastor friend. “This one reminds me of you,” she said with a smile. The angel is tall, blondish, blowing a trumpet. She has wings but I did notice she had no halo : )   

How do you keep the focus on Jesus through your decorations?

(Update: Extended deadline to win Donita Paul’s book,”Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball.”     

I need a total of ten names to choose from, including last post. And yes, you may enter more than once with a new comment.)     

The winner of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times -Donna Lagone! Please send me an email with your address. Merry Christmas : )

Today, we’ll continue our topic of keeping Christmas simple, while holding on to favorite traditions. Gift giving. Sometimes a joy, sometimes a major headache. I’m weary of department stores and eager to find gifts with more meaning. Do you have a friend or family member who loves flowers? Purchase a lovely arrangement from a local nursery. Or a festive plant that keeps on giving. Someone who loves to feed the birds? Find creative birdseed ornaments at a lawn and garden shop or order from catalogs online. Places like Gardeners Supply have sweet holiday themed ornaments made from bird seed. Nothing like decorating the outside while feeding our feathered friends.

Any new ideas for gifts for writers?

Send me your original ideas on simple gift giving. Your comment will enter you in a drawing for Donita K. Paul’s book: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball (hardcover). 

Welcome to my Christmas Corner. I do hope you will find time to write, submit and polish your craft this season. But I know Christmas is on everyone’s minds and in our conversations and plans. So let’s talk about it as we head towards December. We all want our Christmas to be special. It doesn’t always turn out that way. Now is the time to figure out what works and what doesn’t (from past experience) and to simplify.  Another wonderful word – SIMPLIFY!  I’m making lists, to-do and not to do. Some things I’ll change. Other things I refuse to change.

Like Christmas Cards. Love writing and sending them. Love receiving them. Emails don’t cut it. Opening the mailbox and finding it full of personal Christmas greetings still feels magical. 

As you plan for the holiday this year, what is one tradition you refuse to give up?

Update: The deadline for comments to win the Chicken Soup for the Soul book is December 1st. So you still have time to add your comment to Awesome Alley. Next week we’ll talk about Christmas gifts with a new giveaway, in the spirit of Christmas!