Tidings of Comfort and Joy

It was hot in the kitchen both Thursday and Friday nights as my grandkids and I had scurried around, preparing holiday goodies for the festivities that were to take place on Saturday. As I stirred this and floured that, my granddaughter asked, “Grandma, how do you know how to do this?”

Her innocent question touched a sensitive place in my heart as my thoughts traveled down roads of long ago Christmases in my own grandmother’s kitchen. My granddaughter is eight years old, about the same age as I, when I wondered at the skills of my grandparents in their kitchen. It was a sight to behold, indeed. Every available surface of their kitchen, and even some in the living room, had been covered with delicacies from the world cultures that made up our family. Sandbakkelse were my favorite, though I never really learned to make those – not well anyway. Rosettes, divinity, fudge, lefse and things I can’t even remember their true names were strewn about, filling the whole house with the scents of an old fashioned bakery.

“I learned from my mom and my grandparents,” was my response. How could I put into words the years of family gatherings that had been such an important part of my life as a child? Aunts and uncles with their children in tow would gather at the home of my grandparents for every important holiday. Cousins and second cousins would play outside in the snow at Christmas time, sometimes with a few playful aunts and uncles. It was a simpler time in life, where families didn’t live states or even countries apart.

As we worked, it occurred to me that these are the times my grandchildren will remember with me. They won’t recall the gifts I had carefully chosen for each of them. They won’t remember the wrapping paper, ribbons or bows. They will remember slopping chocolate covered pretzels from the bowl to the wax paper. They will remember the time Grandma had been covered with flour from head to toe. They will remember the sounds of the laughter and the warmth of love that had filled Grandma’s kitchen, those cold winter nights before Christmas. They’ll remember driving past the ‘Second Street Angel’ in Fargo, when Grandma remarked in a breathless, whispered tone, “She’s absolutely gorgeous!” Whenever they hear God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, or I’ll Be Home for Christmas, their hearts will long for those days in the kitchen with Grandma; a simpler time when the world stopped for a moment in time to delight in the true meaning of Christmas – a time when we have love for one another and hope for the future.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

In Hope There is Love

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.”
–Laura Ingalls Wilder

Well, here we are again, as in olden days, happy golden days of yore. It’s Christmas time again, and I heartily wish a Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas is the time of year where underneath all the hustle and bustle of shopping and baking, and making preparations for family from far and near, there lives a certain feeling of something greater.

Oftentimes, we find ourselves drifting back to the days of our youth, longing for that certain something that most assuredly existed, way back then. As we contemplate the days of youth, we can’t quite put our finger on the one thing that made it all so special; that certain something that found a home in our hearts, and each year is rekindled into a glowing warmth that is reflected in the smiles on our faces and the lights that shine in our eyes.

Many times we find ourselves re-enacting the activities that took place once upon a time in a snowy world that now only exists in our hearts and minds. Perhaps it is a sleigh ride through the countryside with someone we love; or maybe it is building snow forts and engaging in the snowball fight to end all snowball fights; or participating in the family traditions that have been handed down generation to generation.

There’s an anticipation that comes with Christmas. I like to believe it is the anticipation of hope; hope for better days, for a better world, hope for peace on earth and good will toward men.

Our world doesn’t always reflect this anticipation. It is marred with wars that extend from the home to the nation states. It is marred with hunger, poverty, and injustice. It is unfair at times and sometimes bleak at best. Yet each December, that certain something stirs in our hearts. That certain something called hope.

As we move toward that most wondrous night of the year, the night Christ was born, let us keep hope in our hearts. Let us take a moment each day to kindle the spark of hope in our fellow human beings, and pass on the greatest gift that was given to us over 2,000 years ago. In hope there is love. This Christmas, let us love one another.

Merry Koda Christmas: Author Linda Bowers Bolton

Christmas at Linda’s

Christmas is my favorite holiday. Its starts with decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving. No Black Friday sales for me, I hate the crowds. I’d rather put up my tree and take out the Nativity.

Spare time on the weekends are filled with Christmas movies - my favorites are White Christmas and The Holiday. I love the Hallmark Christmas specials too. They really put me in the mood since we don’t get much cold weather here in Texas.

Christmas eve is family day which usually includes adopted family - friends with no family near. I usually cook something from a different culture for the evening meal, German one year, Spanish the next, Italian the year after, etc. Then we watch more Christmas movies and open our gifts at midnight. We take pictures with our gifts then go to bed.

Christmas day is sleeping in and having a yummy brunch of eggs, bacon, hash browns and leftovers! Come join us!

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Take 2

Take 2 is a story of love, loss and loving again. There are travels, roadblocks, and struggles. 

Alexandra Daniels is a forty-something, hard-working mom, wife and employee. Her life has been plodding along at a snails pace and she’s longing for excitement. She wins a trip to her favorite talk show in New York, the Veronica Becker Show, and it just so happens the actor of her dreams is a guest, Derek Dunbar! Is Alex’s life about to change?

Derek Dunbar is Scottish, an actor and a hunk! Every woman in America drools after him. He has his pick of women but stinks at relationships. At forty, is he longing for a more meaningful relationship? Does he even know how to have one? Is he willing to make the effort or will it just be too complicated?

Chapter 1

Alex sat in her chair, her eyes wide, staring at the screen. She loved the Veronica Becker Show and was a faithful viewer. During her lunch hour at work she would rush to the break room to turn it on. Veronica had viewer contests every week.  Alex had never won anything but that didn’t prevent her from signing up each week in hopes, knowing full well the likelihood of winning was minimal at best.

            “Today one lucky viewer will win a trip for two to visit New York and my show.  An all-expense-paid weekend!” announced Veronica Becker, touted as the ‘“Every Woman’s Woman’” by national magazines. 

            Veronica Becker had become a household name, a chef for the everyday woman: quick, inexpensive meals that were tasty, too. Veronica had taken her love of cooking to television and added a bit of fashion, some down to earth chat with the audience, and interviews with the latest stars. She was health conscious and wanted the women in her audience to look their best at any age. She also loved to give things away. Coming from a modest family, she believed in giving back. Generous to a fault, if there was an earthquake somewhere, a typhoon, or tornado, Veronica was there to help out.  

            “Our winner is Alexandra Daniels of Plano, Texas! Congratulations! We’ll be giving Alexandra a call today!”

            Her co-workers were staring at her. Had she really won?

            “Alex! That’s you! You won!” they all shouted.

            “Oh...my...God! I can’t believe it! I won!”

            Alex had the hardest time concentrating the rest of the afternoon. As a customer service rep for a marketing company, she was usually swamped with work but couldn’t concentrate. Two o’clock rolled around and Alex’s cell rang, a number she didn’t recognize.

            “Hello?”

            “Is this Alexandra Daniels?”

            “Yes, it is”

            “Alexandra, this is the Veronica Becker show. I am pleased to tell you that you are the winner of a trip for two to New York City and tickets for the show.”

            “I can’t believe it! Are you sure?” Alex was still in shock. She wanted to make sure there was no mistake. Josh would never believe her.

            “Yes, you’ve won! We will send your tickets out next week. Your trip is for April 15^th to 17th. Can you make it those dates?”

             “Oh yes!  I’ll make it work! Thank you so much!”

 “We’ll get back to you Monday to finalize the details. Have a great weekend!”

            “Oh, I will now!” Alex was amazed! It was true, she actually won! She was already mentally packing when reality hit. Josh would never take off work to go. Maybe Mattie could go with her....no, she had school. She could ask Kathleen, her best friend and co-worker, but they couldn’t take off at the same time. Kathleen was her back up so one of them had to be there. No, she’d have to go alone. Well, it was about time she did something adventurous. This was probably the most exciting thing that had happened to Alex in a very long time.

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 Take 2 is Linda Bolton’s first release due out  December 29 in ebook on Amazon. When she’s not writing she is a new GiGi, playing with her new granddaughter Z, working full-time and writing. While working on a future projects Linda can be found:

On Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lindaboltonauthor

On Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/#!/lindalou42 

Her romance blog at http://www.lindabolton.blogspot.com

Thank you, Linda for sharing your Christmas with us, and also a sneak peek at your new novel, Take 2. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Merry Koda Christmas: Author Cody Martin

Christmas In Translation

Flashing Christmas lights decorate the store windows. Malls and restaurants are playing Christmas music and snow will soon be falling in the northern climes. Presents are wrapped and greeting cards signed, and the KFC dinner is on the table for the big feast. (Insert screeching record sound here). Kentucky Fried Chicken? For Christmas dinner?! What's going on? Turkey and pumpkin pie may be staples of Christmas dinner in America, but it's KFC and Christmas cake in Japan.

I'm an expatriate living in Japan. I've been here just over five years, and I tell you, living overseas can be tough. Even when things are similar, like McDonald's, supermarkets, and Christmas, sometimes the little differences between what you’re use to and what the custom is, are the hardest to deal with.

Christmas in Japan is not a religious holiday. While Christianity is present in Japan, Buddhism and Shinto are the two dominant religions. Christmas came to Japan in the 1800s by missionaries and the first recorded Christmas was celebrated in my home prefecture of Yamaguchi, at the southern end of the big island. That being said, Christmas is looked on as a romantic holiday, more akin to America’s Valentine’s Day.

Couples often have romantic dinners, take walks to enjoy the light displays, and give each other a gift of affection. Romance is in the cold winter air, there’s a reason WHAM’s Last Christmas and Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You are among the most popular Christmas songs. Christmas is somewhat romantic in America also. It’s a time for friends and family, visiting each other’s relatives, maybe even popping the question on that perfect sleigh ride. I spent my first Christmas in Japan alone, with my two feet tall fake tree and some DVDs. But it didn’t get me down. I decorated the tree just like I use to in America, listening to Amy Grant Christmas music and putting the presents mom had mailed me under the tree. Sure, I was alone. But by doing the same holiday traditions in Japan I had done in America, I brought a little piece of home with me. Was it a bad Christmas? No. Just different.

Presents are another staple of Christmas and here in Japan, even this is different. There is no Black Friday or Cyber Monday here; in fact, my wife (who is Japanese) had never heard of these terms before. There are Christmas sales at the store but there is no loud push for you to buy, buy, buy and get that last-minute shopping done. Most people, even children, get one or two presents. That’s it. Sure, some get more, but the norm seems to be one or two. And Santa (whom Japanese kids think lives in Finland or Norway, maybe Greenland) doesn’t put their presents under the tree, which is typically three feet high; he puts them beside their pillow or on the floor at the head of their bed.

When it comes to food, that may be the biggest difference. Turkey is almost non-existent in Japan, and even if they did live here, there is no way they would fit in an average sized oven. Most Japanese people I have met have never eaten turkey in their life; for them, chicken is close enough. KFC runs specials on absolutely gorgeous Christmas dinners for the family and eating KFC on Christmas is usual. But if an American can’t live without turkey or pumpkin pie on Christmas, the Japanese can’t live without their Christmas cake. Often white with strawberries on top (sometimes chocolate or buttercream flavored as well) these are a holiday staple everyone eats every year. Every store, food shop, and convenience store sells these cakes and most of the time you have to order them.

But what is truly missing from Christmas in Japan is the rush: the madness to shop, shop, shop, the stress of getting every family member a gift, driving from store to store looking for the best deal. Christmas is just another holiday here, slightly more important that others, but not the biggest. It’s for the couples, for the romantics, for the parents to show some love to their kids.

That’s what I love most about Christmas: love. Christmas is more about love than Valentine’s Day. It’s the love of Christians for Jesus Christ. It’s the love Santa has for children, wanting to make boys and girls happy. It’s the love of humanity helping each other. It’s a season to love and be loved. And the slowness the Japanese have about the season, the emphasis on romance, is what made me like Christmas even more.

Teaching junior high students about Christmas and discussing differing customs with Japanese people made me realize I can make my own Christmas. Here in Japan, I got to introduce Christmas the way I wanted it to be. I don’t look at my waist high tree as puny, I look at it as the tree my wife and I bought together. She enjoys American music and I was able to introduce my tradition of listening to Amy Grant while we decorate. Her parents are delighted that I give them gifts for Christmas. I’ve eaten Japanese Christmas cake and looked at the Christmas lights while holding hands with my wife. I’ve made my own Christmas here. And when you’re living apart from everything familiar and comforting to you, that’s what you have to do. Make it your own. No matter where you are, Christmas is where you make it.

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Cody Martin: Cody is an author living in Iwakuni-Shi, Yamaguchi, Japan. Cody teaches English to junior high students in Japan, as part of the JET Programme. Cody is originally from Cody, WY, USA. He graduated from Kansai Gaidai University in 2005, and the University of Alabama in 2006. 

Cody is the author of Adventure Hunters - Artorius, Regina, and Lisa, are three adventurers who explore ruins and ancient buildings looking for treasures. Most of the time, they're just trying to make ends meet. But when they explore a town rampaged by goblins, they get more than they bargained for. They uncover a cache of ancient war golems, powerful weapons of destruction once thought to be only myths. Soon,they are in a quest for the Lambda Driver, the key to the golems's activation. But they aren't the only ones, and they will have to defy their own king to find it first. If King Ryvas has his way, he will unleash the golems's destructive power on the neighbouring kingdom. The adventurers's quest will take them from mountains to poisoned valleys and enchanted forests but they must hurry. Where is the Lambda Driver? What secret do the golems hold? And why does their friend Regina seem to be in the midst of it all?

Thank you for sharing the amazing customs and traditions of Christmas in Japan. It all sounds so delicious and romantic. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!!

Merry Koda Christmas: Author RaeAnn Hadley

What I Love About Christmas

            There are so many things that I love about Christmas that bring forth the warm fuzzy feelings and moment of believing that everything is right with the world.

            My first and foremost happiness is that people tend to be a little gentler with each other and go out of their way to help others. My daughter’s expression is to “fill someone’s bucket” so that they feel good about themselves. Such a profound statement from someone who’s earthly body is only 8 tender years old. Because of this we try to fill someone’s bucket every day. Not everyone else thinks to do this every day or even every month with life’s busy schedule but around Christmas people seem to remember and offer that courtesy. I am hopeful that maybe some of them realize how great it feels and start to do it more often throughout the year.

            The second thing I love SO much about Christmas is being able to be a child again. Being the mother of two young girls, I’m transported back to my magical and whimsical holiday seasons where Santa was watching my every move and elves were busy making my perfect gift. The smell of cookies filled the house daily, hot chocolate was always ready when chilly hands and tummies needed warming and the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree filled me with excitement and anticipation. My husband and I are both child-like during the holidays and enjoy creating the fantastic, magical world that offers a special time and place in the hearts of our young. We bake our cookies, decorate our tree, make our snowmen and revel in the fact that we are healthy, blessed and together as a family.

            The third thing that I love so much is being able to share within our community. Our girls donate their time in the retirement homes where they read to the elderly, sing to them and bring them cards. We also become a Secret Santa to a family in need and buy a large amount of food items that we drop off, ringing the bell and running away before the intended family can see who it was. Granted, we like to anonymously donate throughout the year but there is something special about surprising a family at Christmas time and being able to bring them closer to the magical realm that I had growing up as a child.

            I have so many more things that I love about this time of year but I will end it here and leave you with this thought. We all know how wonderful it feels to receive, whether it is gifts, a compliment, love or support. Imagine how greater that feeling is when we fill someone else’s bucket. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and remember, life is meant to be fun; enjoy the journey.

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RaeAnne Hadley: RaeAnne is an author from Craig, CO, USA. RaeAnne writes mystery and paranormal romance. Her works include, Mechanics of Murder (2004), WithLove; Now & Forever (2011), - From outward appearances, Anastasia Cassadine has the perfect life; a very successful company and handsome men vying to be her companion. But the appearance she projects is terribly misleading. Ana is haunted by a dark secret from her past, one that involved her first love, Austin Troy. Shadows (2011), and Love’s Everlasting Song (Dec. 2011) - The physical attraction between the two is immediate but Rebecca struggles with her pending divorce and need to be successful in her career. As Rebecca begins to open her heart and believe in her future, her past won't leave her alone and threatens to destroy everything she has worked for. Can she fight to put her past to rest and begin a new life or will this be her swan song?

Thank you RaeAnne for sharing with us today! It seems your kind and generous heart will be a tradition handed down for many generations. Merry Christmas!

Merry Koda Christmas: Author, Arlene R. O'Neil

Christmas Memories-Precious Love

What we experience in the past is either brought forward with us in life or banished and forgotten. It is the memories of previous Christmases that I love now. Those years when I was a child, when my son was a child, his first Christmas and those that followed, are what I now hold dear to my heart. Times and circumstances have changed, yet every year I pull out the memories of Christmases Past.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were always filed with family, food, presents, music, laughter, and relatives. Those two days of the year were amazing, a time when everything came to life! Prior to the actual event, Dad would string the lights outside, in the snow and ice, perched precariously on a ladder, while Mom made cookies and hot chocolate. Excitement built as Christmas Eve arrived.

Those memories can be called to mind quickly for me, and then blended with the first Christmas Eve at my house after my only son Tanner, was born. I carried on the traditions set forth by my parents, of a tree surrounded by presents, of tables filled with food, and of carols bursting forth from the stereo. My house was abundant with love. My living room overflowed with a tree way too full and much too tall! One year I bought my tree late and all that was available on the lot were the frozen ones - still tied with bale twine. I stood one up. In comparison to the sky, I thought, “Yes…this will fit nicely in the living room.” Lo and behold I ended up with a tree like the Griswold’s in “Christmas Vacation!” Lop a little off the bottom, a little more off the top, and after a few hours it stood nicely in its stand, nailed to the floor. It wasn’t however, until it thawed and grew from the living room into the dining room that I realized I needed to shop for a lot more ornaments!

Then of course there were the years when Christmas dinner took on an entirely new meaning. I had my husband’s family as well as my own for a sit-down dinner at 1 o’clock for about 30-35 people. There were a few friends who had nowhere to go and were invited also, which made the count vary from holiday to holiday, so I always made more food than I first planned. As the years passed away so did some of the guests, and I found it difficult to cook for only eight or ten people. Thus the “drop in” holidays were born. I still had the traditional family dinner, but now it was followed by a full buffet for my son’s friends, from 5 o’clock until whenever. Teenagers would drop by, eat, play Nintendo, watch TV, or just hang out. This tradition lasted until my son joined the Army. Then life took a drastic change.

Alone… my first Christmas without my son. My husband had passed years ago, and while those years were difficult, somehow as long as Tanner and I were together, we were strong. Now my son would be in the desert for Christmas wearing Camouflage instead of Dr. Dentons.  This is a point where memories collide – the good with the bad. It must have been the end of November when reality actually set in. My son would be in a war zone and there was nothing I could do…or was there?

There were 189 Soldiers in Tanner’s unit and I set out to make certain that each had at least one gift to unwrap Christmas morning. This was the start of “Operation Tanner Claus.” By sending a few emails, putting a box at the local coffee shop, and a lot of help from online friends, I managed to collect over 600 gifts for the troops! There were Christmas trees and lights, toys and candies, cookies and energy bars! All were shipped to Iraq by December 10th and arrived in time for the holiday!  A few years later, “Operation Tanner Claus” would be reborn and sent to Afghanistan, this time with over 1,000 presents – each tagged “Thank you, Soldier!” The joy of having friends over for a “wrapping” party every Sunday, of sharing pizza and soda while listening to Christmas music, of packing the car filled with boxes for the post office, are the memories I have now of Christmases past. This year, the first one in seven years, I will meet my son in Connecticut during the holidays. Unfortunately it won’t be until a few days after the actual day of Christmas, but I will hold on tight to my memories until I arrive and make new ones!

Holidays are hard especially when you are alone. You don’t want to go to parties just in case you get emotional, and of course, you don’t want to put a damper on anyone else’s good time. You don’t really want to stay home either, for you fear the walls will begin to close in around you. Last year as well as this year, I will spend the days with my animals – my five pet goats and two Labradors.  I will also be online, talking to others who are alone. The afternoon of Christmas Eve I will chill a pound of shrimp and cocktail sauce and make a huge antipasto, a tradition I started last year. The dogs and goats will receive their share and will open their presents – a fresh square bale of hay for the goats, and new toys for the dogs. Christmas Day will be spent much the same way, adding in a quick dinner with some friends. Then I will come home to relive the memories of the past as I curl up in bed with my Labradors, Holly and Bruno, and watch Christmas movies.

I look forward to seeing my family a few days after Christmas, but until then I have a lifetime of glowing memories to relive!

Arlene R. O’Neil

All Rights Reserved

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 Biography of Arlene R. O’Neil:

“Writing is what lights me up,” states Arlene R. O’Neil. “Being a visual writer, I love seeing my work come to life: to take the reader with me on a journey word by word: to touch a reader whether through laughter or tears.” Her current book, “Broken Spokes,” refers to broken bones, broken bike, and broken spirit. It speaks to the reader of determination, of survival, of inspiration.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Mrs. O’Neil moved to South Carolina to work on her second novel, which will relate the roller coaster life of being the parent of a Soldier on active duty. O’Neil says, “My son, SGT Tanner O’Neil, is a member of the United States Army and the joy, pride, and love of my life. After five tours of duty to active war zones, I feel the need to share my experience with other parents in hope of lessening their fears.” SGT O'Neil has just recently returned from his 5th tour.

Currently Arlene lives with her two Labradors, Holly and Bruno, and her adorable pet goats, Paxton, JaeJay, Rupert, Patches, and Frosty. “These amazing characters have helped me through some incredibly difficult times and I love them dearly.”

Aside from writing, supporting her son while deployed, and caring for her animals, Arlene recently moved into her new home where she has three acres of land for her and her beloved animals to enjoy.

An author, editor and proofreader, Arlene R. O’Neil may be contacted at arleneoneil@aol.com

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Thank you, Arlene for sharing your very personal thoughts and memories of Christmas. I, and I'm sure the Butterfly Phoenix readers, would like to send a personal note of thanks and gratitude to your son and his fellow soldiers for their service. THANK YOU and Merry Christmas. May you be safe, warm, and loved this holiday season.

Merry Koda Christmas: Author, DeEtte Beckstead

What I Love About Christmas

When I read the theme, I thought “Gee, I haven’t written an essay for school in… well, decades!” I decided to approach it as such and see what happened.

I love Christmas. I love the lights and the music, the specials on television.  I love how people seem to cheer up during the season. I’m one who loves a white Christmas. I love to go to Dickens festivals or, as is the case this year, Mystic Village. It’s a time when I can slip into a fantasy world of love and cheer, even when circumstances that bombard me are of a different opinion. It’s a time when seeing people in costumes of other times, even if they weren’t easier, still have an appeal toward that simpler life ideal.

I love the traditions. I love decorating the Christmas tree. Years ago, I used to spend hours wrapping the strings of lights meticulously around the branches to be sure the lights were evenly distributed and the wires wouldn’t interfere with the ornaments. The most cherished ornament is a glass bell that was on my mother’s first Christmas tree in 1915. In three years, it will be a hundred years old. It goes near the top of the tree to protect it from inquisitive little hands (and dogs and cats). Our family tradition was that the ornament stayed on the tree as long as the kids got along. If they fought with one another, the bell would come off the tree. There was one year it did come off. I don’t think they will ever forget that. This year, the bell will be visiting the tree at my son’s, where I will be celebrating.

Other traditions I love:

·         Eggnog 

·         Musical oranges made by pushing a candy cane into an orange and sucking till the juice comes through the candy.

·         Our traditional family hot cocoa made with evaporated milk (this also appears in my novel Victory)

·         Going to the Nutcracker with my grandson. We missed it last year, and will again this year (I am 2000 miles away this year). Maybe I will be able to take him again soon…

·         Watching It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, and Miracle on 34^th Street

·         Celebrating St. Nicholas Day on December 5^th

·         Going out for a Christmas light tour somewhere in the city

·         Midnight church services

Judging from my list, it’s easy to see I love spending time with family and friends. I love all the warmth and fun that comes from baking and decorating cookies with my grandchildren, watching their sparkling eyes and beautiful smiles as we create something special together.

I love to make gifts for my family. It doesn’t matter if they would win prizes; it matters because there is love built into it.

When my children were small, my father-in-law had lots of money, especially compared to my own dad. Their paternal grandfather spent way more than was necessary on the kids (he wanted to), but my dad, who was retired and didn’t have much money, spent hours in his workshop, sawing, gluing, nailing, painting. He made wooden cars and animals, rocking horses, cupboards, nightstands and rocking chairs. The monetary investment was small, but those handmade gifts were the items my now-grown children still treasure.  Some have even been passed down to the next generation. They knew Grandpa Beckstead had built love into them. Yes, their other grandparents loved them, and had taken time to buy something for them. They appreciated that and love them for it. But those small pieces of painted wood were extra special! The love was tangible; they were like hugs from their beloved grandpa. Now that he is gone, they treasure those items even more.

I love seeing my children giving from their hearts: their talents, their time. If there is one thing I did right as a mother, it was to teach my children that “building love into” a gift makes it so much more than what it appears on the outside. Even if it is a purchased gift, I know my kids take time to really think about the person the gift is for. When I crochet a doll or stuffed animal for one of my grandkids, I pray over it, asking God to bless the child who will love it. Gifts to me? I prefer drawings from my grandchildren to paintings by the Masters. I would rather have a macaroni necklace made by a 3 year old than diamonds; a tissue paper flower than a dozen long-stemmed roses.

But the thing I think I love most about Christmas is that it is the time of year we remember God’s most wondrous gift to us: Jesus. It doesn’t matter if we have the right date or not. What matters is that we celebrate and thank God for His love. A quote from my book Victory sums up my feelings: 

I am not going to let one man, or even a group of men, stop me from celebrating the birth of Jesus. If I have to do it alone, I will. But no matter what label man puts on it, or whether or not this is the ‘right’ date, this season is still when we Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior. He is always faithful to us, and wants us to be faithful to Him. He wants us to trust Him and be full of faith.

That means I will celebrate Him. No one can stop me. It’s truly my God-given right. If others want to share the joy of Christmas, all the better. But with or without others, there will be joy in my heart and I will celebrate the birth of my Lord!

And with that, I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

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DeEtte Beckstead Anderton: DeEtte is an author from Salt Lake City, UT, USA. DeEtte’s first work, The Christmas Visitors, was published November 25, 2012; and her first novel, Victory, - Victory, a town where the people love their country and their neighbors, but what happens when two visitors come to town? One comes with fear and control, slowly taking away the freedoms the people love. The other comes with faith. When darkness overtakes the town who will have Victory? - was just released on Friday, December 7, 2012. 

Thank you, DeEtte for sharing your thoughts on, and memories of, Christmas!!!

Merry Koda Christmas: Author, Roxane B. Salonen

What I love about Christmas:

“Waiting in Joyful Hope”

Roxane B. Salonen, Fargo, ND

What I love most about Christmas happens well before Dec. 25.

Let me explain. The other day I visited the online calendar of the parochial school my youngest sons attend, and was met with these words: “Waiting in Joyful Hope.”

Those four words exemplify what I love about Christmas.

When I was young, Christmas often was about accumulating as many presents as possible. My sister and I would have contests to see who had the most gifts under the tree. Who would be the victor?

But even as we played this little game, I have to believe we felt the shallowness of it all. I have reflected back on this empty endeavor many times through the years while contemplating what Christmas really means.

To be fair, back then I was caught up in the consumerism of the season like everyone else I knew. But over time, I’ve become more mindful of the most treasured gift for which we await this time each year.

What could be a better present than that of unconditional love; the kind of love we can only receive in full from the one who is God, the one who loved us into being?

Now in my post-greed days, my Christmas season tends to builds slowly leading up to Dec. 25 and reaching a crescendo at Christmas Eve Mass, when I am reminded, anew, of the most important gift of all. And because I’ve trained myself to peek behind the flashing lights to discover that deeper meaning, I hold on to Christmas as long as possible. After all, is there any reason to let go of hope? Do we really need to toss it out like yesterday’s Christmas tree on Dec. 26?

Even as we succumb to the exorbitant measures our culture pushes pre-Christmas in order to reach its financial goals, I really believe that underlying all of that, every human heart understands on some level that there’s something more.

The child who has become greedy through commercials and ads promising material things can fulfill understands at bottom that the pleasure of receiving a new toy is fleeting.

I don’t want to belittle the joy of wrapping a gift and giving it to a loved one or someone in need. But in the end, what we all long for the very most – each and every one of us – is what I mentioned at the start: unconditional love.

Christmas, to me, is the promise of that, both in the build-up and lead-in and follow-through. It was never meant to be one big event that ends in an anticlimactic thud. Rather, it is a waiting, in joyful hope, for something that is coming. The moment our hearts grasp this, they will have no choice but to leap for joy!

No matter the excess of glitz and glitter that sometimes falsely presents this hope, I believe every human heart can grasp the loveliness of the joy of hopeful expectation.

This is what keeps Christmas in our hearts after the snow melts. It is what keeps us living and loving into January and beyond.

God bless your Advent and Merry Christmas to All!

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Roxane Salonen has been my friend for several years. She is the author of  P is for Peace Garden, and First Salmon, both great children's books. In addition to her writing, Roxane is a wife and the mother of five beautiful children. She never ceases to amaze me in her courage and conviction in all that she does.  Thank you, Roxane, for sharing your thoughts on Christmas with us today!

Merry Koda Christmas: Author Alycia Neighbours

As I pull out of my driveway, I notice the house across the street has lined their yard with impressive holiday lighting, just like last year. This year they have added twinkly lights around their door and a beautiful red bow on the mailbox. Down the street a little, another home has a stag standing proudly while a doe grazes beside him outlined in lights in the front yard next to a nativity scene lit by a spotlight.

Halfway into town, I have passed houses outlined in elegant white lights and wreaths on every window. I have seen colorful bulbs on the bushes and lit trees inside front windows that have been opened wide. Gated communities, farm houses, and apartment buildings all with the same electrical candles glowing from windows.

Stretched across the street entering the city is a banner wishing “Happy Holidays” in sparkling green foil. There are signs pointing the way to fresh Christmas trees and “Merry Christmas” scrolls across the bank marquee along with the time and temperature. Cardboard signs advertise the annual parade in big block letters with the promise of Santa’s appearance.

Everywhere I drive the decorations come into view. Strangers smile easier and stories of kindness, generosity and holiday spirit are shared more often. Traditions are followed precisely and loved ones begin the trek across the town or country to share in memories and create new tales. Cards begin to show up in the mail bearing the faces of family and friends along with the wishes of the Season.

Then I pass a plot of land dotted with stone memorials, where the air is mostly met with tears and prayers. My eye catches the glimmer of something shiny and I have just enough time before it leaves my field of view as I continue my journey to see a small Christmas tree erected beside one monument.

This is what I love about Christmas.

The decorations assure me that we have a passion that supersedes our pain. It is the thing that unites us no matter our circumstance. No matter how we might feel alone in our world, Christmas decorations put out for all to see shows us that we are here all together.

The child that carries a plate of homemade cookies in the shapes of trees and stars into their classroom for all to enjoy.

A dad that spent hours getting the strands perfect on the gutters of his home and gathers the family in the lawn to witness the “lighting.”

The employee who hangs the tinsel on the tree in the lobby and greets everyone who comes in with a hearty “Happy Holidays.”

The woman who stands beside a stone marker smiling at the little tree and the memories in her heart.

This time of year, no matter who you are, what you have endured, or what you will encounter; you only have to look around at the Christmas decorations to see that you aren’t alone. Regardless of the stories that have dominated the news of hurt, anger and injustice; stories will emerge of acts of kindness that give us hope again.

We know that as we wake on Christmas morning and watch our children, friends and family unwrap the gifts we agonized to pick, that it is more blessed to give than receive. There will be a moment of heartache as we know that not everyone had our blessings, and there are some down the road who are suffering, but we will see our own with a better clarity.

There will be many alone this year. Countless will be almost too busy, but they haven’t forgotten. Thousands will be away to sacrifice all they have for the ones left behind. Thousands of letters to Santa that aren’t asking for a toy, but rather something more heartbreaking.

There will be empty chairs around Christmas dinner, reminding us of those we lost. There will be stories from Christmas’ past that make us laugh. There will be the one gift you didn’t expect that assures you that you are important. There will be the smile across the room that reminds you that you are loved. There will be many watching the same timeless classics on the television that recalls the importance of beliefs.

Yet, every year as I drive I see the wreaths, the trees and the lights that unite us. Our hearts, our hopes and our dreams are not at all unique, and one only has to look down the road a little to see the Spirit of Christmas set up for all to enjoy.
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Alycia Neighbours - Hendersonville, Tennesseee
Author of "Deciding To Dance" and "Wake Up In The Mourning"
Blog - "Diary of '...and frankly.'"
Twitter - @and_frankly
FaceBook - "Diary of '...and frankly.'"

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Thank you, Alycia Neighbours for sharing your favorite things about Christmas!!!

All week authors will be sharing their thoughts and memories of Christmas! Join us in our Holiday Celebration!

Merry Koda Christmas: Author Jamesina Greene

“What I Love About Christmas”

By

Jamesina E. Greene

Virginia Beach, VA

“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders.  He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, PRINCE OF PEACE.” Isaiah 9:6

Ever since childhood, I have looked forward to Christmas.  Raised in a Christian home, I was taught from the very beginning that the Holiday was about the birth of our Savior, and not about collecting gifts for myself.  Even as we prepared for the gift giving part of the Holiday, I was constantly reminded that “giving” to someone else was much more important than “receiving.”  Therefore, one of the things I love most about Christmas is giving to someone and see a genuine smile and appreciation from them.  I love to make others happy and I feel that Christmas is one of the best times to do it.

            I absolutely love the sense of peace and tranquility that generally accompanies Christmas.  There is an overwhelming sense of unity among people and total strangers even seem to be nicer to each other.  In general, people become more caring and generous as social calendars become filled with events to raise monies and provide for those less fortunate.  During the Christmas season, the “spirit of giving” replaces selfishness and comes from a place of love and sacrifice for everyone.

            From the first time I moved away from until the recent deaths of my parents, Christmas always gave me a sense of “home.”  I knew that no matter what else had happened during the year, if I survived until Christmas time, I was going home and everything would be fine once I got there.  I looked forward to the unconditional love and sharing that home provides.  I loved that when I walked in the door I would immediately be embraced by loving arms and pure hearts.

            The Christmas and winter seasons symbolize for me a time of “endings” and a time of “beginnings.”  The “endings” providing a time for reflection and evaluation.  The closing of old doors and the cleansing of unproductive elements.  While at the same time, I sense the anticipation of “beginnings” just around the corner.  As I prepare for a New Year, I do so with excitement and peace.  I rest in the knowledge that God has a specific plan for my life and I am looking forward to my NEXT!

            From now on, the Christmas and Winter Seasons will be a time of mixed emotions for me.  In December 2010, my father transitioned to his eternal resting place and I know that I will always hurt for him.  However, when I think of him and all the valuable life lessons that he taught me, I smile.  Christmas was one of his favorite holidays, because he was a giver at heart.  He gave without hesitation to family, friends and strangers.  I am honored to have inherited his “giver’s heart.”  Christmas is a perfect time to use it.

Jamesina Greene is a published Author, Minister, Teacher and Inspirational Coach.  She is a mother of two sons and the grandmother of four.  Her first published work, “Help, I Don’t Like Myself!, shares her personal battle with Depression and her journey from a place of self hate to self love.  She recently published a Mini Book for Moms on the Go, entitled, “A Mother’s Cry” and a 12-month Daily Journal, “My Journey”.  Currently she is working on her first novel, completing a literary work which she began with her father before his passing and a Children’s Book with her grandchildren and nephew. 

To contact Jamesina, please do so at email:  destne61@gmail.com

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Thank you to Jamesina Greene for sharing her favorite things about Christmas!!! 

All week on the Butterfly Phoenix blog, authors will be sharing their thoughts and memories of Christmas.