As I sat on hold for 15 minutes trying to reach a department store online website, it occurred to me I was not enjoying the holiday spirit. I’d decided to take advantage of the Black Friday sales and got online, only to be frustrated when the website went on strike and wouldn’t give me my discount. I enjoy giving gifts and had gone to a great deal of thought to place the order. Was saving 30% really worth the time and energy? I started second-guessing everything. Had I selected the right gifts? In my effort to save money had I spent too much? Anxiety tightened my shoulders. Because of this, when I want to get a saving on my shopping now, I’ll tend to check out what discounts and coupons are available to apply at the checkout of some of my favorite stores by looking at Raise. I would recommend it to anyone who’s working with a tight budget over the holiday season.
Each day, our postal carrier delivers tantalizing new catalogs. Hard to resist!
Glancing outside, I saw holiday lights going up around the neighborhood. One more project that needed tackling. Stress threatened to encompass me.
I hope this man is a professional and not a neighbor’s husband stringing these lights!
Deciding fresh air and exercise might ramp up my plummeting humbug mood, I put on walking shoes, and marched up a nearby hill, a good feeling because I’d left behind my list of must-do’s. And the ghastly TV news.
I respect those who shop early and have presents wrapped before Thanksgiving. In the old days, stores didn’t decorate for the holidays until after that day of feast and family. Now, some stores open on Thanksgiving Day. Maybe seeing their ads kindled my tension.
On my first venture into a real store looking for stocking stuffers, I didn’t know where to start!
I know several people who flat out don’t like Christmas. One woman recently told me this is a difficult time of year for her. I imagine her waiting in long lines and feeling she must send out cards and purchase gifts she perhaps can’t afford. Eating a handful of Christmas cookies because sweets are everywhere this time of year. Trying to meet unrealistic expectations can morph into depression.
Even pleasant childhood memories can lead to a melancholy frame of mind as we recall loved-ones no longer with us. I sure miss my parents. Or maybe we didn’t experience a happily-ever-after childhood Christmas we often witness in the movies and Christmas-themed books.
Four Amish-made placemats, napkins, and coasters, from Lancaster County, PA.
How about you? Is this your happiest time of the year? Do you find Christmas to be overwhelming or a piece of cake with your favorite icing? If the latter, what is your secret? Please leave a comment and enter to win these four Amish-made placemats, coasters, and napkins, plus a copy of one paperback from the Legacy of Lancaster County Trilogy: Leaving Lancaster, its sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish. Winner has three days to respond to my email. USA and Canada.
I like reading your blog and can relate very well to what you write. Before Christmas I mostly feel stressed, but when it is finally there I am enjoying some happy days.
Thank you, Michaela! I’m delighted you stopped by my blog and love what you wrote. Makes me think of packing for a trip. I always get nervous and wonder what I’ve forgotten. But as soon as I arrive at my destination I relax. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Christmas brings sad days for me since loss of my dad and brother. It usually is a time hard for me to motivate and get in the spirit of Christmas. I still don’t have a tree up. I will do it for the kids and grandkids but the joy doesn’t seem the same. Holidays without loved ones just isn’t the same anymore. I have to readjust and move on. Just not been easy. I do love Christmas and what the real reason is Christ. Thats the most awesome gift for everyone. Have a Merry CHRISTmas!
Blessings
Diana
I miss my parents too, Diana! I’m so sorry to hear that you lost a brother. Maybe I knew that, but forgot. Sigh. We don’t have our tree up either. Guess I also need to do some readjusting and remember whose birthday we’re celebrating. He has given me the greatest gift already. Merry Christmas to you, friend!
Kate
I love Christmas time! It’s the time of our Saviour’s birth!! Merry Christmas Kate!
Blessings,
Lorraine
Looks as though you’re focused on the true meaning of Christmas, Lorraine! No wonder you love it. Merry Christmas to you and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I try to keep the holiday simple. Less stress is always good.
Simple is always better, Jessica! I need to find ways to reduce my stress. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Christmas evokes both happy and sad. Happy for Christ’s birth and time to gather with family. Sad because we miss the ones who have left us. I love all the old fashioned traditions of Christmas and none of the glitz and glamor. Just an old fashioned girl that loves reading about the Amish because they get it!
Thanks for leaving your insightful comment, Sandra! I especially love reading about the Amish this time of year too. No glitz or going into debt buying plasma TVs. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I like Christmas getting together with family. Eat good food visit and celebrate Christ Jesus birthday. I wish all a Merry Christmas and Happy new year. God bless you all.
Thanks for your comment, Cathy! You’ve captured the essence and beauty of Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love those placemats. My late father loved covered bridges. We went on many trips to photograph them. I wasn’t keen on them in high school, but now they are pleasant memories! I bet I can name more truss designs ( the inside structure) than most people! Merry Christmas!!
A wonderful heritage, Elaine! Your father sounds like he was a marvelous man, who taught you what very few people know. I’m sure you think of him with fondness every time you see a covered bridge. Merry Christmas and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I loved the holidays when the kids were small. It was fun shopping for them and seeing them open their gifts. Since we are older now, the holidays are bittersweet without the grandparents around. They were always a big part of the holidays where the kids were concerned both getting ready for Christmas and the day of Christmas. I am always glad when they are over now that I am older. It’s too commercialized and not enough emphasis on the real meaning of Christmas. I wish everyone a very happy and blessed Christmas.
Thanks for your Christmas wishes, Kathy! Our Christmases were much more fun when our sons were young, that is the truth. It is a bittersweet time for me too without grandparents. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love Christmas. Reconnecting with family and friends, beautiful lights and the birth of Christ. Keeping things simple makes this season less stressful. I just love the placemats and napkins. Thanks for a chance to win. Have a blessed Christmas.
I enjoyed reading your comment, Debbie! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Good luck and may you enjoy a blessed Christmas!
Kate
This is the Happiness time of year, cause my Granny got to go to her Heavenly Home. Free of Pain, confusion an wanting to see her Savior. She longed to see him. Was 90 years old an never wore pants. She lived by God’s word an died that way. Even though she was my life, she still walks with me everday.
I’m glad the memories of your granny going to her heavenly home bring you happiness this time of year, Sandi! She must have been a marvelous woman and a wonderful role model for you. Thanks for sharing your touching comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love Christmas – even the hustle and bustle. I love Alan Jackson’s Let It Christmas Everywhere”. I love the Christmas Story and feel sad for those who do not believe in the Christ Child. I love Santa Claus and yes at 60 years I still believe – because my Mommy taught me as long as you believe there is a Santa there will be Santa – can’t take a chance now – I have had some pretty awesome Christmas celebrations. I love the lights, the cookies, the hugs and love. The comes the down time to read!!!!
Christmas sounds like a spectacular celebration for you, Connie! Lucky you to have such a great mom who taught you the true meaning of Christmas, and to have Santa still visiting your house. Thanks for sending your uplifting comment and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I keep it simple and remember the reason for the season, and always try to have a cake that says Happy Birthday JESUS!
Sounds as though you have Christmas under control and headed in the right direction, Brenda! Love the idea of the birthday cake. Thanks for your words of wisdom and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Honestly, I get a bit stressed, until I reach the day. After all the family arrives and we’re just hanging out, I feel better.
Glad to know I’m not alone, Annette! When our family arrives and we’re hanging out I’ll probably shake my head at feeling stressed to begin with. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I love Christmas, because of the reason.
We too used to be guilty of being a part of the shopping madness, tons of gifts under the tree. Then we became involved, working with and caring for the homeless. Our niece and nephew became full time missionaries. Our priorities have changed. We discovered that our finances were needed elsewhere. Yes, we still give and receive a gift. But not to the extent we did. We will enjoy time with family and church family. Share a simple meal. And focus on the child that was born to provide the way for an eternal life. A child that became a man, who gave all. A man that will return one day to take His followers home. This is what Christmas means to me.
Merry Christmas!!
No wonder you enjoy Christmas, Debbie! Thanks for reminding all of us the reason we’re celebrating. No need to go crazy shopping and get distracted. Merry Christmas and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love this time of year because it is the one time of the year that family actually makes the time to get together. It can be stressful but the people are the most important part of it all and keeping that in perspective helps.
I’m delighted your wonderful family gets together, Rebecca! Sounds fun. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I begin decorating and shopping early in the season so that I can focus on the true meaning- the birth of Our Lord. It brings me back to a simpler time when the emphasis was on God, family and love. Wishing you and yours a beautiful Christmas filled with God’s pure Love and Peace.
Thank you for your lovely letter and good wishes, Jan! I tried to start shopping early but no one would reveal what they wanted. But I guess I should have gotten out some decorations right after Thanksgiving. I didn’t want to pass that important day by. Merry Christmas and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate! Christmas is the happiest time of the year for me – my secret is that I start buying Christmas presents early in December or even November, which takes a lot of the stress off of me. I really hope I can win this, as things have been a bit tough for me lately. Thanks again for your giveaway, God bless, and Merry Christmas!
Fun to hear from you, Mallory! Sounds like you have the secret for staying ahead of the last minute scramble. Sorry to hear things have been rough and I wish you good luck in this giveaway. Merry Christmas!
Kate
Christmas is now a more relaxing and enjoyable time of year, I destressed my Christmas time, by shopping though out the year, each month I purchase gifts and put them in the Christmas box, then forget about them. When I get to November I finish shopping, then December is spent enjoying the reason for the Season, Our Savior Jesus Christ and his birth, my family and friends.
Terrific idea, Darla, as long as you don’t forget where you put your Christmas box. I’m notorious for hiding things from myself. Your December sounds a lot more enjoyable and reasonable than mine and focused on the true meaning of the reason for the season. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Ilove the Christmas season. Lots of memories of long ago times when my husband was here and my kids were small. Alot are gone now but still have the memorys.
Your memories sound precious, Gloria! So uplifting for me to hear you love the Christmas season in spite of your losses. You are focusing on the positive. Thanks for your heartfelt letter and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Christmas is a time of year that I struggle with. I try to be festive but sometimes my anxiety gets the best of me. Thank you and have a blessed day.
You are not alone, Terri! Many people struggle during Christmas and put on a false show of happiness, when inside anxiety churns. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I always hate the thought of Christmas till after Thanksgiving then I’m in the mood fore Christmas. I have a 5 year old granddaughter so the holidays are special with her. She’s at that age where she has a mind of her own and will let you know it!!!
I hear what you’re saying, Evelyn! What happened to Thanksgiving, anyway? With huge Christmas sales going on that very day who can be feeling thankful for all of our blessings? Your five-year-old granddaughter sounds fun. I’d look after her for the afternoon. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Since the passing of my husband, it’s a different kind of Christmas each year. I’m dismayed that so many try to buy what is most wanted, when what is most wanted really is time spent together. I remember too that Jesus came to us at Christmas, and nothing was ever the same after that.
I can’t imagine a Christmas without my husband, June, even though there are times I’d like to strangle him! Just kidding about that, but of course life is never perfect. You have given me a good reminder to concentrate on what I do have and to celebrate the Savior’s arrival. Brings tears to my eyes to even think about it. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I enjoy Christmas for lots of reasons. One being family usually gets together.
Due to circumstances I am only blessed to have 2 of my daughters, 1 son in love and one g-son with
me. I buy some things all thro’ the year to make it easier $$wise and otherwise.
Thanks for the chance to win these beautiful Amish placemats etc. I so admire
the Amish and love reading YOUR books. Merry Christmas and Goa bless
Merry Christmas to you, Patti! I would adore having two daughters, but am thrilled to have a daughter-in-law to buy presents for at Christmas. Good idea to buy throughout the year. Our two grandkids have their birthdays in the fall so I get focused on that instead of buying extra little special things for them. Thanks so much for your comment and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Yes Christmas is the best time of the year for me . For one it is Jesus Birthday! And second I get to watch my daughter decorate she loves decorating the house inside and outside! I am blessed to see all my children grandchildren and great grandchildren being so excited! Thank you for this wonderful giveaway!
I’m excited for you, Sarah! For your lovely daughter decorating your home, and for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I’d love to be in your shoes. Thanks for leaving your uplifting comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Good Morning Kate!! I so love reading your books!
Christmas is a happy time as it is my Savior’s birth! Without Jesus I am nothing and I can do nothing!
In the last 9 years with the passing of grandparents, parents, (their whole generation is in Heaven now)
and our kids growing up and making their own paths and their own families, our house is more empty.
I do like making gifts for each of our grandkids and wrapping them and mailing them out. But I do pray and wish for a Christmas with a houseful of kids and grands!
My happy time now is summer, as that is when I travel to Maryland and Arizona to spend a few weeks with my grandkids.
Merry Christmas to you and your family Kate!!
Rachael
Merry Christmas to you, Rachel! Our family has diminished in size too. Both my parents are gone and I miss each one every day. My favorite grandma lived on the other side of the country. I loved her so much I drove across country twice for extensive stays with her. Grandmothers are incredibly important if they are available to their grandkids. I’m glad to hear you have a happy time in summer. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have decided to make it simple and do only my favorite things, a few batches of everyone’s favorite cookie instead of one batch of 10 different kinds. Only put up my most loved decorations because less is really more. Minimal online shopping keeps cost down. Shop early or later in the day to avoid crowds. Get a nice walk in every day, just for you. I love the days of anticipation before Christmas because it is all over too soon.
Keeping it simple and only doing your favorite things sounds perfect, Vicki! Fewer decorations up means fewer to put away. I avoid crowds too. Not that I don’t like people; I even love bustling New York City. But somehow this time of year people get … well, I don’t want to get swept into the current. Good for you for walking! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I always get so wrapped up in the books I read. I love the Amish stories. They seem to take me back to a simple time and place. Please keep up with what you are doing.
Thanks so much, Melissa! I will not go to bed without reading first, no matter where I am. My brain clicks into a better space, especially if I’m reading a soothing story with an ending that make sense. Thanks for writing in entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’ve entered
The placemats are Beautiful
And the the books are amazing
Would love to win this
Thanks, I’m delighted you entered the giveaway, Betty! Good luck!
Kate
I miss my dad the most at Christmas. We owned a small bakery and he dearly loved this season, his hands were stained red and green from icing, but he didn’t care. Though he work 12-16 hour day she always found time to take me out to get a live Christmas tree! Lost him 37 years ago.
You’ve painted a lovely picture of your dear father in his bakery at Christmas, Jodee! I know the long hours bakers, especially the owner, work. How touching that he took the time to get you a live tree. Am I surprised you still miss him after 37 years? No. Thanks for your heartfelt letter and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I MISS MY REALLY DAD AND MY STEP DADDY I MISS MY STEP MOST AT CHRISTMAS
Thanks for writing, Susie! Christmas does seem to be the time we miss those we’ve loved and lost the most. Merry Christmas and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Christmas is my happiest time of the year because I can let go of all my worries and put my mind on the holiday. I love shopping for others and putting up lights and stuff around my house. I love it also because it is one of the time of year that is very important because it is when we take time to remember the reason for the season. Without Him there would be no real Christmas. I loved your book that I got from you. I like the large print it helps me to read better.
I wish I could put my mind on holiday too, Barbara! Maybe I need to focus on the reason for this season more and stop fretting about buying just the right gift, etc. I’m glad you like the larger print. I appreciate it too and find my eyes grow fatigued when the print is too small and the lines are too close together. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love all the family and friend time!
Family and friends are hard to beat, Susan. Most of the time. Occasionally, family gatherings can be stressful … Thanks for writing and editing the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Christmas is my favorite time because of celebrating my Savior’s birth!!! Also it is the only time that all my family can get together!! I love this time of year!!! We eat, read from the Bible Luke 2, share stories and give out gifts!!! LOVE IT!! This all started with my dad! He’s been in Heaven for 20 years now on December 13th!! When my dad was little he went to the neighbors wanting to work so he could buy his 2 little sisters and his brother something for Christmas!! He has passed down the gift of giving to us and I am sooo thankful for that!!!
Your father passed on a magnificent legacy, Jean! Thanks for sharing your sweet story about his visit to the neighbors. Loved reading it and about your enthusiasm. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Christmas is a sad time for me, snice my daddy, mother and sister have all passed away. It is just not the same.
I’m sorry this is a difficult time, Angela! I miss my parents daily, but still have my sister. It seems for all of us life here on earth is never the same in one way or another. It’s like a stream zig-zagging down a hill. Some turns are for the better, some for the worse. Thanks for writing. May you find unexpected blessings this Christmas.
Kate
Once it gets to the actual Christmas week, it is a wonderful time for me. Some of my happiest memories are of Christmas celebrations with my family, my aunts and uncles and cousins. It was never about presents. It was about us all being together, celebrating Jesus’ birth. Most of my family is gone now, but I still love this time of year.
Thanks for helping me get in the Christmas spirit, Debbie! I also have wonderful memories of my parents and extended family celebrating Christmas, not of the presents. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love December because I have lots of time relaxing and going to all the Christmas programs I want to go to. Why? because we go to Florida for six months and we have our “family” Christmas in Sept. or Oct. The busyness is over and I can relax and hear many messages about the birth of Jesus.
What a great and wonderfully warm idea, Marilyn! Those Christmas programs sound a lot more fun than trying to find a parking spot at the mall and battling the crowds to save money. Thanks for leaving your comment and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Yes, this is a wonderful time of year for me! I don’t have stress from the season, as we concentrate on being in the present each and every day. We decorate with a few lights and accessories 2 weeks before and no need for everything to be “perfect”..after all, no one decorated the manger in anticipation of a baby’s birth. We do some baking, but no more than we feel like doing. Gifts…we shop the week before and buy gifts of something we have noticed the person needs or something that touches are heart for each person. We don’t do wish lists. Guests…just as any other time of year…you are always welcome, there is always a simple food/meal available and if staying a few nights…grab a bed before someone else does!!
I love your no-need-to-be-perfect attitude, Cynthia! Your home sounds so welcoming and peaceful, I feel like stopping by. Thanks for your delightful comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
This is a very happy time for me; but as with most people, it can be sad. I was born on Christmas Day and my Father was born on Christmas Eve. Both of my parents are gone, and even as a middle-aged adult woman with a husband and children, I miss them tremendously. They have been gone for over 30 years.
Merry Christmas to all!
I’m glad you have happiness along with your sadness, Antoinette! I also miss both my parents. Fortunately, I married into a large family that adores get-togethers. Thank you for your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
It is a difficult season for me with several family member having passed in December. And suffering with SAD doesn’t help, but I rejoice in the Savior’s birth and know that springtime will bloom again. Two weeks to the winter solstice – YAY!
These December afternoon’s are incredibly dark, Rachel! I keep a string of white lights on our fence outside the kitchen window to cheer me up. Well, I leave them up all year just for fun. A little extra light can’t hurt. Thanks for sharing your optimistic attitude. In just two weeks the days will be longer. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
It is a difficult time especially at Christmas . I still miss my mother and Daddy . My sister and her daughter passed away about 2 years ago and I still miss them . Love your blog and especially all your pictures you show . we ha just today put up our tree . Thanks for the chance to win your beautiful prizes .
lizd225@gmail.com
I’m so sorry for your losses, Elizabeth. I miss my mother and father too, but have my sister. Losing a sister and her daughter would be devastating. I’m glad you enjoy my blog and photos and appreciate your entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
The past few years have become much less stressful! We no longer exchange gifts with our children/grandchildren. Instead, each child/family puts in how much money they want to donate, my husband & I match it and then we either donate it to a worthy cause or we put together a basket for a needy family in our area. The blessings multiply every Christmas!
Also, I spend more time in God’s Word and thanking God for the gift of His Son so that I may reside in heaven some day!
Your family has come up with a marvelous solution, Pat! Do you know the Parable of the vineyard workers, Matthew 20? Believers may rest assured they will reside in heaven. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Christmas is a glorious and sad time for me. I miss by Dad and grandparents that we always spent Christmas with. My grandparents passed after I lost my dear Father. Us siblings travels travel to our Mother’s home for Christmas now. I keep my decorations simple at my house since I do not host a large group at this time of the year. I send plenty of cards that always include a brief handwritten note so that takes time to complete. I’ll do some baking for family and friends but I try not to stress if I don’t get everything baked that is on the list. The primary focus of Christmas is the birth of our Savior and Lord so keeping it simple is best for me. I love the placemat set you are getting away, Kate. I would feel so blessed and honor to be the winner. Relax, enjoy this wonderful Christmas season and everything will fall into place. Jesus is the reason for the season! Hugs
Thanks for the reminder and for your encouragement, Marilyn! I do need to keep my primary focus where it belongs. Watching a couple old black-and-white Christmas movies wouldn’t hurt me either. And a news fast, which I take on occasion to keep me grounded. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have many Amish friends, although I don’t live in a state that has even one Amish resident! My Amish friends have taught me so much over the years. But, the main thing that I have learned from them, is to always be thankful for what you have. Whether it be at Christmas, or any other time of the year. And feeling stressed is normal, just don’t let it overwhelm you. My motto at Christmas is, “If it gets done, it gets done. If not, then that’s OK too!”
I like your motto, Tammy! Thanks for sharing it with me and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
First off I enjoy reading your blog very much. What beautiful placements and napkins. I never liked to read, until one day I saw a free Amish book online. I have always loved the Amish and we go to Holmes County every year. After I read the book I was hooked. Now Amish books are all I read. Christmas is both happy and stressful for me. I was one of these people that everything had to be perfect for the holidays. Wash the walls, curtains, Windows, clean drawers, cupboards along with the regular sweep, dust and mop. Plus bake so much and make candy. My husband used to tell me that no one cared about wether my drawers were organized or closets had something out of place. I just wish I would of realized it so much sooner, because by the time Christmas got here, I couldn’t wait for it to be over. Now I have finally realized who cares if there is a crumb on my kitchen floor or if the throw is not on the sofa correct. I decorate a lot less, don’t bake like I used to. I do my normal house cleaning and do not stress over things much. I shop a lot online now and don’t do the crazy Black Friday shopping like I did when my kids were little. So now I can sit back and enjoy my holidays and visit with my family. Christmas blessings to you!
I’m pleased you enjoyed reading my blog, Rhonda! I enjoyed reading your letter. What good fortune that you found a free online Amish book and have been reading them ever since. The way you described yourself: washing walls, curtains, windows, cleaning drawers ,etc., makes me think of the Amish themselves. Your husband sounds like a wise man who gave you sage advice. Merry Christmas and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Christmas has always been my most favorite time of year, with all of the decorating, baking, finding just the right gifts, and family traditions. This year I have no Christmas spirit, nor does anyone in our home. We lost one of our twin cat to pancreatic cancer in October, another who’s skin cancer spread to lymphoma, but is doing well. Then just last week we got hit out of the blue with one of our black boys having a tumor on half of his liver and his kidneys in bad shape. Don’t know how much longer he will have. Being a major animal lover, I am utterly and completely devastated, so getting ready for Christmas has been extremely slow going.
I’m an animal lover too, Melissa! How sad for your family. Last week I hired a young man to clean up our yard and pointed out our pet cemetery to him first off, so he wouldn’t disturb it. And I cringe when I think of your vet bills. Does your veterinarian have any thoughts on why your cats are becoming ill? Not that his or her theory would make up for your loss. I hope your Christmas takes a U-turn and elevates everyone’s mood. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Christmas is my favorite time of year. Love the hustle and bustling of shopping. Enjoy making cookies. I do miss my mom. Love listening to Christmas music. Love the placemats and napkins. Love to win.
Thanks for leaving your optimistic and cheerful note, Alisa! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Christmas is always a mixed blessing. I enjoy it more for my kid’s sake.
This year is going to be rough because I lost my baby brother very suddenly and unexpectedly a few months ago (My parents have already passed away).
I still stress over the holidays, though!
I read Pennsylvania Patchwork and Forever Amish (I think I reviewed them both, too) and really enjoyed them.
Thank you for the opportunity to win these wonderful pieces of Amish handiwork and one of your books.
Good luck and God’s Blessing to everyone.
I would also like to wish you, and everyone else, a wonderfully Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you, Robbie! I’m so sorry to hear you lost your baby brother a few months ago. Very sad. You’re right about Christmas being a mixed blessing. I hope yours goes well. Thank you so much for the kind words about Pennsylvania Patchwork and Forever Amish! If you wrote a review, a double thank-you! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Christmas can be stressful and working full time makes it really hard to get more than the usual done at home. But I am grateful this year to a helpful retired husband that did almost all the Christmas shopping for the grandkids and other family members. It has really taken the stress load down several notches. I am so lucky to have my own “Santa”.
What a terrific husband you have, Sonja! I could use a Santa’s helper. A great stress reliever. Thanks for writing your fun comment and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Happy/sad time for me. Happy celebrating and remembering Jesus’ birth. Sad because family is a two-day drive away. Holidays can be stressful as families don’t always get along and that seems to be the emphasis. Your contests are always the best and enjoy your posts and books. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Thanks for your terrific comment, Linda! Sorry to hear a two-day drive awaits you. So true that family time can be stressful, even if we love the people. I’m glad to hear you enjoy my posts. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Christmas time always brings mixed emotions for me……..First it is Christ’s Birthday! He is what keeps me in a Christmas mood. Every year I have a hard time trying to buy all the presents I am suppose to give. Picking the right presents for my two boys…..it can be quiet overwhelming. I always pray and turn it over to our Lord and some how everything gets done. I have come to realize that as you get older things you wish for Christmas can not be bought. Thinking of all the ones that have went to be with Jesus…..I know it is hard but I always think what better place to celebrate Christmas.
Kate, Love all your books and your blog…..Wishing you and all your readers a Merry Christmas.
The place mates are beautiful!
Buying presents for two boys is a challenge, and now mine are young men, Kenya. even harder … and more expensive. You are correct: what we really yearn for cannot be bought. Thanks for your encouraging letter and for entering the giveaway. Merry Christmas!
Kate