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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Christmas Family Time

December 20, 2023 By D'Ann Mateer

We’ve had a wonderful whirlwind of family time.  First, all our kids came for Christmas at our house on Saturday the 16th. We packed all our favorite Christmas things—presents, Christmas cookie baking and decorating, and a huge meal together, all surrounded by Christmas music (and football games) into our few hours all together. My parents joined us as well. Here are a few of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Aroboretum, Christmas, cookies, Family, grandkids

It’s Almost Christmas Reading Time

October 18, 2023 By D'Ann Mateer

Every year I look forward to November and December, when my reading takes on a seasonal theme. I used to just read Christmas-themed books in December. Then I moved to “after Thanksgiving Day.” Now, I give myself two entire months!  Not that I only read Christmas books during those weeks, but I do make them a priority. So I thought I’d share with a you a few I’m looking forward to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Books, Reading Tagged With: Christmas, Novella Collections

Favorites from Under the Tree

January 20, 2022 By Karen Witemeyer

I know, I know. Christmas is so last year. 2022 has arrived. We should be looking forward, not back. Perhaps we should, but I have a few new items around my house that are still making me smile every time I see them, so the Christmas joy is living on in the New Year. Besides, I'm still a little giddy over them, and I've just got to share with people who will understand my bookish … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family, House and home, Reading Tagged With: Bookish Gifts, Christmas

Two Ways to Cope with the Stress of the Holidays

December 17, 2021 By Jody Hedlund

The holiday season is full of demands. We have our to-do lists that run longer than a novel—baking an old-fashioned fruit cake, mixing fresh snow into ice cream for the kids, and hand-embroidering a Christmas stocking for the pet hamster.Okay, so not really! But most of us DO feel the increased pressure in one form or another during the Christmas season. There's the decorating, baking, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Assorted & Sundry Tagged With: Christmas, Jody Hedlund, stress

Counting Down to Christmas

December 15, 2021 By D'Ann Mateer

As we get closer to the day on which we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the frenzy of parties and gift-buying, school programs and charitable drives dies down, leaving days in which it is finally possible to enjoy some seasonal delights. While our Christmas Day celebration will be very subdued this year with all of the kids elsewhere, there are still some of my favorite things to look forward to as … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Assorted & Sundry Tagged With: candlelight, Christmas, lights, movies

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