This Christmas, And Always!

Towards the end of the Regency, book sellers got wise to the fact that books make great gifts and developed a special compilation in an exquisite binding called, "The Keepsake." It was intended for women, had a beautiful, cloth-bound cover, and was a compendium of poems, short stories, illustrations, fashion, and essays--everything a woman would like, all beneath the covers of this special gift book. It sold so well for Christmas that it became an annual staple in bookshops, and a counterpart for men was even published. Sales, even then, decided what books would be supported by a publisher.

You don't have to be a book publisher to know that books make a great gift. And if you choose from the hundreds of new inspirational fiction books available at Christian Book or any other bookstore, you know you're giving adventure and romance, or suspense and chills, a mini-vacation, all in one economical gift! That's what I call a wise choice in these days of watching one's pennies. I love to give books as gifts--both fiction and non-fiction--just ask my kids! If I didn't get them books, they'd feel cheated!

Give a book or two this Christmas. Be sure to give books of the sort that you would like to support. Publishers today watch, just as they did, then.

Happy book giving!(And here's a tip for good value. Sign up for the online newsletter for BarnesandNoble.com and Borders.com and you'll get weekly coupons right in your inbox. Sign up at ChristianBook.com and you'll get weekly links to special sales and closeouts!)

Make it Kind to Yourself

In her book, The Complete Holiday Organizer, Emilie Barnes says

Our world doesn't stop because the calendar says it's holiday time,
so be kind to yourself, and ask for help. Keep those goals and
expectations realistic and spend time celebrating the part of
Christmas that means the most to you.

This is such good advice! I firmly believe that what we all want most out of the season is time with our very own family, and what we all need most is time with our Lord. (Aren't these the things that matter?) Why not consider getting the Regency House Christmas package for some help doing both?

Maybe you really love some quiet time just enjoying carols and music of the season.
Why not ease your shopping burden by getting it done online? If you don't like browsing online, well, allow me to suggest that the Christmas Package I offer makes a wonderful gift! Women in particular seem to enjoy it, though men also appreciate the many different things it offers: From history to recipes to one-of-a-kind reading selections.

When you start downloading the package (which I've separated into 14 separate downloads to make it easy on your computer!) you just won't believe all you're getting at such a bargain-price: Only $14.95 until December 1st.

Act now. Don't wait.

Get the best deal on the book that will be offered this year.

You won't regret it. Guaranteed!

Blessings,

Linore
Go here Now!



[Quotation from, The Complete Holiday Organizer, by Emilie Barnes. Harvest House, 1987] p.103

Make It Stress-Free

Everyone knows the rush and worry of getting things ready for Christmas--make it easier on yourself by determining to ENJOY the season for a change. I've probably said this before, but it's when we slow down that we can refresh, refuel, relax--and enjoy. That's what my Regency Christmas Package is all about. (It's not just a book--with 39 bonuses, it's a whole package for you!)

If you're still new to the concept of a 19th century Christmastide, let me review: In the early part of the 19th century, the season of Christmas was more about
family and fun than gifts and giving. Sure, there was room for presents, and they did add to the fun, but they were just a small part. Focusing on the frenetic fifteen minutes or half hour of tearing into a pile of gifts is what gets us in trouble today. We spend an inordinate amount of time, money and energy preparing for that one *tiny* part of the holiday.

I'm not here to try and deprive you of that part of Christmas. It's still important. But I do want to help you with perspective, increasing the time spent in areas that will leave you feeling fulfilled and satisfied afterwards, not with the usual lament of All that effort--all that money--and they're still not happy!

(Believe me, I've been there, done that! I started Christmas shopping some years right after the holidays, beginning in January and going on until I felt I had "enough." Well, the definition of "enough" seemed to grow when I started early. By September I felt pretty much done with my family shopping and most of my friends, but I can't think of a single year when I didn't still get little extras right up until the big day. Little extras that add up to big expenditures. And all for fifteen to twenty minutes of chaotic present-opening. It's fun, too, of course, but it just isn't what it's all about!)

A 19th Century Christmastide, right in your own home, can bring a feeling of satisfaction unlike anything in a wrapped box. Here's the idea:

Decorate a little differently, making an effort to use as much live greenery as possible. This may mean waiting an extra week or two to put up a real tree, or real fir wreaths, real ivy and holly, etc. In my Christmas Book are instructions for making decorative sugarplums to beautify things even more. (Edible ones, too!)
It's a look that just can't be copied by artificial things, though the store-bought counterparts are lovely, too.

Next, download bunches and bunches of "Fireside Reading" and "Party Games"--both available in many shapes and sizes from the Christmas Package. Decide on a game or two, choose a story or two. (The choices are varied, and there's something for everyone, from "American Christmastides"--glimpses of the Yule Season back when the country was young--to "Tales of Wonder and Joy" [for kids from three to ninety-three]--and plenty others. You'll find much to interest you or any member of your family. For each 19th century night you want to have, pick something different.)

Before settling down before the fire or hearth (or wood-stove, or an arrangement of scented candles), prepare an authentic olde English recipe (choose from dozens available) such as mull'd cider, wassail, or negus; berry scones or English "biscuits"--or, use one of the many modern cookbooks that come with the Christmas Book, and treat your family to brand new mouth-watering delights.

Do you need my book to have a 19th Century night? No! You can take these ideas and adapt what you already own or have and make do just fine. Be sure to turn off lights (EXCEPT Christmas lights--they are one modern element that is worth keeping); and all noise. If it's a game night you're having,(using games from the book or a bonus book--not computer or video games) some light background music is acceptable. In the book, there are suggestions of period music for a more authentic experience, but you can choose any you like.

If you do get the package (which I've put at the very family-friendly price of only $14.95--less than a large pizza with toppings!--)you make things easier on yourself, and of course get to read all about a Regency Christmas. (What Jane Austen REALLY ate and Charles Dickens remembered.) PLUS the 39 downloads of stories, games, readings, cookbooks, candy-making, gift-giving, etc! You get old carols, ballads, poems and more. Customs, traditions, myth-busters, history, facts, and dozens of beautiful illustrations. I'm even throwing in a new children's coloring book for the littlest members to enjoy while you snuggle up with "Old English Christmases" or "A Puritan Christmas," (or many others).

Making room for just a few 19th century nights during December can change the way you feel about Christmas this year. Choosing just the right "Fireside Reading" can thrill your spirit and give you more Christmas joy than you've had in ages.

Blessings,

Linore
PS: It's a blessing for me and my family when I use the games, stories and recipes from the Christmas Book Package, and I know it will bless you and yours.

Here's a sample recipe from one of 458 pages of yummy treats (from just ONE of your 39 free downloads!)

New England Christmas Cookies

3/4 cup melted shortening
3/4 cup melted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup of sliced blanched almonds
3 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Cream sugar and melted ingredients. Beat eggs and add to creamed mixture. Sift together all dry ingredients and beat into dough. Stir in almonds. Form dough into small rolls and wrap in wax paper. Refrigerate overnight. Slice thin and bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE.

(If you slice very thin, you can have two or three with your favorite Christmas drink, coffee or tea, and still not go overboard on carbs. Just watch carefully during baking because they'll bake up fast.) Enjoy!

About that Life Coach...She's ready to listen to YOU!

REMEMBER--THIS IS FOR THE NEXT 25 BOOK ORDERS ONLY! Move your life ahead with Theresa's help! Make this your most fabulous holiday season ever.

Theresa A. Smith is a life and business coach dedicated to providing the support, feedback and strategies you need to increase performance and profitability, either for yourself or your business or organization. Theresa helps individuals clarify the changes they want, develop goals to achieve them, and the strategies to adapt and make them stick. In other words, to bring you through the transition to a fulfilling life!
Theresa co-designed and co-developed the Start Your Own Part-Time Professional Business Workshop for women. She also collaborates with her husband, Edward Smith, on Peak Performance Seminars for corporations and co-hosts the “Bright Moment” Peak Performance cable television show.

Theresa is a member of Circle of Brilliance Coaches, a community of business, life, and executive coaches who work with individuals, entrepreneurs, small businesses and corporate managers who want greater fulfillment and efficacy in their lives. www.circleofbrilliance.com



To take advantage of Theresa's free coaching call offer, you must be one of the first twenty-five people to order the book today! Hurry and get that order in now!

Make it Real

You know, when I wrote Regency House Christmas, I was aiming to tear the veil away from the shroud of mystery over the holiday at the very turn of the 19th century, when the hedonistic regency was about to begin, and England had still not fully recovered from the earlier bans on the holiday. During the process, however, I became so enamored of the quaint customs, the quiet expressions of faith and joy, that I realized history, once again, had something to teach us for today.

When you read my book, I would encourage you to put on a pair of "virtual" headphones (to protect the atmosphere the book creates for you); to snuggle up somewhere quietly and immerse yourself in the period. Select a yummy holiday drink from the free recipe book (the download link is IN the book) before sitting down, or just help yourself to one of your own favorites--and get comfy.

Choose a heartwarming tale, a poem, an excerpt--throw a few logs on the fire if you have one, or light an aromatic candle (fir-tree, balsam, cookie-dough, anything that conjures up a seasonal feeling in the air) and give yourself a virtual bubble-bath of 19th century holiday charm.

When you're ready to return to life, you'll be refreshed.

More ideas ahead. But don't forget--get a copy of the book today before the price goes higher!