This is the perfect gift to share with children before they see The Nutcracker. Everyone who has seen the ballet will cherish it--as will anyone who enjoys stories where love triumphs. Come, take a front-row seat. The world's most beloved holiday fairy tale is about to begin.

    Sure to be a classic, this new tale brings to life the joy of the season and demonstrates the redemptive power of love: there is no hurt so great that love cannot heal it.Nathan Hurst hated Christmas. For the rest of the world it was a day of joy and celebration; for Nathan it was simply a reminder of the event that destroyed his childhood until a snowstorm, a cancelled flight, and an unexpected meeting with a young mother and her very special son would show him that Christmas is indeed the season of miracles. From the beloved author of the international bestseller The Christmas Box comes another timeless story of faith, hope, and healing.

    Frances can see them from her window and, sometimes, when it’s quiet, she can hear their music. In fact, Frances can’t stop thinking about them, especially after she sees the man and his monkey sleeping outside on the cold street at midnight. When the day of the Christmas pageant arrives, and it’s Frances’s turn to speak, everyone waits silently. But all Frances can think about is the organ grinder’s sad eyes — until, just in time, she finds the perfect words to share. Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo pairs once again with acclaimed artist Bagram Ibatoulline as she presents a timeless story of compassion and joy.

    Lemony Snicket is an alleged children’s author. For the first time in literary history, these two elements are combined in one book. People who are interested in either or both of these things will find this book so enjoyable it will feel as if Hanukah is being celebrated for several years, rather than eight nights.

    We have all heard the story of the three wise men, who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the imaginative story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. In addition to an engaging text and gorgeous, whimsical artwork, this story reminds readers of the importance of Christmas and the true meaning of gift-giving.

    Though initially employed as a maid, Mary soon becomes the daughter the couple were never able to have. With Britain at war, unable to remain idle, Mary finds employment in the local steel works but when her fiancé Tom Downing is killed in action Mary is convinced it is retribution for their night of sin during Tom's Christmas leave. However, Mary grows to love Jack Holmes, a local miner. They marry and move into a humble terrace house with little but their love to keep them going. As the years pass Mary is determined to achieve success for herself and her family. She sets up her own dressmaking business and it seems as if she has finally found peace of mind. But the business starts to dominate her life until tragedy once more threatens to destroy all she most cherishes...

    Mary and Joseph weren't the only ones turned away from the inn at Bethlehem. In this new Nativity story, a widower named Micah travels the crowded road to return to the town of his birth. Just in front of him a young woman, heavy with child, rides in the back of a donkey. Her husband leads the way, walking slowly to make the ride smoother. Every so often the young woman turns toward Micah, offering gentle words of encouragement as he hobbles along behind them. And each time they stop for water, she makes sure that her husband offers Micah a sip. When they arrive at Bethlehem, Micah and the young couple go their separate ways. Micah wearily wanders the streets for shelter, a place to eat, and some way to fill his loneliness. Although he doesn't receive what he wants, he does receive what he needs--a warm quilt, a loaf of bread, and in the end, an invitation to come inside a small stable.

    It hasn’t snowed on Christmas in Virginia in more than a hundred years, however, so what are the chances that that will change? Enter the new mailman, Mr. Jack Frost, who not only looks like a jolly old elf but also seems to know a lot about weather patterns, has a fondness for the cold, and works looooooong hours during the holiday season. Plus it’s the best time of the year, when strange packages and lots of surprises are swirling around, so isn’t it possible that Stink might get his wish? Fans who curl up with this new Moody comedy can be sure that their bellies will shake like a bowl full of jelly.

    With a nod to previous books in the Toot & Puddle series, Holly Hobbie, shows readers that the best kind of present for the best kind of friend is one that shows just how much you care.

    There's no season like it...no better time to find Love Under the Mistletoe. Deborah MacGillivray, Leanne Burroughs, Patty Howell, Rebecca Andrews, Isabel Mere, Amber Dawn Bell, Erin E.M. Hatton and Jill and Julia offer up eight tales of romance designed to please every taste.

    Filled with Paula's trademark Southern charm and happy reminiscences of Yuletide seasons past, Christmas with Paula Deen is a collection of beloved holiday recipes and stories interspersed with cherished family photographs. Included are Paula's most requested homemade gifts of food; a collection of cookies sure to become your family's favorites; easy dishes for a Christmas breakfast or brunch that will let you enjoy the food and your guests; impressive fare for Christmas dinner and holiday entertaining and, of course, spectacular cakes, puddings, pies, and other sweet things. "So Merry Christmas, y'all, and best dishes and best wishes from me and my family to yours."

    The sentimentality and commercialism that dominate the season tend to obscure the profound mystery at its heart: the Incarnation. God With Us provides the perfect way to slow down and reconnect with the litugical and sacramental traditions that illuminate the meaning of the Incarnation and bring it down to earth.Featuring daily meditations for the complete seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, contributors Scott Cairns, Emilie Griffin, Richard John Neuhaus, Kathleen Norris, Eugene Peterson, and Luci Shaw offer a tapestry of reflection, Scripture, prayer and history. These profound words are enhanced by classic and contemporary art masterpieces carefully selected by the editors. God With Us will make anyone's journey to the stable in Bethlehem and the child in the manger utterly unforgettable.

    Best-selling author Charles R. Swindoll invites us to sit back and enjoy his personal and engaging retelling of the first Christmas story. Combining both regal mystery and humble human experience, the book focuses on four major characters: Gabriel, Mary, Joseph, and Immanuel. A Bethlehem Christmas provides biblical insight with the heart and warmth of a gifted storyteller to bring what happened at the nativity to life and renew the joyful hope of Christmas.

    This is what Bill Crowder does as he examines the familiar story of the birth of Christ in the gospel of Luke. By looking through the windows provided by those who were there--Mary and Joseph, the angels and the shepherds, Simeon and Anna--we see and feel what they saw and felt, and learn from their responses. As we enter into the nativity events that altered the world forever and as we join the humble worshipers who welcomed Christ at His birth, we get what we need most--fresh perspective.

    Hurt and confused, this defenseless kitty worried that he had been consigned to life's trash heap, until one day his path crossed those of three other lost kittens. It doesn't take Mistletoe or young readers long to realize that small, unselfish acts of kindness can bring their own rewards and a sense of inner peace.

    David Rhodes had said he'd be in town. But he isn't. Which leaves Mary Jo stranded, pregnant and alone. And there's no room at the local inn.…So Grace Harding brings Mary Jo home to her nearby ranch. She and her husband, Cliff, have a houseful of guests, but they offer her a room over their stable (currently sheltering the animals�including a donkey and a camel�for Cedar Cove's Nativity pageant!).When Mary Jo goes into labor that night, a young man named Mack McAfee, a paramedic, comes to her rescue, just as her brothers�the three Wyse men�show up in town. The people of Cedar Cove join them in celebrating the birth of baby Noel. But no one has more to celebrate than Mack. Because this Christmas brings him faith, hope and love…

    As party invitations pile up in the mailbox, Rebecca Rather is up to her elbows in sticky meringue, creamy chocolate, and a sleigh full of savory treats to meet the entertaining needs of her neighbors.In The Pastry Queen Christmas, Rebecca shares nearly 100 traditional recipes reflecting her made-with-love-from-scratch philosophy and the tastes of small-town Texas. Show-off desserts such as Chocolate Cookie Crusted Eggnog Cheesecake, Sticky Toffee Pudding with Brandy Butterscotch Sauce, and Warm Pear Ginger Upside-Down Cake with Amaretto Whipped Cream are the perfect toppers to a family-style feast of Texas Spice-Rubbed Roast Pork, Baked Apple Pear Chutney, Brown Sugar Bacon, and No-Peeking Popovers. Still hungry the next morning? No problem-this country girl does an impressive breakfast, too: Bite-Sized Sticky Buns, Sweet Potato Scones, Cast-Iron Skillet Potatoes, and Mexican Ranch Chilaquiles ought to fill you up.And if you're still looking for excuses to entertain this season, you'll find ooey-gooey baked goods wrapped up as gifts, homemade craft and décor ideas to make your home sparkle, and holiday-worthy menus guaranteed to make your gathering a Texas-sized success. Tree-trimming, cookie decorating, and Santas running down Main Street . . . Christmastime is here.

    Under the stars the bear finds his way step by step through the snowy forest, making friends along his route. Then the bear discovers a place in the woods that glows magically with something he and his friends could never have imagined -- their first Christmas. Robert Kinerk's inspired story and Jim LaMarche's glimmering illustrations combine in a picture book that captures the joy and spirit of Christmas. Come along with bear and his friends and see the magical light of Bear's First Christmas.

    It's a celebration of the coming of Christ. This brand new gift book from one of the most beloved christian couples of the Twentieth Century is a reflection on the tender love of God that brought Jesus to our world. Heart-warming writings about the incarnation and gorgeous packaging combine to create a perfect Christmas gift. There is no time like the Christmas season to enjoy a heart-warming collection of inspiring and personal writings in the unique style of the Grahams that offer hope, joy, and peace.

    Along the way, a young man discovers the meaning of love, friendship, and what it means to be an artist.

    3 books.

    You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

    Joseph's Church near School House Lane where she lived...."* * * *Frank McCourt's Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir "Angela's Ashes" is a modern classic. Now he has written a captivating Christmas story about Angela as a child -- often cold and hungry herself -- compelled to rescue the Baby Jesus and take him home. This story is pure McCourt -- genuine, irreverent and moving.It is elegantly illustrated by two-time Golden Kite Award winner Loren Long and is the perfect Christmas story for all ages.

    And as our throughts center on the Christ child, we find ourselves believing in more than Christmas-day surprises. In this collection of stories, scriptures, songs, poems, and activity ideas selected especially for Latter-day Saint families, the true spirit of Christmas is reawakened with themes such as hope, compassion, service, and love. Each story contains a thoughtful message to help your family experience a Christ-centered holiday season. Accompanied by beautiful vintage illustrations from some of the most celebrated children's book illustrators, this elegant edition is destined to become a family Christmas favorite.

    That is, until Russell the Sheep comes to the rescue! With a clatter and a bang, Russell shows that hard work and a little imagination can make a magic that is all his own. Everyone's favorite woolly sheep is baaaack in a Christmas story perfect for any eager child awaiting Santa's arrival.

    . . From decorating the tree to opening gifts around the fireplace, Christmas is a time full of wonder and delight. When the celebration is shared with family and friends, the feelings of hope and joy become even more meaningful and cherished. The classic lyrics of "The Christmas Song" have spread the Yuletide spirit since the mid-1940s. Doris Barrette's lush, beautiful illustrations capture the heart of both holiday and home, for all kids from one to ninety-two!

    Zelda is following the theories of child psychologist Wynn Jeffries, author of The Free Child (and, as it happens, K.O.'s neighbor). K.O. is particularly horrified by his edict to "bury Santa under the sleigh," and she's out to prove that Wynn and his ideas are full of snow. He's not going to ruin her nieces' Christmas! Too bad the guy's so darned attractive! Rainy Day KissesSeventeen years ago Susannah Simmons was a career girl who knew nothing about babies. But after babysitting her infant niece, Michelle, Susannah learned that one determined and screaming baby can make the corporate world look like child's play. Thank goodness for her charming neighbor Nate Townsend. Now he's her charming husband, and Susannah's a mother as well as an aunt. And every Christmas Eve, Michelle tells her cousins how their mom met their dad a story in which she plays a starring role!

    But with the children’s constant bickering, pretty packages and a sweet-smelling tree don’t come close to filling the McDonald home with the true spirit of the first Christmas. Then Mom remembers an old tradition of building a soft bed for Baby Jesus one straw at a time. Each time someone secretly does something nice for another family member, he or she gets to add a single straw to the manger. Soon the children’s quarreling and negative feelings subside and the homemade crib is overflowing. But for one family member, a required act of kindness becomes more than he can take. The Last Straw is a true story. The McDonald kids are now grown, but the story lives on in other homes around the world, where the tradition of putting straw in a manger is a cherished way to teach children the real meaning of Christmas. So gather your loved ones around and share this heartwarming story about how one family rediscovers the true spirit of Christmas. It may forever change the way your own family celebrates the holiday season.

    Read along in the 32-page storybook as your paper doll characters (more than 40 of them!) dance their way through three different foldout stages! When you're done, place the dolls and storybook in the handy storage envelope for safekeeping until the next performance! Fun for all ages! Fold-out scenes include a Clara's living room, the Enchanted Forest, and the Land of Sweets! Set includes over 40 punch-out ballet characters Heavy-duty storage envelope (included) keeps dolls and outfits safe between playtimes 3 fold-out scenes in 9-3/4'' wide x 10-1/4'' high hardcover play set Elastic band closure also serves to hold playset open Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award Winner A NAPPA Honors Award Winner Warning: CHOKING HAZARD—small parts; not for children under 3 years

    Each from a different region, each beckoned by the same gleaming star, each bearing treasures, each wishing to welcome a newborn asleep in a manger's hay -- a baby named Jesus, who would change the world.This beloved Christmas carol, written in 1857, celebrates the wise men's journey and the first Christmas night. Internationally renowned artist Gennady Spirin pays his own type of homage with paintings so exquisitely detailed and wrought that they, too, are a gift -- to that baby in the manger and to you.

    This beautifully packaged volume includes flaps and foldouts, as well as a reindeer training manual and a diploma certifying readers as a stable elf. Full color.

    From the fabulous stocking designs created by the world famous artists at Kooler Design Studio, this title selects 15 of the author's favorites. It also features alphabets for easy personalization, along with assembly instructions for the perfect finish.

    This delightful and very amusing rewrite of the traditional "A Night Before Christmas" is sure to be a hit with Native Americans and children everywhere as well as with people of all ages interested in Native customs and art. With full-page colorful, humorous paintings by renowned Cherokee artist Jesse T. Hummingbird.

    'At that moment, Brother Francis laid a figure of baby Jesus in the manger bed.'Where did the tradition of displaying a manger scene come from? Find out in Saint Francis and the Nativity, an engaging story that weaves together the history of the first nativity with the fictional story of Mario, a young shepherd boy, who helps Saint Francis of Assisi find a way to visually display the true meaning of Christmas.Children will love the beautiful illustrations and the suggested family activities that accompany this sweet story.

    For hundreds of years, Christians have prepared for Christmas by carefully observing the four-week season leading up to it. What s more, when Christmas did arrive, they celebrated not just for one day but for twelve! So four weeks for Advent and nearly two weeks for Christmas makes six weeks, which is why Ann Spangler has prepared this six-week Christmas devotional. Drawing from her bestselling books Praying the Names of God and Praying the Names of Jesus, Spangler selected six names or titles including Immanuel, Yeshua, and Bright Morning Star. Each name offers a week s worth of devotions focusing on God, the miraculous birth of his son, and the promise of his return. In Immanuel, you ll discover a perfect balance of prayer, reflection, and study to help you open your heart fully to the birth of Jesus and all that it means."

    A delightful poem and charming artwork tell the story of how Gods light impacted creation, the sin of man, and the preparation of Jesus, his birth, teaching, death, and resurrection.

    Reflecting the latest trends in decorating and entertaining-while keeping a close eye on tradition-the pages brim with all-new ideas for handcrafted decorations and gifts, keepsakes, activities, and yummy recipes from Gooseberry Patch's family of readers. With beautiful photography, simple instructions for crafts and recipes, easy-to-use recipe and craft indexes, and beloved Country Friends® illustrations, this series helps make treasured memories and establish new holiday traditions.

    Angelina opens her gift from William, and she is surprised to find that he has given her a nutcracker That gives Angelina an idea--she and her friends should put on their own little performance of The Nutcracker for family and friends. Over 75 reusable stickers for Angelina fans make this performance truly spectacular

    Eight treasured taleswill charm young readersand journaling pageswill turn this bookinto a keepsake.Gather the family andpass on the traditionof sharing storiesof faith, hope, and love.

    So, to prepare her for what she’ll find there, Jack sends Emma some VERY unusual, Wisconsin-style gifts. From one robin (the state bird) that sings “On Wisconsin” (the state song) to twelve birch bark baskets, the presents arrive accompanied by spirited letters that help Emma learn everything about the Badger State.

    Trevor thinks of eveything he could possibly want: Binocular glasses with night-vision mode!A rip-roaring go cart to tear down the road!A remote-controlled plane with a camera inside!An invisible robot that's easy to hide! But the one thing he does forget is the true meaning of Christmas. Trevor's list becomes so huge that it spills out of his house, down the street, through town and all the way to the post office...which happens to be closed for Christmas by the time Trevor is finally ready to send his list! Luckily Santa, with a little help from Trevor's parents, knows just what to get him: a fluffy brown puppy and the gift of friendship.

    Sarah believes free-spirited Justin is a lazy, unemployed poet who is taking advantage of his grandmother’s generosity. Though attracted to him, she guards her heart against her growing feelings. As Sarah and Justin work together to help his grandmother and enjoy Christmas events in NYC, romantic sparks fly. When Sarah discovers who Justin really is, she must decide if she will continue to hide behind her protective wall or open her heart and embrace love. Moonlight Over Manhattan (formerly titled Moonlight and Mistletoe) was originally published in ]b:A Big Apple Christmas|1532236]. It has been updated for new readers to enjoy.

    The format features double-sided crayons blistered to the front cover and a full-color sticker insert. This is the perfect companion to the storybook and to complete your Christmas collection.

    She also describes what we can bring to Advent and Christmas to make them a more gratifying experience for ourselves and others. Each reflection--enhanced with full-color artwork--takes only a few moments but can help you enjoy the season in ways that will have a lasting impact all year long.BookletView sample pages.

    Each daily meditation, keyed to the scripture reading for the day and to portions of Wesley's texts, concludes with a brief prayer based on the day's theme. Reflective material on the hymns place Wesley in the rich soil of his Anglican heritage. Daily readings, including all of these materials, are between 500-600 words in length.

    Bedrick. With fanciful characters and evocative imagery, this epic story pays homage to the great fairy tales in a richly imagined tale of the life of the daughter of Santa Claus.

    Enter sexy, but Scrooge-like, land developer Jack Benson to the rescue, proving to Suzanna that the best gifts are those that take you completely by suprise...

    Paperback

    Strength for the Soul—Christmas helps you through the holidays with daily devotions from the pages of Our Daily Bread.These specially selected Christmas devotions keep the season in its biblical perspective as you explore meaningful Christmas stories, discover real-life lessons, and find new ways to battle the stress of the holidays.And the affordable price makes it a great book for gift-giving too!

    Sing along and learn the German language while you experience the customs of Christmas as celebrated in Germany. This beautifully illustrated, dual language book comes with an audio CD, including the narration in German and 15 songs to sing along and enjoy.

    With uplifting stories, little-known facts about favorite traditions, time-saving tips, and creative ideas for family fun, this is a book that gets to the heart of what it means to have a truly merry, meaningful Christmas.

    This beautiful book reveals the worldwide appeal and custom of the crèche and the diversity of creative expression displayed in this art form. Crèche artists featured include a first-generation American firefighter devoted to preserving the Spanish Colonial santos tradition; a woman who served in the Dutch resistance during the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands; a Jesuit who worked with Cambodian landmine victims and who carved a nativity with Khmer features; and a carver from New Zealand whose work is based on Maori traditions.

    The Twelve Days of Christmas as never told before--with ribbons you reveal at every turn of the page and a Christmas surprise at the end

    Such subjects as Santa's dress, character (weaknesses and strengths), home life, marriage, and work habits are explored. We look at his relations to his helpers, his reindeer, and the children he sometimes meets on his miraculous journeys. Every assertion is supported by pictorial evidence, all in splendid color.

    And that very same evening, Carnival, with its joyful parades and gorgeous costumes, begins.

    This is the meaning of the Incarnation. This is the meaning of Christmas. When we cut through all of the sentiment and marketing to the spiritual richness and vitality of Christmas,

    He has popped up as architect for or observer of many of our era's most iconic figures, including Donald Trump, various Mafia big shots, mayors, Aristotle and Jackie Onassis, Bob Guccione, pit bosses, real estate legends, and spies.             Everything by Design takes us behind the scenes in Las Vegas, Disney World, Havana, Atlantic City, Moscow, the Amazon rainforest, and New York. Along the way we learn why Mickey Mouse never seems to use the restroom, why the baccarat tables in casinos are always far away from the dice tables, why the CIA wanted him to redesign Havana's main synagogue, and why the tunnels under the Hotel Moskva can't be touched.             Everything by Design is a keenly observed social and cultural history of modern  America by one of its key shapers.

    Featuring luminous illustrations by Jim Madsen, this charming picture book by Juliann Henry retells the Christmas story from the perspective of a plucky young girl who learns that she is loved by both her earthly father and her heavenly Father.

    Bundle includes In the Spirit of...Christmas, The Christmas Groom and One Golden Christmas

    This gentle Christmas book introduces the original St. Nicholas and tells why we give gifts in remembrance of the greatest gift of all. Nick is much more interested in contemplating his presents under the tree than he is in being dragged along for last-minute shopping with his dad. But while his father s off shopping, Nick hears someone say his name it s a mall Santa, telling a group of children a story about the original St. Nick. In the long-ago story, a wealthy boy named Nicholas is moved by the sight of poor children and decides to use his family s wealth to help the needy, starting anonymously with his less-fortunate friends. Young Nick is inspired as at last he and young readers understand the joy of giving. A note at the end explains how the story of this early Nicholas might have grown into the Santa Claus of legend. Bright, festive artwork accompanies the text of master storyteller Dandi Mackall, who reminds children that God gave us the greatest gift ever given. DANDI DALEY MACKALL won her first writing contest when she was ten years old with fifty words on why she wanted to be a batboy. She won, but they wouldn t let a girl be a batboy. It was her first taste of rejection. She bounced back and has since published 400 books. Dandi lives in rural West Salem, OH, and enjoys her husband and kids, who will still, on occasion, be up for a game of family softball. GUY PORFIRIO, a native of Chicago, graduated from the American Academy of Art in Chicago and continued his training at New York s School of Visual Arts. Guy s passion for painting and telling a good story has inspired him to illustrate numerous books for children. Guy lives in Tucson, AZ, with his family."

    But if in the middle of all the hurry, worry, and scurry you take time to reconnect with Immanuel.... He will never, ever disappoint you. Others may lose Christmas, but you never will. HERE'S HOW TO MAKE YOUR CELEBRATION FRESH AND NEW EVERY YEAR OF YOUR LIFE!

    A collection of Christmas-themed Dickens stories:A Christmas CarolThe ChimesThe Cricket on the HearthThe Haunted Man