Give Yourself by Brenda Nixon

It's sheer joy to be a co-author on this book. The six of us have laughed and learned as we discussed, developed, and delivered our "baby" to the world. Thank you for visiting our blog and buying our book. We deeply appreciate you sharing our enthusiasm with your support.

This week, each of us is to share an inexpensive gift idea for an educator; classroom teacher, Sunday school teacher, your child's teacher, etc. I've learned from teachers I talked to that they'd prefer a gift card. Many times they're given candles, mugs, and things they're already overloaded with. While they appreciate the gesture, they'd benefit from something else.

People often confuse price with value. In today's economy many don't have the money to buy high-priced gadgets but, can still give a valuable gift. Consider gifting your fav teacher with a certificate for your services. "What service do I have to offer?" you ask.

• Yard Maintenance
• Housecleaning
• Pet Sitting
• Snow Removal
• Sewing
• Bringing in a Homecooked Meal
• Free Childcare
• Small Engine Repair
• Window Cleaning
• Computer Tutoring

You see, YOU have a lot to offer! How about sharing the best gift - yourself - with a teacher this year. And, share your comment for a chance to win a FREE COPY of A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts. Everyone who comments on a blog this week will be entered into a drawing for a free book! If you already have one, use the freebie as a Christmas gift (I even gave an autographed copy for a December wedding gift).

Brenda Nixon, www.BrendaNixon.com
Co-author, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts

Home Decor by Brenda Nixon

A few friends tell me they keep their nativity set up year round to remind them of Christ's first and His anticipated second coming. While I respect that tradition, it's not one our family has adopted.

We do have a lovely, handmade nativity that I bought one fall for the upcoming Christmas season. Since my wedding anniversary is in November, I bought the blue-glazed porcelain nativity as our anniversary gift knowing we'd have it for years.

We also decorate outdoors. I don't do the lawn ornaments nor look like Clark W. Griswold in Christmas Vacation but our home is festive.

Actually, in my home decor, I like to rotate the furnishings by season. If you visit me in the spring you'll see fresh flowers, "springy" wall decor, and other reminders of new life. If you visit in Autumn, you'll munch candy corn and smell fall scented candles. Changing my decor with the season is one way I make my home a haven to family and friends.

How do you decorate for the holidays . . . or anytime of year?

Brenda Nixon, www.BrendaNixon.com
Co-author, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts

Extra Gifts to Keep On Hand

We keep extra candles on the fireplace mantle, in case surprise visitors appear and we want to give them a Christmas gift.
You can readily find candles on sale, and they are festive gifts. Red candles that are cinnamon scented or green pine scented candles are super choices.
Sparkling apple cider is another welcome surprise gift to have on hand.
And Happy Birthday today to my co-author Brenda :)