Book Review: The Love Letters Book Series (for kids)

I was given a copy of these books in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.

As a Christian parent, my goal is to always point my children to Jesus in any situation. And I love sharing books with my children. So I was delighted when I had the opportunity to review a series of books by Soraya Diase Coffelt called The Love Letters Book Series.

Each book is about a holiday that is widely celebrated, and describes the origin of each one.

In It's Not About You, Mr. Pumpkin, a child writes a letter to a jack-o-lantern to share what they learned about this seemingly innocent and fun holiday that we know as Halloween. Personally, I've had trouble teaching my children about the true origins of Halloween and why we shun the glorification of anything "spooky". It is literally everywhere in October (and really most of the year). Bright illustrations combined with geography and historical facts help the child learn why certain things are done at Halloween, and help the parent start a discussion with their child about these traditions. I really appreciate this unique book and it will be one that I pull out again closer to Halloween!

It's Not About You, Mrs. Turkey is also a fun, colorful look at the history of our Thanksgiving holiday. It gets kids to look past the traditional feast on that day, while still acknowledging that all the festivities are fun and delicious. Again, the child writes a letter (this time to a turkey) explaining their newfound knowledge of the pilgrims and the persecution they escaped as well as God's provision they experienced in their new home.

In It's Not About You, Mr. Santa Claus, our friend is back again with another letter to the jolly guy in the red suit to share the story of the first Christmas. I especially like the ending where the child invites Santa Claus to ask Jesus into his heart. I think that is a sweet touch for families that may have embraced the Santa Claus tradition in their home.

Each book has a Scripture in the beginning, as well as a dedication to Jesus Christ and the author's family. At the end of each one is an invitation to the reader to accept Jesus as Lord. Mrs. Coffelt's foundation, As the Stars of the Sky, works to promote literacy in children, something I am also very passionate about. I am definitely looking forward to her future books! They are such a fun and informative way to look at holidays, and direct children to Jesus Christ!

Linking up with: 
Hearts for Home
I Choose Joy
A Little R&R 
Whole Hearted Wednesday
Hip Homeschool Moms 

My Christmas Playlist 2015

I'm no music expert (I generally like to leave to that my husband), but I like finding new Christmas music to listen to along with my "old standbys" of the season (Harry Connick, Jr, Jewel, and The Chipmunks if you're curious). This year, here are some songs that are new-to-me. Apparently, I'm drawn to mellow acoustic sounds mixed with female vocals (mostly). I think this is a pretty good mix of traditional and newer, original songs, but they have encouraged a light, peaceful tone in my home, so I really like that! I hope you check out some of these songs and enjoy them as much as I have!

(I have linked to the actual artist's YouTube video as much as possible for those who want to follow them or purchase the music). 


1. It Really is (a Wonderful Life) by Mindy Smith
2. What Child is This by Mindy Smith
3. White Christmas by Bright Eyes
4. Mele Kalikimaka by Jadon Lavik
5. The Christmas Waltz by She & Him
6. O Come O Come Emmanuel by Sixpence None the Richer
7. Silent Night by Sixpence None the Richer
8. Christmastime is Here by Sixpence None the Richer
9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by The Good Lovelies
10. Jingle Bells by Tyrone Wells
11. No Christmas for Me by Zee Avi
12. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Jack Johnson

What Christmas music are you enjoying this year? 

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase the linked items, I will receive a small commission. Thanks for supporting Happy Christian Home!

This post has been shared at the following blogs: 
Thank Goodness it's Monday at Nourishing Joy 
A Little R & R
I Choose Joy
Fellowship Friday

Five Minute Friday: Seasons are About Change

Season. We are well into the Christmas season.

With that comes the lists from my children. My oldest is now eight, and the seasons are changing for him, too. It used to be that he was a bit oblivious of the times and seasons, and now it's a big deal for him. He recently has begun counting down to his birthday, and Christmas, and other occasions when he might get stuff.

It's so important to him. I miss the seasons when it was easier to surprise him. Times were simpler when he was younger.

My six year old is still in that season of simplicity. My three year old is coming into the season where he is aware of different occasions. And the baby? Everything is new for her!

Seasons are about change. For children and for mothers. 

Linking up for Five Minute Friday

Valentine's Day Resources for Children's Ministry (And Home!)

Here is a small collection of links to free coloring pages and project or craft ideas I have come across online for use in children's ministry, or even at home. Many of these are from Ministry-to-Children.com. At our church, we plan to use many of them, as our theme for February is "love". Enjoy!

Valentine's Themed Coloring Sheets:

John 3:16 coloring sheet
God Gave us Love coloring sheet
John 3:16 Valentine sheet
"Love Is" 1 Corinthians 13 coloring sheet
"Love Your Neighbor" coloring sheet
"What is Love?" Activity Sheet (great for older kids!)

Valentine's Themed Ideas: 

Valentine's Day Bulletin Board
Top Ten Love Bible Verses
Valentine's Day Frame craft

What tools have you used to teach your children (or your class) about Valentine's Day and God's love?

Linking up here:

Guest Posting Again!

Hey there! Just a quick post to let you know I'm back over at Donna Perugini's blog today talking about Christmas, Culture and Our Children! Come and be a part of the discussion and while you're there, check out some of Donna's children's books and her other posts!

A great big thanks to Donna for having me as your guest for these past couple of days! What an honor it is to share with your readers!

My Hero

So thankful today and every day for the price He paid!


Happy Easter!

Christmas Questions

I found this festive meme at A Stranger in this Land- Here's her list from a couple weeks ago!

I don't know what it is about this year...I realize that Christmas is fast approaching, and I've managed to put up a little "Charlie Brown-ish" Christmas tree (the ornaments did not survive the children's curiosity!) and the stockings that my sister lovingly handmade for our family.  Other than that, I'm hardly in the "Christmas mood".  I realize it is about Jesus- but for me that's what every day is about.  Sooo...I was thinking that participating in this meme would help me gear up for the upcoming festivities! Enjoy, and feel free to link to your own meme!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I actually really love wrapping presents.  Call me crazy, but it's only once per year, most of the other gift-giving occasions get a gift bag ('cause I have a million of them!) but there's just something about wrapping a gift at Christmas that makes is so much more special.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial.  I've never had a real tree since I've been "out on my own".  I don't plan on doing a real one any time soon, unless it's like...one of those little potted ones.

3. When do you put up the tree? That is to be determined. I have no set "rule" for this...sometime after Thanksgiving...usually in the first week or so of December.

4. When do you take the tree down? Again, no "rule" for this one...usually the week following Christmas though, 'cause I know if I don't it'll still be there in February!  Now with little ones, the sooner the better!

5. Do you like eggnog? No!  But I'm sure it's possible that one year I will start liking it!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Two words: Big Wheel!

7. Hardest person to buy for? Can I count myself?  I know I'm terribly picky!  Ok, maybe my husband.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Any of my eight nieces and nephews!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither.  I think I sent out cards the first year we were married, but since then I have not. (Sorry, Grandma!)

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Probably most everything I receive from the "white elephant" gift exchange at church!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Hmm...maybe "A Christmas Story".  I might be saying that 'cause I'm having trouble coming up with something better.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? A week or two before Christmas usually!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Totally have! See number 11!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Gumbo. Our family eats it every Christmas Eve.

16. Lights on the tree (colored or clear)? I like the colors. I give bonus points for flashing lights! Lol. :)

17. Favorite Christmas song? I'm going to have to say Harry Connick Jr's version of "O Holy Night".

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We stay local.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Nope.

20. Angel, star or ribbon on top of tree? I like angels on top of the tree.  And flashy colored lights.  Are you getting a visual now? (Like, the tackiest Christmas tree ever? Just kidding.)

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve with extended family, and Christmas morning at home with the children. The best of both worlds!

22. Favorite children's Christmas song? The Chipmunk Song. (C'mon, you saw that coming, right?)

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Basically, the greed aspect I think.

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? No theme, really.  I just like the sentimental ornaments...the ones the children make, "Baby's First Christmas"- stuff like that.

25. Turkey or ham on Christmas day? I don't know if there's really a traditional "something" we eat on Christmas day.  I guess it just depends on where we are.

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? Just to spend time with family and enjoy the day. And, one can never go wrong with more books!

27. Does anyone in your family dress up as Santa? Nope.

28. Age you discovered who Santa was? I have no idea.  It may have been in early adolescence. I think it was kind of something I always knew was just make believe.

29. Eggnog, hot chocolate, or apple cider? Hot chocolate would probably be the all time favorite, but apple cider sounds pretty good right about now.

30. Traditional colors (red and green) or other colors? Blue. My Grandma made me a Christmasy table runner that was blue with silver snow flakes. Very pretty.

31. Do you have any Christmas decorations on your roof? That would be a "no"!

32. How does Santa get into your house? He doesn't.  Jesus and Santa in the same house? Hmm...I mean I know some people do it, but the modern portrayal of "Santa Claus" just goes against my (and my husband's) personal convictions.

33. Do you prefer gifts or gift cards? Gift cards would be really useful right about now. But usually I appreciate a really thoughtful gift.

34. Favorite children's Christmas Cartoon? I'd probably have to say "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"...but actually I prefer reading the story.