Although it was seventy seven degrees outside today, some radio stations are playing Christmas music, and the Santas are already at the mall, it doesn’t seem much like Christmas yet. This year, I have proposed a “service Christmas” for our family. I didn’t get much of a response; I think they were all too busy chewing their potatoes to notice.

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[photopress:Christmas_secret_1208.jpg,thumb,pp_style]By Sherrie Mackelprang
Christmas is like magic. The unexpected can brighten and beautify a heart.

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[photopress:decorating_cookies_1208.jpg,thumb,pp_style]By Nettie H. Francis
When I was growing up, my family had a Christmas Cookie Day each December. The entire day was spent making different kinds of cookies for our neighbors and friends. We loved it!

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[photopress:red_ornament__1208.jpg,thumb,pp_style]by Lu Ann Brobst Staheli
Nearly sixteen years ago, Rick Evans wrote a book—The Christmas Box—as a present for his daughters, Jenna and Alyson. But like all good things, this story soon took on a life of its own. Passed from hand to hand among friends and neighbors, the book was an instant favorite with those who read it, and soon they were begging for copies to give to their friends

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[photopress:family_history_frame_1208.jpg,thumb,pp_style]by Lin V. Floyd
As you think about a meaningful present for your family members this Christmas, consider the gift of family history––something special created for the purpose of strengthening your family ties. The last part of that definition is important because it’s something more than a

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