Reviewing Calendars for Christmas Gifts

Calendars can make great gifts, particularly if you find a subject that resonates with the person that will be receiving the gift.  Do you have a bird lover on your Christmas list, then the calendar listed above may be just the thing.  The calendar above was created from photographs I took in my backyard of eastern bluebirds throughout the year.  It can be purchased at this link on Zazzle Bluebird Lovers Calendar

Lighthouses

I love lighthouses and after I retired my husband, and I traveled the country photographing lighthouses.  I have created calendars from many of those photographs.  Here is a page from my calendar on Michigan lighthouses.

You can find the above calendar at the following link. Lake Michigan Lighthouses

Travel Destination

I really enjoy traveling and sharing my travel with others through my photography.  Calendars are a great way to share places you have visited.  Here is one I made after our visit to Quebec City in Canada.  It is such a great place to visit and the old town was a great place to capture some unique photographs.

Here is a link to the above calendar, where you will be able to see 12 months of different scenes from Quebec City. Scenes from Quebec City

Covered Bridges

In our travels another subject that caught our interest was covered bridges.  These bridges are becoming a thing of America's past, but there are still many scattered around the country that give you a wonderful feeling of days gone by.  I have read that bridges were first built covered so that the horses that traveled over the bridges would not be scared by the rivers below.  In the calendar above, I have captured photos of the bridges of Madison County.  You can find a link to the calendar on Zazzle at this link Bridges of Madison County

Sports Teams

Sports calendars are favorites for fans of many teams.  Whether your team is MLB, NHL, NFL or college teams you are sure to find a calendar on Amazon.  Here is a link to a calendar of my favorite team the St. Louis Cardinals.

St. Louis Cardinal Calendar

More Calendars on Review This

Here is a link to more calendar reviews on Review This.

Photographs on Calendars

Reviewing A Folklore Calendar

Inspirational Calendars for Women

Happy Shopping....Best wishes to find a perfect calendar or everyone on your shopping list!!

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Advent Wreaths ~ A Special Way to Countdown to Christmas~ From the Heart

For many people Christmas is a time of gift giving and holiday cheer, but for Christians, this time before Christmas marks a very special time to get ourselves ready for the Birth of the Christ Child.

A great way for family's to do this preparation is with a Christmas Wreath.   

What exactly is this Christmas Wreath?  

It's not just a door decoration but rather a decoration that sits on the Family's Dining Room or Living Room table.

It is a wreath made usually from evergreens and possibly decorated with some poinsettias or berries in between.  There is place on this wreath for 4 candles.

What is the meaning of all this?  Well from a Christian perspective, there is lots of  traditional symbolism involved with the Advent Wreath.

So let's break it down!  

• A wreath is round, a circle symbolizing no beginning and no end.
• It is usually covered with evergreens, either cedar or pine, again symbolizing everlasting life.
• All Advent Wreaths should have 4 Candles around the perimeter of the circle.  
• 4 Candles, 3 purple and one pink.  Sometimes Christians will add a 5th candle in the middle of White.
• 3 Purple candles symbolize, Faith, Hope and Love with the pink candle symbolizing Joy!

• The White Candle if added is a symbol of Christ and the Light of the World.

How do you use the Advent wreath?  Well for most Christians, each Sunday before Christmas is a countdown to the Big Event!  Not the coming of Santa Claus, but rather the coming of the Christ child.

Each Sunday for the 4 weeks before Christmas,  a candle is lit and the family sometimes will read the Bible story of the coming of Christ.

Week 1 will see one purple candle lit, week 2 two purple candles are lit, week 3 the pink candle is lit, and week 4 the last purple candle is lit.  Why the Pink candle?  Well as it gets closer and closer to the actual Christmas day, you can feel the Joy of the family waiting in anticipation.  By Christmas all 4 Candles are burning brightly.  Some family's will add that 5th candle, a White One, on Christmas Day symbolising the birth of the Christ Child.

Many times some of the symbolism will be scrapped and white or gold or red candles will replace the purple and pink, or a color of your choice to match your decor.  It is entirely up to you and your beliefs if you have an  traditional Advent Wreath in your home. 

Christmas will come one way or another, but sometimes it's nice to have the reminders of the reason for the season and help your family understand the story! 

Amazon has a lovely Advent Wreath that can be purchased here: https://amzn.to/4gx2alv 

Candles must be purchased separately here: https://amzn.to/4fsLY3T

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The Magic of Lite Brite

 In the age of screens and endless digital entertainment, Lite Brite stands as a beacon of simple, creative joy that has endured through generations. Introduced in the 1960s, this classic toy continues to entertain children and adults alike, blending art, design, and a little bit of magic.

The Lite Brite in the photo has been in our family since our first-born grandson who is now 18 years old, and continues to entertain our youngest granddaughter. Lite Brite has been enjoyed and used by all four of our grandchildren.

What is Lite Brite?

Lite Brite is a timeless art-and-light toy that allows you to create glowing images by placing colorful translucent pegs into a black pegboard. A small lightbulb or LED light illuminates the board from behind, each peg shines vividly, turning your design into a luminous masterpiece.

The original version came with paper temples for easy tracing, but modern versions also encourage freehand designs, inspiring endless creativity.

Unlike high-tech toys, Lite Brite doesn't require Wi-Fi or apps. The simplicity makes it appealing to all ages. Lite Brite is simple yet addictive. The latest editions come with features like LED lights, and reusable templates. 

It's an excellent family activity and a way to share creativity with your children. We have spent many hours with our grandchildren designing and having fun.

Lite Brite is a wonderful gift idea for children and adults alike. It's a must-have for anyone seeking a scree-free source of entertainment and inspiration.

Find more Toy Reviews on ReviewThis here:

ReviewThisToys.com

Lite Brite Classic, Favorite Retro Toy - Create Art with Light, STEM, Educational Learning, Holiday, Birthday, Gift, Boys, Kid, Toddler, Girls Age 4+Lite Brite Super Bright HD, Disney Edition - Creative Retro Light-Up Screen – Educational Play for Children, Enhances Creativity, Gift for Boys and Girls Ages 6+

 

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Three Wiser Men And A Boy Hallmark Movie Review

Hallmark's Three Wiser Men And A Boy is a sequel to Hallmark's very successful Three Wiser Men And A Baby in 2022. The original was the most watched Hallmark movie in 2022 and fans were eagerly awaiting the sequel.

Time fast forwards five years from the end of the original movie; hence, 'and a baby' becomes 'and a boy'.  In the original movie, three brothers with the help of their mother take on caring for an abandoned newborn during the holidays. Comedy prevails as the bachelor brothers accept their mission with limited skills. In the interim between original and sequel, the baby is a member of the family.

The school Christmas musical plays a pivotal role in the storyline as the brothers volunteer their talents to save the musical the Hallmark way!

The Hallmark A Team

Hallmark fans will immediately recognize the three stars: Andrew Walker, Paul Campbell and Tyler Hynes. Each are Hallmark favorite actors who are on the top of the list of popular Hallmark films. Hallmark star Kimberly Sustad makes a small cameo as her contribution to this film is as a writer.

Margaret Colin plays the mother of the three brothers and is a welcome addition with comedic flair and a seasoned pro of film and television.

The Chemistry

The chemistry between the three brothers and Colin as the mother definitely shines in this movie. Each brother has a definite and different personality lane, but it is the chemistry between all which helps ensure a successful Hallmark movie.  The storyline with the mothers' boyfriend and his interactions with the brothers and the musical was not particularly believable, but the great chemistry between the rest of the cast overshadows the minor boyfriend storyline.

The Writers

The same team which wrote Three Wiser Men And A Baby (who coincidentally happen to be on the Hallmark A team actor list) also wrote Three Wiser Men And A Boy. Paul Campbell stars in both movies and Kimberly Sustad has a supporting role in each movie also. Russell Hainline also cowrote the second movie. 

Which Movie Is Better?

That is the inevitable question! Which Do You Prefer? Does It Matter?

Both movies are very enjoyable and worth bookmarking for the holidays. The storylines are not apples to apples. The first movie does have the benefit of viewers tuning in not knowing what to expect and finding great chemistry between the actors. Hallmark fans report the original is a movie they will rewatch multiple times. The sequel has the benefit of viewers coming to watch because of the proven chemistry and success of the original.

Hallmark Christmas Movie Reviews

Hallmark Christmas Movie Reviews 2024

Hallmark Christmas Movie Reviews 2023

Hallmark Christmas Movie Reviews 2022

Hallmark Christmas Movie Reviews 2021

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Don't Miss This Holiday Movie! Love The Coopers

The Storyline of the Movie "Love the Coopers"

Narrated by the family dog, Rags (voiced by Steve Martin), the film takes a whimsical yet insightful perspective, making it stand out among holiday movies. 

"Love the Coopers" unfolds during a chaotic Christmas Eve, when four generations of the Cooper family gather to celebrate the holiday. 

Each family member brings their own baggage—strained relationships, life struggles, and unspoken truths—which set the stage for both humor and heartfelt moments. 

The mood is a balance of lighthearted humor and poignant realism, as it captures the messiness and unpredictability of family life. What struck me most was how authentic the film felt—highlighting both the love and dysfunction that can coexist in any family.

The Cast - An Impressive Ensemble of Actors and Actresses

"Love the Coopers" boasts a stellar cast that brings the story to life:

• Diane Keaton is Charlotte Cooper, the family matriarch determined to create the perfect Christmas but is questioning her marriage.
• John Goodman is Sam Cooper, Charlotte's husband, who also questions their relationship after forty years but wants to keep going and trying.
• Ed Helms as Hank, their son, who is struggling with divorce and unemployment.
• Olivia Wilde as Eleanor, their daughter, a playwright hiding her loneliness with sarcasm.
• Alan Arkin as Bucky, Charlotte's father, whose bond with a young waitress (played by Amanda Seyfried) adds a touch of warmth.
• Marisa Tomei as Emma, Charlotte's quirky sister.
• Anthony Mackie as Officer Williams, a reserved cop who crosses paths with Emma.
• June Squibb is Aunt Fishy, the family's elder relative.
• Timothée Chalamet as Charlie, Hank’s teenage son navigating young love.
• Jake Lacy is Joe, a soldier who spontaneously connects with Eleanor.

This ensemble cast brilliantly portrays the complexities of their characters, making each storyline engaging and relatable.

Why I Love This Movie

What I love most about "Love the Coopers" is how it delivers a moving holiday message despite the family's apparent dysfunction. 

It's not a Hallmark-style movie with a picture-perfect family but rather a story that feels real and grounded. Each character's perspective adds depth, and we begin empathizing with their struggles and triumphs. 

The ending truly stayed with me—a beautifully unexpected moment of joy in an unexpected place that brought everyone together and reminded us what the holidays are all about.

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Christmas Novels Review

Holiday themes are always popular novel subjects, especially around Christmas Time. It is the perfect time of year for stories of love and romance, hope and happiness.

In addition to the classic reads, such as A Christmas Carol and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, many authors publish Christmas novels for your holiday reading enjoyment and for gift-giving.

Debbie Macomber and Christmas

Perhaps the most well known author to bring out new Christmas novels is Debbie Macomber. She has earned the title of “the official storyteller of Christmas” by virtue of her annual Christmas books. Six of these stories have been made into original Hallmark Channel movies. 

A Christmas Duet Synopsis

Debbie Macomber’s 2024 Christmas novel, A Christmas Duet, is her latest story for this holiday season.

A Christmas Duet: A NovelCheck Price

Hailey Morgan is an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. Hailey’s life has always revolved around music. She once hoped to make a living composing her own songs, but the reality of life changed that.

As holiday time draws near, Hailey dreads having to again spend Christmas with her meddling family. When her close friend offers a family cabin, empty this time of year, for a solo retreat, Hailey decides it is time to do something to make herself happy.

Hailey arrives at her friend's cabin in a small Washington town, expecting a peaceful getaway. However, her plans are initially disrupted when she discovers that the cabin is unexpectedly inhabited by several wild animals.

Lucky for Hailey, the local mayor’s son - Jay - is very willing to help make the cabin livable. Jay is charming and also happens to be a former musician.

Image Source: Pixabay

It doesn’t take long before Hailey and Jay are inseparable, enjoying holiday traditions together. They chop down a tree and decorate it while sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire.  They also spend time playing music together and, with Jay’s encouragement, Hailey begins to believe she might yet succeed as a songwriter. 

Hailey is truly enjoying her snow-dusted oasis at the cabin, but her family’s holiday drama interrupts her newfound peace. Also, Jay reveals some things that present complications of their own.

With challenges and complications interrupting her Christmas paradise, Hailey has to learn to stand up for herself and find a way to embrace the holiday spirit.

Summary

Debbie Macomber’s Christmas novel “A Christmas Duet” puts us in the festive spirit. The magic of Christmas becomes a part of the plot and captures the essence of the holiday season. A delightful holiday read. 

Related Links:

• For more information about Debbie Macomber’s Christmas novels, visit her website: www.DebbieMacomber.com.
• For more Debbie Macomber book and movie reviews, click here.
• For More Book Reviews on Review This Reviews, Check Out ReviewThisBooks.com

*Christmas Novels Reviewed by Wednesday Elf

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A Royal Date for Christmas - Movie Review

I was pleasantly surprised by this Christmas movie.  I liked both of the actors and movie characters.  

To start with, Damon Runyan looks like royalty.  He is totally believable playing the part of a European duke.  It was fun to watch his character develop throughout the movie.  At first, we only see his serious side, but as the movie progresses, we find he actually has a rather playful side that he hides from public view.

Danica McKellar is perfect playing the part of a shop owner who knows her customers and provides more personalized service.  She is very kind, lively and spontaneous.  She can easily pick out clothing that suits the needs and preferences of her regular clientele, but doesn't hesitate to embrace the challenge of a new, all business, customer with classic style preferences.      

Bella Sparks (Danica McKellar) is exactly what Stefan Brown (Damon Runyan) needs in his life. These two make such a cute couple!

 

A Royal Date for Christmas Synopsis

 A Royal Date for ChristmasCheck PriceAfter a delayed flight in London, Stefan William Francis Brown, the Duke of Tangford, arrives in America without his luggage. On the way to his family's estate, he visits Bella Sparks couture shop to purchase a suit with all of the accessories and a "sleep garment".  He is in a hurry, so he gives Bella his tailor's contact information and requests delivery to Snowy Crest on the outskirts of town.  Of course, Bella has no idea who he is.  She simply knows he is a bit abrupt.

Because of his dispassionate attitude, Bella decides to spice up his life with a "fun" sleep garment.  When the duke sees it, even he has to chuckle.  

Stefan returns to Bella Sparks Couture Boutique the following day because his luggage still has not arrived and he needs additional clothing for the week. He ends up making a very unusual request.  Due to his busy schedule, he would like for Bella to act as his personal stylist for his week of luncheons, dinners and meetings.  He also asks her to step in as his "plus one" when needed, "strictly professional, of course".  Coming from anyone else, that "proposition" would sound inappropriate, but his delivery makes it all sound so acceptable, and Bella's business could use the extra funds for a desired expansion.

As they get to know each other, Bella discovers that he is really very nice, simply concerned about protecting his family's reputation publicly and she is happy to help him succeed.

 

 

Check Out More Great American Family Christmas Movie Review

The Great American Family Channel (GAC) offers family-friendly programming with movies that pure entertainment without foul language or disturbing scenes. Because I love their movies so much, my husband gave me a subsription to Pure Flix, which is owned my Great American Media, last year for Christmas. It was the perfect gift for me!

Here are some of the GAC Christmas movies that I have previously watched and reviewed. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

A Paris Christmas Waltz (2023) Movie Review
A really sweet & uplifting movie about 2 people whose sacrifices for others result in significant changes to their lives that lead them to each other

A Brush With Christmas
When the demands of her restaurant increase for the holidays, Jillian must choose between her commitment to her family & her art due to limited time.

Twas the Text Before Christmas (2023) - Great American Family Movie
A grandmother sends a text to wrong number & ends up making friends with a woman who replies. A Christmas invite is a chance for fun, family & romance​.

A Dash of Christmas
Great American Family channel delivers "A Dash of Christmas" in time for the season. A delightful romantic movie with lots of cooking, baking, & fun.

 

 

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

A Royal Date for Christmas - Movie Review by:

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I Love Cats Coloring Book Review

I love cats from way back. I had even started doing drawings from photos of our cats over the years, before the internet was even a thing. I had hopes and dreams that our lovey kitties would be the stars in a coloring book.

Years later, after having gotten a computer, and having learned how to do drawings on my computer, I finally got around to creating the book of my dreams. I named it, I Love Cats Coloring Book.

I published it through KDP - Kindle Direct Publishing, which is a subsidiary of Amazon. This is my review.

The print quality of both the cover and the interior turned out great. The only colors are on the cover.

The coloring pages are printed on the top side of each page and a background page of cats on gray is printed on the reverse side of each page. The gray does not show through to the top page, and it does a good job of reducing and or preventing bleed through to the next coloring page.

As with my other coloring books, there are two pages to test out your coloring media in the back of the book. There you can try out blending techniques, color coordinating, and whether or not the chosen media will bleed through to the next page or not.

This book is more than a coloring book. It has cute little sayings that go along with each picture. I like the added interest; it gives the book a more heartfelt feeling to it and also some humor.

The pages have a good weight to them and are perfect for coloring. If you are purchasing this for children, then I recommend these colored pencils by Prang. In this set, the core is 3.3 mm thick, making them thicker than some of the others, so they should hold up better for the kids: Prang 3.3 mm colored pencils.

Instead of burnishing with the colored pencils themselves, (laying down lots of color on top of already colored areas), I recommend less pressure and using paper blending stumps to rub over the initial layers. Then color on top of that layer. That helps to spread the colors out better, and it's easier to lay new or more color down on top, and is less damaging to the paper: Blending Stumps. This pack also includes an artist eraser which is also less damaging to the paper. It also includes a sandpaper pencil sharpener.

If you want to get one color off of the blending stump, you can just rub it on a scrap sheet of paper to rub off any excess color. This will make your blending look more like the color that you want it to be, in the picture.

Overall, I am pleased with how the book turned out and highly recommend it to other cat lovers, of any age.

I Love Cats Coloring Book on Amazon

For a coloring relaxing coloring book for adults, check out Signs of Autumn Coloring Book for Adults Review.

For a list of all of my coloring books by category, check out Coloring Books by Cheryl Paton.

Cheryl Paton

As an Amazon affiliate, Cheryl Paton earns income on qualifying purchases made through links on this page at no additional cost to the purchasers.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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