Books

The True Gifts of Christmas: Rediscovering the Meaning Behind Our Favorite Traditions

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Every December, our family pulls out the boxes of ornaments, the tangled lights, and the cocoa mugs that only appear once a year. It’s joyful and chaotic, a mix of glitter, cookies, and carols, but sometimes, in the rush to make everything magical, I forget why we do it all in the first place.

This year, I wanted to slow things down and help Emilia and Nicholas connect with the meaning behind our Christmas traditions. That’s when I received a new book published by Loyola Press: The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning Behind Our Most Cherished Traditions by Megan Alexander.

A Book That Brings Christmas Traditions to Life

In The True Gifts of Christmas, author Megan Alexander takes 25 of our most beloved holiday symbols such as candy canes, stockings, wreaths, Christmas trees, and Santa Claus, and unwraps the stories and symbolism behind each one.

Each chapter explores a single tradition and its deeper purpose, showing how these customs reflect love, generosity, hope, and faith. What I love most is that the book doesn’t feel like a history lesson. It feels like a cozy conversation. You can easily read one story each night with your family leading up to Christmas, making it a gentle and reflective countdown to the big day.

Emilia especially loved learning that the candy cane’s shape and colors have special meanings, while Nicholas was thrilled to “hunt” for candy canes around the house afterward. Every chapter gives you a simple way to bring the message to life, whether it’s crafting, baking, or performing a small act of kindness.

Why This Book Belongs in Every Family’s Holiday Season

The True Gifts of Christmas is a beautiful reset from the holiday rush. Between shopping lists, parties, and school events, it’s easy to feel like the season races by, but this book helps families pause, even for just 10 minutes, to focus on connection over consumption. The writing is warm and accessible, making it easy to adapt for all ages. Emilia can understand the reflections, while Nicholas enjoys the hands-on activities that follow.

How We’re Bringing It to Life

Here’s a glimpse of our upcoming holiday lineup inspired by The True Gifts of Christmas:

🎄 The Christmas Tree – We’ll decorate while talking about how the evergreen reminds us of the everlasting love of God. Emilia will share one “gift” she wants to give that isn’t wrapped, like kindness or patience.

🍬 Candy Canes – We’ll do a candy cane scavenger hunt for Nicholas and end with cocoa while reading the story behind its red and white stripes.

🎁 Stockings and Giving – Each of us will pick a person to surprise with a small act of giving, such as a note, a treat, or a handmade craft.

🌟 Nativity Scene – On Christmas Eve, we’ll reflect on what the true gifts of Christmas have been for our family this year.

🎅 Advent Calendars – I got the kids this Magna-Tiles Advent Calendar for a fun Christmas countdown.

The True Gifts of Christmas isn’t just a great addition to your family bookshelf. It’s a meaningful gift for teachers, grandparents, or friends who love the season but crave something deeper than glitter and wrapping paper.

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished Christmas could feel just a little slower and a little more intentional, The True Gifts of Christmas is the perfect place to start. It’s not about doing more; it’s about remembering why we celebrate in the first place.

This year, our family is choosing to unwrap not just the presents under the tree, but the true gifts that have been there all along: love, gratitude, and togetherness.

What holiday tradition holds the most meaning in your home?
Tell me in the comments or tag @realmofvibes on Instagram. I’d love to hear your stories and see how your family celebrates the true gifts of Christmas.

Be sure to check out Megan Alexander and Loyola Press on Instagram!

Celebrate Women’s History Month with Life Clues by Angela Santomero

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As most of you know, March is Women’s History Month. I am blessed to share Life Clues by Author Angela Santomero, the genius behind children’s shows Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. (If you have been following me for a while, you know that both of my kids love Daniel Tiger.) Angela’s latest book, Life Clues, offers insights that resonate with women of all ages. As a working mom of two little kids, I was able to read Life Clues twice, leaving the book with dog-eared pages and a journal filled with all of my thoughts.

The Child’s Mind

Angela Santomero draws inspiration from the innocent, yet intelligent minds of children. In Life Clues, she shares twenty clues that can transform our lives. These clues, often hidden in the chaos of daily life, hold the keys to an exceptional life. Some of my favorite clues are Don’t Say Fun, Be Fun, Create Your Own Neighborhood, and Always Say Goodbye. (I can relate to all of them, but felt myself relating to these three the most.)

Navigating Challenges

Are you up for the challenge? Women have always been adept at navigating challenges. As many of us juggle work, family, and household tasks, we have become multi-taskers and great leaders. Angela encourages us to embrace challenges intentionally. Each challenge carries a clue, which points us toward a greater purpose.

Mindfulness and Playfulness

Life Clues includes the important concepts of mindfulness and playfulness. As women, we often forget to play and find joy in the little things. A lot of us, including myself, forget about self-care. I admit, I don’t practice self-care as much as I should. It should be a priority, but, admittedly, it usually falls to the bottom of the list. Life Clues reminds readers to dance, laugh, and explore with childlike wonder. Stopping and being present, not only with ourselves but with our children, is so important. It is truly about presence; stopping and smelling the roses, sipping the coffee slowly, making time for a therapeutic massage, feeling your baby’s touch as you snuggle under a blanket, and hearing the belly laughs during playtime. Life Clues has reminded me to slow down and be more mindful and playful with my children.

Credit: 4U2B Books & Media

Create A Satisfying Life

Life Clues is an easy, quick read that shares bite-sized life lessons that are accessible even to the busiest readers. Trust me, if I could finish Life Clues two times, with a crazy schedule, so can you, friends. Life Clues has been a great reminder to discover my passions, journal what makes me truly happy, and think more positively. Everyone deserves a fulfilling, satisfying life.

Credit: 4U2B Books & Media and Jacqueline Patton Photography

Women’s History Month

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I want to recognize the impact of creators like Angela Santomero. Through her imaginative storytelling and dedication to children’s education, she has entertained and empowered people worldwide. Angela has pioneered her way into children’s television and is an honored published author. I look up to Angela. I see the years of hard work and dedication. I see the sleepless nights, hard days, glass ceilings, and grit that it took to get where she is today.

I also want to celebrate the countless women who continue to pave the way for future generations, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, empowerment, and inclusivity.

Order “Life Clues” Today!

Order your copy of Life Clues on Amazon. Visit Angela on Instagram, TikTok, and her website. Check out 4U2B Books & Media, her publisher.

Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month by embracing our clues and creating fulfilling, spectacular lives.

Remember, every woman’s story is a clue waiting to be explored.

20% Off TimTimTom Personalized Bilingual Books

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Some of you may have been my post on Instagram for TimTimTom Books.

TimTimTom Books allows you to create personalized books for your child, with your choice of language(s).

Languages available include Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Chinese (Simplified or Traditional).

TimTimTom Books

Emilia with her personalized TimTimTom book in English and Italian

You customize the name, the look of the child, and can pick 1 or 2 languages.

Take a look at our book, Emilia dances Swan Lake, in English and Italian.

You can also personalize a message (see below for mine to Emilia).

There are 3 stories to choose from: a football/soccer story, a ballerina story, and an underwater adventure story.

TimTimTom Books

Add your name, your look, and your language to personalize your book!

From now until November 11, 2019, use promotion code XMAS20 on TimTimTom to receive 20% off your book order.

The holiday season is quickly approaching!

Language is so important, and being able to communicate more than one way is truly an invaluable gift. 

[Book was received complimentary for testing purposes. All reviews are my own.]

All my love,

Danielle

The Middle Sister by Jesse Miles Giveaway

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🕵️‍♂️GIVEAWAY. 🕵️‍♂️

I love a good thriller. A new detective novel, The Middle Sister, by author Jesse Miles gives readers an inside look into the darker side of Los Angeles. Being married to a homicide detective, The Middle Sister had me engaged from page one. The main character, private Detective Jack Salvo, is hired to find a wealthy woman’s daughter, Lillie. Salvo finds himself in a world of murder, arson, and blackmail. The Middle Sister is a fast-paced suspenseful read.

The Middle Sister 3D Book Cover

One person will win a copy of The Middle Sister by Jesse Miles.

To enter: Head over to Instagram and follow the directions on the post!

Happy Friday, and good luck!

Don’t want to wait? Order on Amazon (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3196u30

5 Books for Parents to Be

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Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My sister purchased several best sellers for me to read before Emilia makes her debut in July. I always end my day snuggled in bed with my doTERRA Petal diffuser blasting lavender engrossed in a book. Reading has always had a calming effect on me. These are currently on my nightstand:

I Heart My Little A-Holes: A bunch of holy-crap moments no one ever told you about parenting by Karen Alpert

I finished this book in 3 days and laughed out loud almost every single page. It made me realize how my life is going to completely change in a few months. Kids are true blessings – but I know that this parenting ride may not always present with smooth sails. The author has a comical way of giving us soon-to-be parents a glimpse into reality.

The Baby Owner’s Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance (Owner’s and Instruction Manual) by Louis Borgenicht M.D and Joe Borgenicht

Another light-hearted, non-threatening read that I finished over the course of a week. It covers the basics, but with some new information that has changed since my babysitting and nannying days. It calls doctors “service providers,” which always gives me a good chuckle. This owner’s manual also helped me with a few things on my baby registry.

So That’s What They’re For!: The Definitive Breastfeeding Guide 3rd edition by Janet Tamaro

Breastfeeding. This is my take on breastfeeding; fed is best. I am hoping that Emilia and I both enjoy and have an easy breastfeeding experience. If not, formula it will be. I was a formula kid. So was my sister, husband, and sister-in-law. We all turned out somewhat normal. Our moms didn’t even attempt breastfeeding. I, on the other hand, would like to give it a try. Of course, like any new mom, I’m nervous, so this book is a great way to educate me on everything relating to breastfeeding in an informative, direct, conversational way.

Your Baby’s First Year For Dummies by James Gaylord, MD and Michelle Hagen

I love for Dummies books. It breaks everything down so simply and reviews every topic within the baby’s first year. I like how it has pictures (I’m a visual learner) and pediatrician recommendations that really helped me to formulate a plan when Emilia arrives. The book is extensive, so the index is super helpful when I want to read a specific topic.

Show Dad How (Parenting Magazine): The Brand-New Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Shawn Bean

Jason claims he has never been much of a reader so when my sister surprised him with this Show Dad How book, I got really excited because this is a very simple picture book to learn how to do basic things, like change a diaper. It provides comedic relief, as we all know, raising children does take a village.

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