The Twelve Days of Christmas Blog Hop:Day 10

“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…” 

How I loved singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song in elementary school chorus and high
school glee club. For Creative Prose Publishing’s special event celebrating The
Twelve Days with their authors, I won’t have to sing so I decided on something
better. I have the tenth day which is 10 Lords a Leaping and I’m going to share
my Top 10 Christmas movies. Here they are and I hope you’ll share your
favorites as well.

Laurie’s Top 10 Christmas Movies

Every year my family and I watch these classics and they
never get old. From finding the right love, to simply believing in something (like magic or the power of love) or someone (like Santa), these titles truly highlight something special about the
holiday season.

10. TIE: While You Were Sleeping, Love
Actually and Bridget Jones’s Diary

Sorry, but I couldn’t choose between these three zany holiday love
stories. Who can escape the charm of Sandra Bullock in While You Were Sleeping? Just because we may 'crush' on someone, doesn't mean that's 'the right one' for us. By the time Lucy shows Jack that
snow globe, I’m tearing up. As for Love Actually, what’s not to love
about this movie? There’s the stellar cast with the wide variety of love stories stemming from young to old, each sharing the backdrop of the holiday season. And we can’t forget the music! I love to watch Renee Zellweger
and Colin Firth in Bridget Jones’s Diary. So comical with sprinkles of truth, these two leads showcase the best of 'opposites attract'. That ending scene with a scantily clad Bridget with Mr. Darcy on
the sidewalk in the snow is hysterical and yet endearing, just like these three movies.

9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Each holiday season I play this DVD and giggle like crazy at the hilarious
antics of the Griswold family. Who can forget the squirrel in the Christmas
tree? Clark trying to put lights on the outside of his house? The holiday meal? The sewer scene? The list
goes on and on….

8. A Christmas Carol (Alastair Sim,
1951)

The version of this holiday classic I adore features
Alastair Sim as Scrooge. In glorious black and white, Sim truly embodies
everything 'Scrooge' from his glare to his biting voice, even down to the
way he walks. When he's a changed man, he's a delight to behold. The lack of color helps dramatize the scenes even more. The
holidays are not complete without one viewing of this classic.

7. The Dead

Based on my favorite James Joyce short story, this movie directed by the late great John Huston, is film-making brilliance. Married couple Gabriel and Gretta attend Christmas dinner and enjoy the company of friends and family. With lively conversation, dancing, singing and music, we are privy to how music invokes different emotions in each person, particularly in Gretta as she reminisces about her first love. Anjelica Huston steals the film with her revealing speech which captures my heart every single time.

6. Prancer

There's a special place in my heart for Prancer. Some may find this movie corny but I don’t care, I love it. When twelve year old Jessica thinks the injured reindeer she found belongs to Santa, no one believes her. She’s just a kid, right, but this determined girl will show the non-believers how wrong they are. With each repeated viewing, I’m always drawn in by her story and her voice and by the end I'm tearing up as that reindeer disappears off that cliff. Talk about magic.


5. The Nightmare Before Christmas

What’s this you say?
I say this movie is a unique tale about the unforgettable Jack Skellington and friends all done up in
typical eerie cool Tim Burton style. Funny, bewildering, with songs to hum along to, who would
think something so ghoulishly creepy could be so much fun to watch in December? Me!

4. The Polar Express

While we’re on the subject of ‘believing’, what better movie
encompasses kids growing older and not having faith in Santa any more than The
Polar Express? Based on Chris Van Allsburg's beautiful picture book, director Robert
Zemekis (who also wrote the screenplay) transfers the magic of the story into an animated wonder. A nameless young boy gets to go on an adventure (on a wonderful train with Tom Hanks as a cool conductor) which helps him believe once again in Christmas.

3. The
Santa Clause trilogy

I never thought Tim Allen--the droll tool guy from the hit comedy TV show Home Improvement--could ever make me believe in his portrayal as a divorced dad who takes over as Santa Clause. He did. The first movie
was humorous, engaging and totally captivating. The first film is a classic, making this trio a wonderful series to watch with the family.

2. TIE:  A Christmas Story & A
Miracle on 34^th Street (1947, b&w)

It's a battle of the kids! Ralphie and Susan rule these enchanting family gems. All
Ralphie wants for Christmas is a BB gun. But he'll shoot his eye out! All Susan wants is a family. Stern mom Kate is set in her chilly, independent ways. Each
story captures the magic of the holidays through the eyes of a child. Both are filled with poignant moments, lots of humor, and lovable kids.

1. It’s A Wonderful Life

I never tire of watching this film in its original black and
white splendor (keep that creepy colorized version away from me). When James Stewart and Donna Reed are on screen, I can’t look
anywhere else. "Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight..." Director Frank Capra created a true holiday classic with this endearing film. For me, each Christmas isn’t complete without one or two viewings. “Merry Christmas Bedford
Falls!” George Bailey has become synonymous with everything good
about Christmas and Clarence the angel, well, he gives the movie tremendous heart and leaves a bell as his calling card.

Honorable mentions:

They may not be movies, but these television specials will forever hold their own special places in my heart and in the hearts of many.

About the author:
Laurie Treacy is a fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary YA and NA romance writer. A graduate of Marist College, she lives in New York's picturesque Hudson Valley with her husband, three children, and various pets. When not writing or book blogging, she’s a proud Whovian, loves reading, photographing abandoned places, frozen Goobers, and watching anime. A member of the SCBWI and RWA, Laurie can be found at local writer's events and online at www.laurietreacy.com and www.readergirlsblog.com.

Find Laurie here: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Beginnings anthology

ENJOY THE SILENCE by Laurie Treacy
Young fae Zander only wishes to live in the human realm, and leave Ashwoulde behind. But his reckless actions in one night might forever change his world - and that of those who love him.
ETERNITY CRUX by Jamie Canosa
Aurelia and Sayer are on the run from the Legion, who would have them killed for what they know. In a moment of desperation, Aurelia is forced to leave Sayer behind, and manipulate the bounds of time itself to save him.
ELEMENTAL PRINCESS by M.M. Roethig
Kaesen, an elemental princess, lives on a distant star called Maia. She loves Alwen, but as her sworn protector they're forbidden to be together. Promised to a cruel man, Kaesen will do whatever is necessary to change the stars and be allowed to love her Alwen.
TRAIN STATION: 3:00 P.M. by Candace Gleave
A ball of gold the size of a cow's eyeball and a man worth his weight in fortune bring together a motley group of criminals, all who will do anything and everything to obtain both treasures.

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The Twelve Days of Christmas Blog Hop: Day 9

Hi, I’m Norma T. Rudolph. I’m new to the Creative Prose
group of authors, and so excited to introduce myself. 

When your last name is Rudolph, the holidays can be a lot of
fun. On the ninth day of Christmas I give to you Nine Reindeer
Prancing. Nine, you ask? Yes, nine.

In Wikipedia we read that “In traditional lore, Santa
Claus's sleigh is led by eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet,
Cupid, Dunder (variously spelled Donder and Donner),
and Blixem (variously spelled Blitzen and Blixen),
with Rudolph being a 20th-century inclusion.

The names of Donder and Blitzen derive from Germanic words
for thunder and lightning, respectively.”

As you see, Rudolph makes nine, and he is the most famous
reindeer of all . . .

The original idea of reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh is
generally attributed to a poem written by Clement Clark Moore called “‘Twas the
Night Before Christmas.” That poem was written in 1923, but it wasn't until
1939 that Rudolph joined the team. His story was written by Robert L. May and
published by Montgomery Ward as a giveaway booklet for their customers.

The story didn’t really take off however until Robert May’s
songwriter brother in law, Johnny Marks, adapted the story into a song, which
was then picked up by Gene Autry in 1949. That song was such a hit that the
story went on to became movies, comic books, cartoon shorts, and all kinds of
memorabilia that can be purchased at Christmas still.

Our Rudolph family traditions have also developed over the
years. We have had to develop a good sense of humor about the whole thing.
For instance, if you call my brother in law over the holidays you may be asked
to leave a message at the sound of the shiny red nose.

It is interesting to note that the story almost didn’t make it
into publication because of the shiny red nose thing. Back then a shiny red nose
was associated with being a drunk. I assure you that my particular family of
Rudolphs does not drink, so any red noses are strictly a result of playing in
the snow in bitter Wyoming weather.

At our house for Christmas we decorate with lots of
reindeer. We have a collection of stuffed reindeer that we have gathered over
the years. We also have reindeer ornaments, reindeer tins, reindeer toys, Rudolph costumes.
One year I even bought all the girls one piece brown pajamas with Rudolph
slippers built into the feet. Yeah, that may have been a little over the top .
. . they were not impressed. But hey, I couldn’t resist. Even our car has a red
nose and antlers this time of year.

When carolers come to our house they always sing Rudolph the
Red Nosed Reindeer. Luckily we don’t get many sets of carolers or that could
become a bit annoying.

Even Halloween can be extra fun. My daughter who is on a
mission needed a costume for a church party. Easy peasy; put on some antlers
and a red nose and she’s Hermana Rudolph, complete with name tag.

I won’t bore you with the story of Rudolph, because it is
generally well known, but if for some reason you are not familiar with it (say
maybe you’re an alien who grew up in an invisible city in the badlands of
Wyoming like some of the characters in my upcoming book) it is easily available
online.

I invite you to join the Rudolph fun by winning your very
own set of antlers and a blinking red nose in a Rafflecopter giveaway (click the link). All you need to do is follow me on twitter and you will be entered to win. I’ll
try to get them to you before Christmas but it may be tricky as it's getting pretty late.



Follow my blog at http://normasnovels.blogspot.com/ for updates on my upcoming book and any other crazy Rudolph ramblings that pop into my mind.

Thank you for stopping by,

Creative Prose Publishing

The Twelve Days of Christmas Blog Hop: Day 8 . . . MY TURN!!!

Eight of the most unbelievably popular holiday gifts. They may seem a bit ridiculous now, but at the time, it just wasn't Christmas without them. No judgement here. I wanted/had (possibly even *cough* have *cough*) all of these, myself.


8. Skip-It
Because skipping is fun, but when the alternative is tripping yourself and face-planting on concrete, it becomes a matter of survival. I still have scars.

7. Moon Shoes
Because a broken ankle is a small price to pay for the chance to bounce around like a kangaroo on crack. Your insurance company thanks you.

6. Treasure Trolls
Because they're so ugly, they're cute. And if you're going to have something shedding all over your room, it might as well have neon colored hair.

5. Tomagotchi
All the neediness of a real pet, without any of the cuddly rewards. Three kids later, I realize that feeding, entertaining, and potty training aren't nearly as much fun as they marketed them to be.

4. Furby
Because who doesn't want the world's creepiest toy of all time, blabbering at them 24/7? I still have bags under my eyes from that lil furball.

3. Beanie Babies
With the tags ON! Because, one day, they'll be worth a fortune! I'm still sitting on that goldmine.

2. Books
Because . . . well, duh!

And, the number one gift you can give on a holiday, or ANY day, is . . . Your Time.
More than any gizmo or gadget-no matter how coveted or impossible to find it is, more than any toy they'll look back on and wonder why they ever wanted it in the first place, the thing your loved ones will remember the most is the time you spent together. So amidst all the shopping and wrapping this holiday season, don't forget to relax, have fun, make memories, and have a wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

And just to help you start building your retirement fund, I'm giving away this mint condition, adorable Penguin Beanie Baby . . . 

Jamie Canosa is the author of several YA books including Dissidence. Discover more about Jamie and her writing on Facebook and on Amazon.

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Thank you for stopping by,

Creative Prose Publishing

The Twelve Days of Christmas Blog Hop: Day 7

12
days of Christmas: Day 7

The
seven things I’m most grateful for!

I chose this
topic because I feel gratitude is one of the most important things in this
life. As we show gratitude, for some reason, our eyes are opened even more, and
we realize just how blessed we really are. The same can be said for
ingratitude. The more sour and ungrateful our attitude, the more blind we seem
to become.

Christmas, at
least for me, brings those things I am most grateful for to the forefront of my
mind. So for my 12 days I’ll share with you my top seven. (There are more, of
course, but who wants to read a 145 page post,
know what I mean? ;)

7. My business
partner, Cindy C Bennett. I have never met someone so talented in all things
that have to do with writing. She amazes me every day. She truly has the gift
of words. Many can write stories, only a few have the talent to craft it so
well. She is an inspiration to me. 

6. The Wigz.
This is my writing group, which consists of Cindy C Bennett, Camelia Miron
Skiba, Juli Caldwell, and Jeffery Moore. They have helped me improve on my
writing skills leaps and bounds. Their insights, their talents, which they share
freely with me, have changed me as a writer.
While I’ve met all of them in person with the exception of Jeffery, I only
have a photo of three of us together, though I hope
to remedy that soon.

me, Cindy and Cami in NYC

5. Don’t laugh…
Donny Osmond! Like most young girls, I fell madly in love with the toothy young
boy when I heard his crooning’s of Puppy Love. But what impressed me the most
was the way he lived his life. His example changed me forever as I embraced his
beliefs and made them my own. He literally saved my life by his example, and
for that I will forever be grateful.

This was the first Donny Osmond record I ever bought!

 4. My readers!
Man, I love you guys. Your support means more to me than you’ll ever know. I
stress with each book I write, not wanting to put junk out there just to make
money. If I don’t feel it is good enough, I delete it and start over. You have
stood by me as I wrote, and rewrote, and
rewrote, Cole's story because I wanted it to be right. So thank you from the
bottom of my heart!

3. My
grandbabies! They are so much fun! I love them with all my heart and they bring
me such joy! I love their cherub faces and infectious laughter. I love their
wonder as they examine and learn about the world around them. I love when they
bring me a book and ask me to read to them. I just plain love them.

Yes, they are adorable<3!

2. My family.
Never in my life did I know such a love existed until I had a child. Never did
I know it was possible to love like that. Never. It stunned me, it changed me.
Becoming a mother is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me.
Truly there is No Greater Joy. If I
accomplish nothing else in this life than that of being a good mom, then I have
succeeded. No other success can
compensate for failure in the home. (David O McKay) Truer words were never
spoken.  I am truly the luckiest, most
blessed woman ever. Add to that a wonderful strong, cutie pie of a husband who
has stood by me, supported me, and loved me through the years. My life is
complete!

My family!

1. My Savior. In
a day and age when religion is no longer in vogue, I am proud to proclaim my
love for my Savior. He has paid a price for me that I myself could never pay,
and yet He doesn’t ask that I do. Some say only the weak lean on religion, but
I say only the strong have enough courage to do so. ‘If you have
not chosen the Kingdom of God, it will make in the end no difference what you
have chosen instead’, CS Lewis. I believe this with all my heart. I feel
His love most keenly at this time of year as we give gifts to others to show
our love for them. I am by no means perfect, and I judge no one who does not share my beliefs, but I won’t shy away from proclaiming that He lives, and that He loves us all. And for this gift I am the most grateful for.

#Heisthegift

To express my
gratitude in a physical way, I am giving away a copy of my favorite DVD A Christmas Carol, with Alastair Sim, my
all time favorite version!! I watch this every Christmas Eve as I wrap gifts
for those I love. I debated on whether to give a copy of It’s a Wonderful Life, another great Christmas movie that focuses
on gratitude, but Scrooge won out, mostly because I love the changes in Scrooge
as he becomes grateful for all that he has been blessed with! He goes from a
selfish, bitter man, to a generous, giving man full of joy.

Best version ever!!

Merry Christmas
and don’t forget to count your blessings!


My books:

Unlovable
* Unbelievable * Unbearable
* Loving Marigold * Pete & Tink * Not so Easy * The Experiment * A
Fantasy Christmas * It’s a
Love Thing

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Thank you for stopping by,

Creative Prose Publishing

The Twelve Days of Christmas Blog Hop: Day 6

Six
Years of Love, Cats, and Wrecked Trees 

by Rachel M. Stiber

Christmas is my absolute favorite
holiday, one that I begin anxiously anticipating in July. Celebrating the birth
of the Savior, visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, decorating, and
eating: I love ALL of it! Every Christmas is unique, but the one I celebrated
six years ago will forever be one of the most memorable.



Six years ago, Sean and I
celebrated our first Christmas as husband and wife. We lived in a nice but tiny
apartment at the time, and didn’t have much room for decorating. We excitedly
purchased our first tree, a six-foot, artificial white one that we decorated
with various purple and silver ornaments since that was our wedding’s color
scheme. We bought two special ornaments as well: a ceramic red and green
striped heart with Our First Christmas
emblazoned on it and a teddy bear bride and groom with a cake that bore the
same inscription. We expected to keep those ornaments for a lifetime. But we
forgot to figure Rusty in the equation.



Six years ago, Sean and I adopted
an orange, longhaired kitten from a local pet store. We

named him Rusty. We
knew Rusty was unique from the moment the pet store sales clerk placed him in
our arms. With a white M on his forehead and teeth that throwback to the
saber-toothed tiger (two of his top teeth literally extend from his mouth),
this was no ordinary kitty. And his behavior was anything but ordinary. He
curled in my lap one minute and viciously attacked my hand the next. When he
wasn’t purring sweetly or attacking one of us (usually me), he played fetch. We
gave him a small, stuffed smiley face toy that was supposed to be a car visor
clip. Embroidered on the smiley face’s body were the words Jesus Loves Me.

When we threw this toy, Rusty
fetched it and dropped it in our laps. He could play fetch for hours. That is,
until we put up the tree. Then, he discovered a new game. This one was called How Far Can I Climb Up the Tree and How Many
Ornaments Can I Destroy? The answer? All the way to the top and too many
ornaments to count, including the special ones.



We managed to keep the tree in
one piece until after the holiday by using wire fasteners to hold the branches
in place. As for the ornaments, several (including the red and green heart)
shattered in tiny pieces. The fall from the tree decapitated the teddy bear
bride and groom, but thankfully, Superglue saved them.



As for Rusty, Jesus saved him.
There were times when we literally wanted to throw him out

of the apartment. When
he shattered the heart ornament, I threw his toy and screamed, “It’s a good
thing Jesus loves you because no one else does!” Ten seconds later, I cuddled
him, apologizing for the outburst.



Six years later, Sean and I no
longer live in the apartment. We are the proud owners of a small yet comfortable,
hexagon shaped house. We decorate a tree every Christmas, but we haven’t chosen
another white one. We don’t really have a color scheme for the tree, but our
special ornament collection has increased. And we still have the teddy bear
bride and groom with their heads intact.

Six years later, we have three
cats and a dog, and one of those cats is Rusty. He still has the M on his
forehead and the saber-teeth, but he doesn’t fetch anymore. And, he shows no
interest in the Christmas tree. Every
year we decorate the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, and every year we
wait for Rusty to repeat his first Christmas. So far, nothing. He lies on the
tree skirt, but that’s it.



So, when I think about the
Christmases I’ve celebrated and which ones are most memorable, I definitely remember
six years ago. The Christmas of love, a cat, and the wrecked Christmas tree.



How about you? Which Christmas is
your most memorable and why? Please feel free to comment!

Find Rachel at Website  *  Facebook  *  Pinterest  *  Goodreads

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