New Holiday DVD & Blu-Ray Releases 10/15/13

~Halloween~











~Thanksgiving~


~Christmas~

New Yankee Candle Holiday Scents For 2013!

Yankee Candle recently rolled out loads of all-new Holiday scents for the 2013 season! Among these include spooky scents for Halloween, Thanksgiving Dinner scents, traditional charm for Christmas, and even a Cracklin' LumiWick line! Wood wicks have become very popular in recent years and Yankee Candle offers some great holiday scents in this style. Along with these scents they also have some lovely Holiday accessories to compliment your favorite aroma!

~Halloween~



SCENTS: Candy Corn / Witches' Brew

~Thanksgiving~

SCENTS: Turkey & Stuffing / Cranberry Sauce / Sweet Potato Pie / Pumpkin Pie /
Whoopie Pie / Caramel Pecan Pie / Happy Thanksgiving



~Christmas~

SCENTS: Celebrate Christmas / Merry Marshmallow /
Snowflake Cookie / Season of Peace


SCENTS: Cinnamon / Holly / Iced Cookie / Merry Mint / Tis The Season


And you know I would be remiss if I didn't mention this 5 Star scent which shares our name - TIS THE SEASON! Ring in the season with a brisk, winter forest breeze of fresh Canadian fir, tingling spearmint, and icy cedarwood.

New Holiday DVD & Blu-Ray Releases 10/01/13

Quite a lot of holiday releases this week! It's the first day of October, but we're actually seeing more Christmas movies and sets than Halloween this time around. A little something for everyone and every holiday, including Berenstain Bears: Pumpkin Party for Halloween, a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 40th Anniversary release, and the sequel to Raymond Brigg's beloved story The Snowman, The Snowman & The Snowdog!

~Halloween~




~Thanksgiving~


~Christmas~

Free Birds

A trailer for a new Thanksgiving movie has just been released! It's a computer animated film called 'Free Birds' and is due for release November 1, 2013. From the Producer of Shrek and Director of Horton Hears a Who, 'Free Birds' stars the voices of Owen Wilson, Amy Poehler, and Woody Harrelson. Two turkeys travel back in time to the first Thanksgiving to take turkeys off the menu.

New Holiday DVD & Blu-Ray Releases 10/09/12

~Halloween~
















~Thanksgiving~


~Christmas~

New Yankee Candle Holiday Scents For 2011

It wouldn't quite feel like the holidays to me without the room being full of a delicious Yankee Candle scent. Everyone has their old favorites, but check out what's new for 2011!

Also, be sure to pick up some of their brilliant new Perfect Pillars, now available in Fall & Winter scents, 2 for $25! When it comes to decorating with these, the possibilities are endless. Not to mention all the things you can use the jar for when it's done!

New Holiday CD Releases 10/18/11

New holiday CD releases are a little slim this week, but there is a great collection of Christmas tunes by Dave Koz and a super compilation of hymns & carols featuring artists on the Christian label, Kingsway.

~Christmas~


Dave Koz - Ultimate Christmas Collection



Christmas Hymns & Carols



Pure Christmas

New Holiday CD Releases 10/11/11

We actually have some Halloween CDs coming out this time, along with one for Thanksgiving. Lots of goodies to check out!

~Halloween~




~Thanksgiving~


Craig Duncan - We Gather Together: 14 Thanksgiving Hymns



~Christmas~


Lori Mechem Quartet - Christmas Is Coming



Michael Londra - Beyond The Star



Songs & Story: Mickey's Christmas Around the World

New Holiday DVD Releases 12/08/09

MY CHRISTMAS

Millions will rejoice this holiday season with the much-anticipated release of Andrea Bocelli s My Christmas. Now for the first time ever on DVD the first-ever Christmas performance from Andrea Bocelli and David Foster. This heart-warming collection of songs recorded live in concert at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles is destined to become a holiday classic for years to come.


THE NATIONAL TREE

When his Sitka Spruce tree is chosen to be planted outside the White House as the new national Christmas Tree, the teenager is charged with the task of getting it across the country for delivery. During his journey, the young traveler must decide whether the fame the tree has brought him is worth losing the gift that has meant so much to him and his father.


THE DOG WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS

The Bannister family’s new addition, Zeus (voiced by Mario Lopez) a former K-9 police hero, appears to be less than the dependable guard dog the family needs. However, when two burglars (led by Dean Cain) set out to break into the Bannister’s home while they’re away for Christmas, Zeus seizes the chance to be a hero, proving every dog – even this one – has his day.


KNUT & FRIENDS

You’ll fall in love with Knut, the world’s most famous polar bear, in this true-life story of the adorable cub who overcame overwhelming odds to survive. Come along as a caring Berlin zookeeper takes the baby bear under his wing – feeding him by bottle, giving him tub baths and a nice cuddle, and even jumping into the water with him for a swim lesson. Contrasted with the harsh reality of life in the Arctic for a trio of polar bear newborns and the endearing adventures of two orphaned brown bears getting into all kinds of mischief, this stirring, beautifully photographed journey of family, survival and love will touch your heart.


DAVEY & GOLIATH'S SNOWBOARD CHRISTMAS

In this holiday special featuring all of your favorite Davy and Goliath characters and a few new faces, the mischievous Davey finds himself in a tight bind after heading out for some fun in the snow. It's the holiday season and Davey just can't wait to get outside with his new friends and try out some new moves on his snowboard. Despite Goliath's repeated warnings to be aware of his surroundings and always exercise caution while out in the snow, Davey gets himself and his newfound friends stuck in a dangerous situation that even the quick thinking Goliath might not be able to resolve.

Results Of Our Last Poll

Here are the results:

WHAT WILL BE THE MAIN DISH AT YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER THIS YEAR?

Turkey	14 (93%)
Ham	1 (6%)
Duck	0 (0%)
Chicken	0 (0%)
Beef	0 (0%)
Pork	0 (0%)
Lamb	0 (0%)
Other	2 (13%)

Total Votes: 15
As expected, turkey is the winner by a landslide! Thanks to those who voted! Be sure to vote in our new poll, Which of these is your favorite film adaption of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"?

Celebrating Thanksgiving Traditions

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving - Psalms 95:2

We can't tell you how fun it was for us to read everyone's favorite Thanksgiving memories and traditions in the comments section of our last giveaway (A Thanksgiving Giveaway)! We thought it would be proper to respond by sharing a bit about our own favorite traditions, although I'm sure you'll find that they don't differ much from everyone else's. I guess the great thing about Thanksgiving is that everyone is of one heart and mind. We gather together with loved ones to give thanks for the many blessings we've experienced throughout the year. The sweet simplicity has yet to be a victim of the over-commercialization you find with so many other holidays. In fact, for the most part it has went untouched, which preserves it as one of the most special times of the year. Here is a bit of what makes it special for us...

---

Due to changing family circumstances and recent moves, my husband and I have found it somewhat difficult to pin down specific traditions, as we are constantly forced to shake things up. This can be both exciting and disappointing at times. On the one hand, I miss the stability of childhood traditions, but I also appreciate breaking the monotony and seeing what each year brings. Still, for me there are some rituals that I will rarely forgo.

In a nut shell, my most cherished Thanksgiving traditions consist of getting up early to prepare the the bird and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Thanks to my sister Kristin, we picked up on her family's tradition of indulging in warm cinnamon rolls and fruit for breakfast in recent years. After the parade I like to pop in a holiday special (or two) and we usually eat dinner some time in the late afternoon. Among the general Thanksgiving dishes are 2 recipes passed on from another sister, Jill, which includes a double layer pumpkin pie and cornbread casserole. When feasting with a larger group I also like to include my Cranberry Thanksgiving Punch. I somehow feel closer to my siblings when I make their traditions my traditions.

We then spend the rest of the evening pouring over Black Friday ads and planning our early morning route. This, of course, means getting to bed early, though that doesn't always happened. Last year we also went to a huge holiday light display in the evening, which we hope to do again this year. I think that could become a special addition to our yearly traditions. We also like to begin our Christmas decorating around this time. But most importantly, we always take a moment to thank God for all that we have. No matter what our struggles, we realize that we are blessed beyond comprehension and are thankful for a warm house, food on the table and a whole lot of love!

---

Thanksgiving has long been my favorite holiday. It's the big kick-off for the Christmas season (which is exciting), but there are other reasons I love it so . . .

1.) It's very hard to commercialize.
2.) The Christian tradition is nearly impossible to downplay.
3.) It doesn't involved gifts.
4.) The focus is on the whole family

Yes, it involves work, but it's largely a very pleasant, relaxing day and we have a few little traditions that make it even more special.

One of our earliest started when our first child was quite young -- cinnamon rolls and quiche for breakfast while we watch the Macy's parade on TV. We have had to drop the quiche recently, but the cinnamon rolls are a must (ask my kids.)

We are pretty traditional when it comes to the meal . . . we like to set a nice table with glass and candles and must have all the traditional fixin's to eat. This is the day we drink sparkling cider (we don't drink alcohol) and eggnog, too. I also like to put out Andes candies and other holiday chocolates and my oldest daughter insists on crusty bread with spinach dip for a light snack later in the day.

We involved as much family as can attend and we all share things we are grateful for. My husband or father-in-law say the Thanksgiving prayer as we sit down to eat (usually at 2 pm.)

At 4 pm, it's football time which cannot be missed because my DH and his brother have been Dallas Cowboy fans since they were very young. I have no interest in that, so I, some of the kids, and my mother-in-law and other guests might play games or watch a Christmas movie. ("Elf" or "Home Alone" are top choices) instead. It's very pleasant to enjoy this time, munching on left-overs with a nice blazing fire.

Our kids love traditions and they make sure we do not overlook any. They even make sure we are up for the parade pre-show! But they are also very helpful at making the house super-clean (another tradition) so it all feels homey and exciting.

There is nothing like family and friends to make the holidays special and memorable. I always make sure I grab my camera and video-cam and record these times and my kids get no end of fun looking back and remembering. I know that when they are grown, they will have warm memories of home and will strive to re-create those times for their own.

Holidays are more than one day -- they are a season and, as I stated in other posts, we love to study the history and remember God's goodness toward us and having a holiday that is largely dedicated to that is about as good as it gets.


May you all have a truly blessed Thanksgiving and we'll be back on Monday, November 30th, with loads of Christmas cheer!

New Holiday DVD Releases 11/24/09

SANTA BUDDIES GIFT SET (DVD + FIVE PLUSH BUDDIES)

Disney's irresistible talking puppies return in a heartwarming all-new holiday adventure! Take a fantastic journey with your beloved Buddy friends to the magical world of the North Pole! Join The Buddies (Budderball, B-Dawg, Rosebud, Buddha and Mudbud) in a wonderfully wacky twist on a classic Christmas favorite. When Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws, gets tired of the North Pole, he finds Budderball on Santa s naughty list and figures he's just the dog to show him how to be an ordinary pup. But when the magical Christmas Icicle starts to melt and the world begins to forget the true meaning of the season, it's up to Puppy Paws and his newfound Buddies to save Christmas.


SANTA BUDDIES (TWO-DISC BLU-RAY/DVD COMBO)

Disney's irresistible talking puppies return in a heartwarming all-new holiday adventure! Take a fantastic journey with your beloved Buddy friends to the magical world of the North Pole! Join The Buddies (Budderball, B-Dawg, Rosebud, Buddha and Mudbud) in a wonderfully wacky twist on a classic Christmas favorite. When Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws, gets tired of the North Pole, he finds Budderball on Santa s naughty list and figures he's just the dog to show him how to be an ordinary pup. But when the magical Christmas Icicle starts to melt and the world begins to forget the true meaning of the season, it's up to Puppy Paws and his newfound Buddies to save Christmas.


SANTA BUDDIES

Disney's irresistible talking puppies return in a heartwarming all-new holiday adventure! Take a fantastic journey with your beloved Buddy friends to the magical world of the North Pole! Join The Buddies (Budderball, B-Dawg, Rosebud, Buddha and Mudbud) in a wonderfully wacky twist on a classic Christmas favorite. When Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws, gets tired of the North Pole, he finds Budderball on Santa s naughty list and figures he's just the dog to show him how to be an ordinary pup. But when the magical Christmas Icicle starts to melt and the world begins to forget the true meaning of the season, it's up to Puppy Paws and his newfound Buddies to save Christmas.


FOUR CHRISTMASES

A crafty couple run the Christmas Day gauntlet by racing to visit their divorced parents' four separate households in this Vince Vaughn/Reese Witherspoon comedy that proves the holidays are no time for relaxing. Brad (Vaughn) and Kate (Witherspoon) have made something of an art form out of avoiding their families during the holidays, but this year their foolproof plan is about go bust -- big time. Stuck at the city airport after all departing flights are canceled, the couple is embarrassed to see their ruse exposed to the world by an overzealous television reporter. Now, Brad and Kate are left with precious little choice other than to swallow their pride and suffer the rounds.


STING: A WINTER'S NIGHT...LIVE FROM DURHAM CATHEDRAL

"Sting: A Winter's Night...Live from Durham Cathedral" places the artist in the unique setting of England's most famous cathedral. This majestic live performance captures the mood and spirit of the season with a diverse collection of songs, carols and lullabies spanning the centuries. Also includes documentary features a behind-the-scenes look at the concert's genesis, beginning with the album recording sessions at Sting's home in the Italian countryside, leading up to the final rehearsals at Durham Cathedral. Along the way, Sting revisits places from his childhood and reunites with old friends and band mates, swapping stories and reminiscing.


THE PERFECT GIFT

What if the world threw you a birthday party but you weren't invited? Discover how a spoiled schoolgirl, her overworked executive mother, and a disillusioned young minister receive an uplifting message about friendship, commitment, and the true meaning of Christmas from a mysterious "drifter" named Jess. The third film in The Perfect Stranger series!


CHRISTMAS UNWRAPPED

In this one-hour DVD you will experience dramatic presentations of Christmas that time has forgotten along with breathtaking re-enactments of the gospel. Plus, visit an old-fashioned Christmas with stories, activities and ideas of how your family can celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The most important truth in all of Christianity is stated right here: "We are made alive together with Christ." That is the most important fact upon which to build all the rest of Christian faith and experience. This is the greatest gift given to all of us.


PRECIOUS MOMENTS: LITTLE SPARROW

Timmy the Angel has an important new assignment: Find a way to help the people in two villages by bringing them together with trust and friendship. The two villages learn they are more alike than different in this Thanksgiving tale.


PRECIOUS MOMENTS: TIMMY'S SPECIAL DELIVERY

Timmy the Angel and his animal friends are inspired to help two selfless children. When Holly and Chris wish simultaneously that the other one receive a gift for Christmas, Timmy and his friends go to work to answer these unselfish prayers. Pastel animation and subtle music enhance this touching holiday tale. Recommended for ages five and up.


PRECIOUS MOMENTS: TIMMY'S GIFT

Timmy the Angel is given the important job of delivering a jeweled crown to baby Jesus. Timmy is afraid and thinks he's too little for such responsibility, but love and support help him on his journey. Lovely pastel animation and soft music add to the gentleness of this video. Recommended for ages six and up.

Featured Music By Windham Hill

With Thanksgiving a mere 3 days away, many of us are beginning to make last minute preparations for our biggest feast of the year. One final touch is to set the mood with the proper music. If you're looking for something to soothe your guests, consider the compilation, THANKSGIVING: A WINDHAM HILL COLLECTION. Included are 14 songs of Thanksgiving from various artists on the the Windham Hill record label.

Our featured track is "We Gather Together", by Paul McCandless. It starts the album out and sets the perfect example of what all the songs offer; a vision of family gathered around the dinner table with a bountiful spread before them, bowing their head in thanks. Although you may be running out of time to order the CD online, you can always check your local CD retailer (e.g., F.Y.E. or Borders) or download it in mp3 format.

A New Look At The Old Thanksgiving Story

Everyone knows that the pilgrims came from England in order to escape religious persecution, but are you aware of the fact that without the help of a certain Indian, the little group likely would have perished?

I marvel when I read details about the pilgrim and Indian story. There are so many factors that relieve any doubt that Plymouth settlement was directed by God. Here are some interesting facts and amazing twists . . .

The "pilgrims" were actually English Separatists who left the Protestant Church of England. In a nutshell, they found it too similar to the Catholic Church and wanted a much simpler, more Bible-focused denomination. They were not in accord with the other Protestants (Anglican and Puritan) and were, shockingly, oppressed under King James, who translated the Bible into English for the common man.

To escape persecution, the Separatists had to flee to Holland, but after several years, they found a new threat in this freedom-loving land -- secularism. Their children were being tempted away from the faith and were adapting the "Dutch" language and culture. This was not acceptable. The Separatist leaders knew they needed a new home and quickly considered North American where England had recently developed a successful colony, Jamestown, in Virginia.

Besides the opportunity for freedom and self-rule, the Pilgrims hoped to be a witness for their faith to the local Indians -- but that was a huge risk. Hostile Indians had battled with the Virginia settlers many times and the Separatists would be even more vulnerable and largely void of protection. They considered themselves at the mercy of God and called themselves "pilgrims."

Now, while the Separatists were trying to make a life in Holland, things were happening in the Massachusetts area where they would later settle. Explorers from England were interested in what was possible north of Virginia and made several expeditions into what is now New England, but they were faced with harsh weather conditions and more confrontations with local Indians. There was much hostility that exasperated when the English kidnapped Indian braves to be sold into slavery. Among a batch of Patuxet captives was a young brave named Squanto.

In 1605, Squanto was sold as a slave in England, yet he was treated well. He was taught English and was educated a bit on English ways, but he always longed to go home. His master agreed to send him on a ship under the protection of Captain John Smith, of Pocahontas fame, in 1612.

Squanto was barely home when he was kidnapped again by the English. Because Squanto was ordered back to his tribe, his captor decided to sell him to a monastery in Spain. This could have proven disastrous to the young Patuxet but, again, he was under kind masters. They had taken Squanto with the goal of teaching him about the Christian religion. Amazingly, Squanto embraced this new faith and held it until his dying breath.

Though treated well by the Spanish friars, Squanto still longed for his American home and the religious order agreed to let him leave. It took awhile (he first went back to England where he further mastered the English language), but finally he found passage back to his home.

Most people would be terrified and hopeless being captured, taken away from their family, and sold into slavery -- and this happened to Squanto TWICE. But, both times, he managed to be set free and even find passage across the massive Atlantic at a time where that kind of travel was still rare and very dangerous. In learning more of his new faith, he may have wondered why God would allow such things -- he would soon find out.

When Squanto got back home, his tribe was gone. All the Patuxet were dead of Smallpox brought by the English. If Squanto were not taken away in slavery, he would have died, too. If he had not been able to come back to America, there would have been no surviving Patuxet left there.

Squanto went to live with a friendly, neighboring tribe and as you can imagine all of the neighboring Indians were very afraid of the "white man's disease." Unlike many Europeans, Indians had no natural immunity against Smallpox. This was a more frightening and potent "weapon" than any gun or cannon the Europeans could have brought. From this point on; in this part of the country, the Indians stayed very far away from white people.

This brings us back to our Pilgrim friends. Sailing across the dangerous Atlantic . . . Besides the constant threat of sinking, the passengers had to deal with rotting food, stale water, scurvy, and wretched sanitary conditions. The pilgrims had been crowded together with a rough crew and several other "strangers" (non-Separatists), all willing to get to the new land and work together to make a colony. And not one pilgrim perished. A crew member did, though -- after tormenting the Pilgrims, he came down with a sudden fever and died.

Once, the ship sailed right into a terrible storm and another time a main beam cracked, threatening to snap in half. This would have meant disaster for sure. There was little that anyone thought could be done, but one of the passengers remembered a printing press he had with a huge screw on top. That would hold the beam in place until they arrived, saving all their lives.

The little Mayflower landed near Cape Cod in 1620. It was not where they intended to go, but weather and sea problems prevented them from going further south, so they decided this was God's will and they stayed. That choice proved vital. Due to the Smallpox epidemic, the natives of the area had largely abandoned it. This also prevented the neighboring tribes from approaching the pilgrims.

Normally contact would have been made fairly quickly (and, no doubt, the Indians may have been hostile toward these intruders), but fear kept the Indians away, watching from the forest. Even though the Pilgrims were weak and helpless in many ways, they were completely protected from harm by the Indians. No doubt, they must have wondered about it, but rested in God's provision.

As we know, things were not easy for those first settlers. Though they had the land and God's protection, There was hardship, disease, and death that first winter. But they survived. The leaders were strong men of God and hard workers (unlike the first settlers at Jamestown), yet their future was very uncertain. There were just over 50 of them and they knew little about this strange, cold new land . . . and when things seemed especially bleak, a young brave walked into town and brought with him, Squanto. An Indian who spoke English! Imagine their shock.

Enough time had passed that the local Indians were willing to approach the small group and the pilgrims were greatly relieved to find them peaceful and helpful. The Indians were likely relieved, too.

Squanto had been with his new tribe for a long time, but he had not forgotten his Christian faith. Though he eagerly shared it with the other Indians, he felt lonely in faith and in the loss of his original tribe. When he met the pilgrims, he found a home. He eagerly helped them and was drawn to his Christian brothers and sisters.

Most of us know the rest of the story . . . Squanto lived with the pilgrims, helping them his whole life. He and they continued to spread the Christian message among their neighbor tribes and Squanto remained a liaison between white man and Indian and there was peace between them for over 50 years. When Squanto finally lay on his death bed, he spoke of his longing to be with Christ in Heaven. He was greatly appreciated and mourned by the pilgrims who knew and loved him. William Bradford wrote that Squanto was a "special instrument sent by God for their good beyond their expectations . . . "

It's very hard to argue otherwise. When you look at all these events surrounding the Plymouth settlement, you can see why both Indian and pilgrim found it necessary to have a week of celebration and thanks to God. It's amazing to pause and think about how different life in this country might be if it weren't for a little group of faithful pilgrims and one Indian brave.