Meanwhile Back at the Manger

Oh my, am I late with this news! If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or even Twitter, you should have heard the news about my picture book. It was released on November 18! But if your only source of news on Brenda Covert, Author & Editor is from my blog, you're hearing the news after Christmas. So sorry to have neglected blogging. I've had a death in the family, feeling all the feelings. 

I had my book launch at The Shoppes Off Trade in November and read my book from Santa's throne! How fun was that? So much fun! My publisher, Ambassador International, kept me going with promotional graphics, and I did a few podcast interviews and blog interviews. So other blogs shared the details of my debut Christmas picture book, but my own blog was neglected. That certainly wasn't the plan!

And incidentally, my book has been available locally at The Shoppes Off Trade in Greer and at Crossway Christian Supply in Easley, as well as online at Amazon, B&N, Walmart, BAM, and possibly others. And of course on Ambassador International's website! Hardcovers sold out, but the paperback version seems to be plentiful. I still have both in stock at home, intending to sell them in local Christmas markets, but this just wasn't the year to pursue those opportunities considering the family tragedy and being overly emotional this month. 

As sales slow down now, my next hope is for reviews. The more reviews a book has on Amazon, the more likely Amazon will suggest the book to people looking for similar books. If you had extra time and wanted to bless me a bit more, you might copy and paste your review to other book sites: Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Books-a-Million, and Goodreads. Reviews are like gold for any author, but especially a first-time author!

Thanks for your support, and here's wishing you a happy New Year!

 

3 Steps to Get Ready for Your Best Christmas

 

Christmas is a magical time of year, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful if you wait until the last minute to get ready. That’s why I’ve always advised friends and colleagues to get an early start! By getting a head start, you can enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday season. Here are three practical things you can do early to ensure that you enjoy your best Christmas!

1. Plan Your Holiday Budget

You can reduce holiday stress by planning your budget in advance. Start by listing all potential expenses, including gifts, decorations, holiday meals, and travel. This will help you set a realistic budget and avoid overspending.

• Create a Gift List: Write down everyone you plan to give gifts to and set a spending limit for each person. This will help you keep track of your expenses and avoid last-minute splurges.
• Track Your Spending: Use budgeting apps or a simple spreadsheet to monitor your expenses as you go. This can help you stay within your budget and make adjustments as needed. I have a free Holiday Spending Worksheet to share if you leave your request in the comments!

2. Start Gift Shopping Now

Gift shopping can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of Christmas preparation, so getting an early start can make a huge difference. As an added bonus, you’ll escape the crowds shopping in December. If you shop online, shopping early ensures gifts arriving in plenty of time. No more IOU’s for Christmas!

• Make a List: Outline what you plan to buy for each person. Consider their interests and hobbies to find thoughtful gifts.
• Shop Sales and Discounts: Take advantage of early holiday sales and special promotions to find great deals. Many retailers offer discounts well before the holiday season, so keep watch for them!

Starting your gift shopping early not only helps you avoid the last-minute rush but also allows you to find more meaningful and budget-friendly presents.

3. Prepare Your Home for the Festivities

Getting your home ready for Christmas early can make the season more enjoyable and less stressful. This includes decorating, organizing, and planning your holiday gatherings.

• Decorate Early: Put up your Christmas decorations in early December (or the day after Thanksgiving) to fully enjoy them throughout the season. I had a friend who had multiple trees for her house; she started decorating the beginning of November to avoid decorating burnout in December!
• Organize Holiday Supplies: Gather and check your holiday supplies, such as wrapping paper, ribbons, and greeting cards. This will prevent last-minute trips to the store and ensure you're fully prepared. In the coming year, consider shopping clearance sales after the holidays to stock up on your supplies!
• Plan Your Menu: If you're hosting holiday meals or taking dishes to other events, start planning your menu and creating a shopping list. This gives you ample time to try new recipes or adjust your plans based on dietary needs.

Starting your Christmas preparations early can transform the holiday season from a stressful time into a joyful one. By planning your budget, shopping for gifts, and getting your home ready, you’ll set the stage for a relaxing and festive Christmas. So, take a deep breath, get organized, and enjoy your best Christmas!

Check out My Guest Blog at Action Plan Ministries!

local tree lighting ceremony 2013

Sorry I’ve been absent; I’ve been juggling jobs, battling sickness, and seeing my mom (500 miles away – I wish we lived closer). Of course, I’ve also been decorating for Christmas! Remember the bags of decorations I posted about last summer? I’ve been having fun finding places for all the new-to-me items that a friend gave me.

I’ll be blogging for real, soon. I’ve been blogging in my head for several weeks now. LOL  In the meantime, click this link to my guest blog for Action Plan Ministries: Dump Christmas Clutter — No Trash Bags Needed.

How far along in holiday preparations are you? Are you having fun yet?

You really should check this out!

While not exactly related to Christmas, this link will take you to a blog interview about me: Brenda's Interview. So, it’s about the person who blogs about Christmas All Year Long. :-)  My new friend Toi Thomas is responsible for the fun, so check it out! Get to know some fun facts about me and why I blog about preparing for Christmas! Consider it my early Christmas gift to you. ;-)  Teehee