It is one week until Christmas day! The horror of it all! I cannot fathom why it is that time is passing by so quickly. It is really unbelievable. Be careful out there this week, the holiday lunacy is in full swing! Now that the public service announcement is complete, on with the show:
The 2006 G.I.F.T. Challenge is in its final phase and several people have posted wonderful, inspiring posts spreading the holiday cheer. I encourage you to go to the G.I.F.T. post and click on the links in the comments section to see what your fellow G.I.F.T. givers are giving to you this holiday season. If you have not left a link to your posts in the comments section, please do, so that others may share in your holiday spirit. There are several great posts out there and today I would like to point you to this one by Cam that really embodies the spirit of the holidays.
________________________
Speaking of Cam, she has put together a survey of your favorites over the past year: favorite books, blogs, blog posts, challenges, memes, blog controversies, etc. on an easy to answer form. Just go here, read the post, click on the survey link and answer to your hearts’ content. Your answers are completely anonymous and I am sure it is okay to skip categories if you don’t have a ready answer for them. Please go over there and share your thoughts.
________________________
Just a reminder to visit my interview with new author Colleen Gleason to read her fascinating answers to my questions. You may also leave questions for her in the comments section and she will answer them. Finally, do not forget to enter the catch phrase in the comments section if you want a chance to win a copy of her book for free. The contest ends at midnight on December 23rd and the drawing will be held on Sunday, December 24th. Booklogged has a similar give away contest for a copy of Colleen’s novel that runs until December 31st so make sure to get your name in over there as well. Also be sure to continue visiting Colleen’s site for other book give away opportunities as well as a chance to get a friend immortalized in print! My wife has already finished The Rest Falls Away and is giving it high marks so don’t wait, take your chance at a free copy now!
_________________________
And finally, the G.I.F.T. challenge is not the only holiday blog event going on, Kailana (and Marg) are hosting the 2006 Advent Blog Tour. You can click on the links in that post corresponding with the day to read the participants Advent entry. It is a great idea that I will be lucky enough to participate in on the 24th of December. Visit every day, it is a chance to read new blogs and to imbide even more of the Christmas spirit.
I look forward to sharing and reading more G.I.F.T. posts as the week presses on. Have a wonderful Monday everyone and a safe run up to the big day!
I love that first image! It looks like it should be the cover of “The Snowman Murders” or something. Which should exist, so that I can read it in front of a raging fire or reasonable facsimile this Christmas. 😉
You need to go ahead and write it RB!
A wonderful title: The Snowman Murders. I’d read it!
Carl, as always, your posts are delightful to read. Thanks for directing us to Cam. I so enjoyed her Christmas story.
My copy of The Rest Falls Away arrived today. I messed up my address so slowed Colleen down a bit. I’ll be starting it soon. I’m so excited for Colleen.
Thanks BL, I am really excited for Colleen as well. I cannot wait until I walk in a bookstore and see her books on the shelf.
Hee, I love that picture. It is madness out there isn’t it. I even braved the mall last night. I think I’ll do the rest of my shopping on-line thank you very much 🙂
I’m excited too! Thanks, BL and Carl.
I love that picture as well, and I think RB ought to write the paperback for us all to read. 🙂
Looks like you have been commandeered for a writing assignment RB!
The picture at the top of this post reminds me of the film “The Snowman” when he lays down in the freezer to cool himself off. I love that film…you always find the most intriguing pictures to accompany your posts. They are a treat in and of themselves.
Love the snowman in the freezer!
Thank you for your kind words about my post as well as for directing your readers to my 2006 favorite books & blogs survey. When I saw that my stats jumped today, I should have immediately thought: “Carl sent them! ”
I have had fun reading the GIFT posts. Too many to keep up with, but I’m trying!
Thanks for the advert, but just wanted to point out that it is me and MARG’S blog tour. I don’t want to take all the credit!
I made the change Kailana, thanks for pointing that out! 😉
I love the picture of the snowman in the freezer. That is just fantastic.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! 🙂 I like your blog by the way. I’ll be back. 🙂
Glad to have you visit. I see your comments on other people’s sites and decided I needed to pay you a visit.
Love the pic. I can totally see that happeniing around here. Lydia is very creative and the others join in on her plans!
The picture reminds me of when I had my deer head in the deep freeze waiting for the taxidermist and Karen didn’t want to open it to get any frozen goods.
Great post, Carl. Your GIFT challenge has really made me look at my traditions in a new way this year. It’s been fun trying out some new things and then also revelling in the old traditions too.
Merry Christmas!