Dear Friends,
I know this is a busy time of year for all of us, but I couldn’t let December get by without sending a brief newsletter to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I am so very thankful for all of you faithful readers and the encouragement you send my way via emails and letters. It is my prayer that each of you will have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
In a couple months, I’ll be sending out a newsletter to announce the release of Somewhere to Belong, the first book in the Daughters of Amana series. I had the pleasure of returning to Amana, Iowa last weekend to attend some of the special programs and events. The most memorable for me, was their Glimpse of Amana Past where they told of the special ways they celebrated the birth of Christ. Each family had a cardboard crèche that could always be purchased at the general store, and in the very early days it was thought wasteful to cut down a tree so the men began to carve Christmas pyramids out of scraps of wood. I’ve included a picture for you to see one of the pyramids.
Nativity scenes and other small figures were placed inside the pyramid and when the candles on the outside were lit, the blades at the top of the pyramid would turn. Those presenting the program were dressed in the clothing that would have been worn back in the 19th century. I’ve included a picture of one of the women for you to see.
They wore black to church and for weddings and white clothing was used for burial. Customs were so different among those who settled this country. I marvel at the many things I learn with each book I write and am exceedingly thankful that God has given me this opportunity to write stories that reflect His love for each of us.
Merry Christmas,
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