This is a great addition to any cookbook collection and any Christmas book collection. In this one, the best seller, Debbie Macomber, regales us with her personal memories of the holiday. She tells us stories about her family, their traditions and the things she grew up with as well memories from her children growing up.

This book is not just about recipes and remembering though. In it, Debbie also gives us ideas for crafts, most of which she uses herself, as well as gifts to give to others. The recipes, craft ideas and decorating ideas are accompanied by beautiful illustrations that enhance the already wonderful writing.

Some of the recipes include delectable sounding foods like “Ginger Pear Crumble” and “White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake”. And yes, there are other foods like “Cider-Glazed Roast Turkey” and “Butternut Squash Bisque”, but seriously, I had trouble getting past the dessert. I guess it’s a good thing they always put desserts last in these books so I did read the rest first. But yum. I cannot wait to get cooking (though at this writing, it is 92 degrees outside with 95% humidity – I am not thinking about cooking or Christmas at this moment).

As for the craft ideas, she gives us ideas on decorating the house, as well as pinecone firestarters, bubbling bath cubes, and Do-it-yourself spice packets and drink mixes and much more. She also has several pages on how to wrap gifts so the wrapping is almost better than the present within.

In addition, there are ideas for children and so much more. This is a book to build your own traditions and memories with. A definite must for this holiday season.