For many people, Christmas can be a rather controversial topic. It’s supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year”, filled with reflection on the baby in a manger and quality time with family. While this may be the case to some degree, there’s more to the story for most families. . . In reality, this season is also a time of hectic chaos, heartache that seems to build up from a difficult year, and frustration over what we wish was true but isn’t. In a new book from Baker Publishing, “Loving My Actual Christmas: An Experiment in Relishing the Season”, Alexandra Kuykendall unpacks some great insights into being present AND finding joy in our own actual, imperfect Christmases.

This little book is definitely one that should be on your reading list this autumn. Although it is directed at mothers with children at home, readers outside of this target audience (such as myself) are also certain to benefit from Alexandra’s insight. While it doesn’t take much time to read through this well-organized and packed-to-the-brim volume, the impact it can have on your holiday season is tremendous!

“Loving My Actual Christmas” starts out with chapters describing the preparations (both internal and external) that can take place during the four weeks of Advent (which of course also symbolize Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace), followed by a section on Christmastide, or the twelve days after Christmas Day. Next comes a conclusion to summarize the previous chapters, but the book doesn’t end here. The final section, entitled “Making Your Actual Christmas Work: Practical Tips and Strategies for Your Holiday”, contains easy-to-navigate ideas under such topics as Schedule, Finances, Relationships, Traditions, Commitments, Gift-giving, and more. Truly, if you’ve ever wished you could find a way to slow down and enjoy Christmas as you’ve always dreamed but never quite managed, “Loving My Actual Christmas” is a wonderful place to begin the journey of loving the season once again.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers, free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.