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A Better December
Know someone FRAZZLED or SAD this Christmas? A Better December by Steve Estes applies Solomons Proverbs to holiday stresses. Playful and tiny, this illustrated work would be a good gift for your unbelieving friends as it gently introduces Jesus during a month when they are more receptive.
- GenresNonfictionChristmas
96 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2013
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 11, 2019
I feel bad rating this so low, but it's just not my cup of tea.
I don't even really know how to describe it. I guess it's poetry (not the kind that rhymes) about life during the holidays, with references to Proverbs to point to a better way. Ultimately it points to Christ which is good, but I just didn't enjoy the style.
I don't even really know how to describe it. I guess it's poetry (not the kind that rhymes) about life during the holidays, with references to Proverbs to point to a better way. Ultimately it points to Christ which is good, but I just didn't enjoy the style.
October 24, 2018
A BETTER DECEMBER is a unique approach to the holiday crazies. Who'd ever think of applying the Book of Proverbs by King Solomon to Christmas? But Mr. Estes did and we will have A BETTER DECEMBER because of it.
King Solomon touched on overspending--or staying within our budget, being a bit over-zealous in our greetings, contentment, surprises, childrens, disappointment and more. Full of poems, proverbs, and wisdom, this book is a great gift for an unbelieving friend or neighbor (gently pointing to the Savior) or for your own coffee table for visitors to thumb through. It might even brighten your own Christmas.
A unique approach --
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
King Solomon touched on overspending--or staying within our budget, being a bit over-zealous in our greetings, contentment, surprises, childrens, disappointment and more. Full of poems, proverbs, and wisdom, this book is a great gift for an unbelieving friend or neighbor (gently pointing to the Savior) or for your own coffee table for visitors to thumb through. It might even brighten your own Christmas.
A unique approach --
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
October 26, 2018
A Better December: Proverbs to Brighten Christmas is a good and enjoyable short book. It is fun, at times funny, sweet, thought provoking, delightful, inspiring, and full of wisdom. Any reader would gain something from reading this. Those who are too busy to read, would have no problem fitting this into their daily life.
I give A Better December: Proverbs to Brighten Christmas four and a half stars. It would make a perfect gift. I recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give A Better December: Proverbs to Brighten Christmas four and a half stars. It would make a perfect gift. I recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
December 21, 2017
A book whisperer friend recommended this title with love. The reviews on Goodreads adore it. While the idea of applying the wisdom of Proverbs to today's cultural Christmas sprint appeals to me, I just. didn't. get. it.
Estes' writing is humorous, fun and decidedly non-sappy. The book is a perfect gift book size. The truths contained are well presented, and while the CONCEPTS have depth, I guess it was 'lighter' than I expected. Nonetheless, I will pass it on as a gift to a friend, in hope that it will resonate with them beyond the fleeting impression it made on me.
My favorite gift books ever:
Simply Jesus, Stowell, 2002
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
More than a Carpenter, McDowell, 1980
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Recommended by Estes:
When God Weeps, Tada & Estes, 1997
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Estes' writing is humorous, fun and decidedly non-sappy. The book is a perfect gift book size. The truths contained are well presented, and while the CONCEPTS have depth, I guess it was 'lighter' than I expected. Nonetheless, I will pass it on as a gift to a friend, in hope that it will resonate with them beyond the fleeting impression it made on me.
My favorite gift books ever:
Simply Jesus, Stowell, 2002
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
More than a Carpenter, McDowell, 1980
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Recommended by Estes:
When God Weeps, Tada & Estes, 1997
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 5, 2019
I like this little book when I picked it up.
Who knew Proverbs would be involved and Solomon too!
This is a hard one for me to write because I'm gonna be honest.
This one too would be great for family and church to use.
There is some humor,
Who knew Proverbs would be involved and Solomon too!
This is a hard one for me to write because I'm gonna be honest.
This one too would be great for family and church to use.
There is some humor,
December 15, 2025
A Better December by Steven Estes is a small book with a big impact. Rooted in the wisdom of Proverbs, it invites the reader to slow down and refocus during a season that so easily becomes hurried and noisy. Rather than adding more to an already full December, it brings clarity and perspective.
I found it both delightful and meaningful. The reflections are simple, yet deeply encouraging, pointing the heart back to what truly matters at Christmas. Some of the insights from Proverbs were new information for me. Estes seamlessly incorporates real-life testimonies into his prose. The pencil-drawn illustrations support the playful tone of the book. This book truly touched my heart.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, Scripture-rich read to brighten your Christmas and steady your soul, A Better December is a wonderful companion. It makes a thoughtful gift too, no matter a person's faith.
I found it both delightful and meaningful. The reflections are simple, yet deeply encouraging, pointing the heart back to what truly matters at Christmas. Some of the insights from Proverbs were new information for me. Estes seamlessly incorporates real-life testimonies into his prose. The pencil-drawn illustrations support the playful tone of the book. This book truly touched my heart.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, Scripture-rich read to brighten your Christmas and steady your soul, A Better December is a wonderful companion. It makes a thoughtful gift too, no matter a person's faith.
November 16, 2018
The unique and unconventional way Steve Estes works to brighten those dealing with the blues of Christmas is captivating and is unlike any Christmas book I have read. Compact in size and under 100 pages, this book can be read in one sitting and its impact extends well beyond Christmas into the new year. If you know someone who needs truth and wisdom to lighten up their life this Christmas season or if you are in need of it yourself, check out 'A Better December: Proverbs To Brighten Christmas'. If you want to help a loved one know how to make it through the Christmas season and into the new year, pick up 'A Better December' by Steven Estes for a stocking stuffer. It would be the wise choice!
See full review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/11...
See full review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/11...
January 17, 2019
This books was vey unique, amazing writing, very inspiring with also had an insightful content about how to do life and innovative style with gives an arresting twist on our modern Decembers go extremely enthusiastic differently from Christmas yesteryear before. If you discover to this book you will find more a genuine guide to the purposeful and peaceful holiday we all long for with Proverbs that will give you a Christmas read from this book too. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from I read with Audra for this review”.
November 7, 2013
I know I'm going to like a book when I read the introduction and smile, even chuckle a bit out loud when I'm all by myself.
'The longer I live, the more I like short books. Here's one.'
And it gets better from there. Estes has authored a delightful little book that uses the Proverbs of Solomon to help us think about Christmas. Yes, that's right: Christmas. Here's one of the ways Estes manifests the everyday wisdom of Proverbs:
So, Solomon wrote this little book.
He called it Proverbs. It's helpful in an everyday tie-your-shoes, commonsense way.
…and very Christmasy.
Not sure you can picture Solomon in a green and red sweater?
Think about it.
Any writer who pens:
'The coolness of snow…refreshes the spirit' (Proverbs 25.13)
is all about December.
He writes about gifts, contentment, children and perfectionism. The Proverbs speak into longings, disappointments and changes. I'm really quite taken by this short, well-illustrated book. It's probably one of those little coffee-table sized books, but it would make a great gift for Christmas. It's meditations can help prepare the heart to celebrate Jesus' birth, with such thoughts as these regarding contentment:
What? Starting to write checks for the easy chair only after the dog chews it ragged, Uncle Ralph sloshes eggnog over ti, and your enthusiasm has flown south with the snow birds? Silly. But Solomon's raised eyebrow about impulse-buying does deeper than rescuing us from featherbrained decisions about money:
'The unfaithful are trapped by evil desires' (Proverbs 11.6)
All the while, Estes is masterfully working to get us to see Jesus. Because this is not only what Christmas is all about, it's what Proverbs is ultimately all about.
'Someone greater than Solomon is here' (Luke 11.31)
The Women's Readers Group at Cornerstone EFC is going to be reading this in late November/early December. I look forward to hearing from them their thoughts. I know this, I can highly commend this book to you.
'The longer I live, the more I like short books. Here's one.'
And it gets better from there. Estes has authored a delightful little book that uses the Proverbs of Solomon to help us think about Christmas. Yes, that's right: Christmas. Here's one of the ways Estes manifests the everyday wisdom of Proverbs:
So, Solomon wrote this little book.
He called it Proverbs. It's helpful in an everyday tie-your-shoes, commonsense way.
…and very Christmasy.
Not sure you can picture Solomon in a green and red sweater?
Think about it.
Any writer who pens:
'The coolness of snow…refreshes the spirit' (Proverbs 25.13)
is all about December.
He writes about gifts, contentment, children and perfectionism. The Proverbs speak into longings, disappointments and changes. I'm really quite taken by this short, well-illustrated book. It's probably one of those little coffee-table sized books, but it would make a great gift for Christmas. It's meditations can help prepare the heart to celebrate Jesus' birth, with such thoughts as these regarding contentment:
What? Starting to write checks for the easy chair only after the dog chews it ragged, Uncle Ralph sloshes eggnog over ti, and your enthusiasm has flown south with the snow birds? Silly. But Solomon's raised eyebrow about impulse-buying does deeper than rescuing us from featherbrained decisions about money:
'The unfaithful are trapped by evil desires' (Proverbs 11.6)
All the while, Estes is masterfully working to get us to see Jesus. Because this is not only what Christmas is all about, it's what Proverbs is ultimately all about.
'Someone greater than Solomon is here' (Luke 11.31)
The Women's Readers Group at Cornerstone EFC is going to be reading this in late November/early December. I look forward to hearing from them their thoughts. I know this, I can highly commend this book to you.
February 19, 2017
Don’t look now but December is right around the corner. This time of year can be as stressful and frantic as it is enjoyable and memorable. And as the pace of life quickens for everyone, the stress and panic seem to outweigh the peace and quiet.
Steven Estes has offered us a short but poignant book to help us have "A Better December." He looks to the Biblical wisdom expressed by Solomon in Proverbs as a cure for the holiday woes. In just over 80 brief pages, Estes provides an extended meditation on a Christian vision for this time of year. With poetic verse (at times), and personal stories, Estes crafts a masterful tale that is disarming, fresh and inspiring. Each of the brief chapters reads like an essay or reflection and the takeaways are direct yet unscripted.
The book is short, gift-sized, you could say. It would adorn a coffee table if larger. The simple yet alluring sketches from illustrator Sarah Bland Halulko make this small book a joy to look at and page through.
It is the perfect gift book for the non-reader and reader alike. It points the interested to a few additional resources at the end, and encourages us all to find true life in Christ. The book would make for a great evangelistic aid or conversation starter and brings Solomon’s wisdom to bear on the contemporary world with unequaled ease. The writing style will make the book accessible to all and a joy to page through. For those looking for some inspirational reading this Christmas, look no further than this truly unique offering.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by New Growth Press. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
Steven Estes has offered us a short but poignant book to help us have "A Better December." He looks to the Biblical wisdom expressed by Solomon in Proverbs as a cure for the holiday woes. In just over 80 brief pages, Estes provides an extended meditation on a Christian vision for this time of year. With poetic verse (at times), and personal stories, Estes crafts a masterful tale that is disarming, fresh and inspiring. Each of the brief chapters reads like an essay or reflection and the takeaways are direct yet unscripted.
The book is short, gift-sized, you could say. It would adorn a coffee table if larger. The simple yet alluring sketches from illustrator Sarah Bland Halulko make this small book a joy to look at and page through.
It is the perfect gift book for the non-reader and reader alike. It points the interested to a few additional resources at the end, and encourages us all to find true life in Christ. The book would make for a great evangelistic aid or conversation starter and brings Solomon’s wisdom to bear on the contemporary world with unequaled ease. The writing style will make the book accessible to all and a joy to page through. For those looking for some inspirational reading this Christmas, look no further than this truly unique offering.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by New Growth Press. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
December 1, 2013
One of the most beautiful books I've read this year. Started it this morning. A really short book that poetically connects ancient proverbs to our December woes and then brings the reader to the grace of Jesus. If you know anything about the role Estes played in the aftermath of Joni Earekson Tada's diving accident years ago, this author doesn't need to earn a hearing. He is rooted in the gospel and therefore lives his life to give shade to others. Tada, a faith hero of mine, wrote the foreword.
November 11, 2025
3 1/2 stars.
An interesting and sometimes enlightening take on applying Proverbs to our world today. It caused me to pull out several translations of the Bible to compare and contrast specific verses.
I liked how Estes brought us from the wisdom of Proverbs to "someone greater than Solomon." (Luke 11:31) Real change happens in our lives when we come to know Jesus Christ.
4 stars the second time around. I appreciated it more this time around. Maybe because I am heading into December and not well into the season.
An interesting and sometimes enlightening take on applying Proverbs to our world today. It caused me to pull out several translations of the Bible to compare and contrast specific verses.
I liked how Estes brought us from the wisdom of Proverbs to "someone greater than Solomon." (Luke 11:31) Real change happens in our lives when we come to know Jesus Christ.
4 stars the second time around. I appreciated it more this time around. Maybe because I am heading into December and not well into the season.
December 1, 2013
Loved it. One of the best books I've read this year. Yet also the shortest.
It's truly genius to put together the book of Proverbs and Christmas with the kind of delightful writing that Steve Estes does. Sweet but not syrupy. Wise and winsome and good. I'm going to be giving these out.
For a fuller review, go to my blog: http://matt-mitchell.blogspot.com/201...
It's truly genius to put together the book of Proverbs and Christmas with the kind of delightful writing that Steve Estes does. Sweet but not syrupy. Wise and winsome and good. I'm going to be giving these out.
For a fuller review, go to my blog: http://matt-mitchell.blogspot.com/201...
December 15, 2013
Excellent little book! Would make a great gift for any person who loves to read, this is deep and challenging in our thoughts towards the real meaning of Christmas... A lot to ponder in such few pages! Need to read this many many times over and over again...
December 23, 2013
Does Christmas and melancholy seem to go together for you? Sometimes it does for me and this little book has a great way of revealing maybe why by bringing the writer of Proverbs to the scene. This is a quick yet deep read! Steve Estes is just one great writer!
November 24, 2013
This book is a gift that goes right to your heart.
Unwrap it. Cherish it.
Give this gift to others.
Unwrap it. Cherish it.
Give this gift to others.
Read
November 27, 2013This is an excellent book, getting at the heart of what many go through during the Christmas season.
November 16, 2014
A nice pre-Christmas Sunday afternoon read. True thoughts about keeping Christmas sane. Nothing terribly astounding here.
November 8, 2016
This is a great book to help get your mind focused on the true meaning of Christmas.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews