25 Days, 26 Ways to Make This Your Best Christmas Ever

by Ace Collins

Christmas should be the most anticipated day of the year. But many people dread the shopping, financial strain, and extra activities they have to sandwich between the layers of their already too-busy lives.Bestselling author Ace Collins is the perfect guide to help them navigate the stress of the holidays. As he shares twenty-six easy ways to revamp Christmas expectations, readers will relax, refuel, and readjust their attitude toward the season. Each upbeat chapter contains easy to apply ideas for taking a fresh look at a holiday tradition or task and making it positive and meaningful. Through a blend of historical stories, scriptural truths, and contemporary anecdotes, Collins creates a recipe for holiday happiness. He adeptly shows how to keep the joy of the season from derailing and helps readers rediscover Christmas as it was meant to be—holy, peaceful, and purposeful.A glorious Christmas is attainable with Collins’ timely wisdom and advice. Partly devotional, partly practical, and always thoughtful, Collins’ book will help readers make this their best Christmas ever!

Genres: Christmas, Nonfiction, Christian, Holiday, Book Club, Reference, Devotional

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2009

About the author

Citing his Arkansas heritage, Christy Award winner Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Collins has authored more than eighty books for 25 different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a television special, been featured on every network morning TV show and does college basketball play-by-play. He is married to Kathy Collins, Chair of the Education Department at Ouachita Baptist University, and the couple has two grown sons. Collins lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! This literary Advent calendar is meant to be read a bit at a time, one small chapter each day of December, leading up to Christmas. Naturally, being the ardent Christmas-lover that I am, I binge-read the whole thing one day in September. And it was still wonderful.

Each chapter is a short vignette. Collectively, they are meant to help curb holiday stress. They offer suggestions for charitable acts, or they explore the origins of beloved Christmas songs, or they simply offer new ways of thinking about the holiday. Each chapter is a brief moment of peace for the hustle and bustle of December. (Or that one random day in September . . .) This book is religious, uplifting, and inspiring. I think it would be valuable to anyone looking for spiritual calm, or to people who are simply seeking to broaden their understanding of the holiday.

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use this every year. Original review below.

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I came across this, offered free, at Amazon when crusing for Christmas holiday books. It proved to be a very good series of reflections and suggestions for how to make December more meaningful leading up to Christmas. In short, it is a Protestant-style Advent book. What makes this different is that the author focuses on linking the spiritual meditations and activities to the familiar holiday songs and things all around us. It was amazingly effective thanks to that and a nice complement to the Catholic Advent reflections that I normally use.

One caveat: the author is not as careful with some of his research as he could be. Just from my general knowledge I spotted two places where he subscribed to popular Christian wishful thinking in the origins of items, namely the candy cane and the Twelve Days of Christmas. We've all come across these in those emails that get sent around every year and then been discredited via Snopes or some other myth-buster site. He uses them effectively nonetheless as there is no harm in reflecting on those items using a faith-based focus. It is just that it would be nice if the author had fact checked better. This also made me a bit wary in trusting some of his other seemingly convenient stories such as that of the Christian origin of the evergreen tree for Christmas. It may be true but if he got the other things wrong, how can I know unless I check all these other facts too?

That said, this does not detract too much from the value that these reflections have for the regular Christian who is trying to keep his head in the midst of the regular bombardment of advertising and flurry of activities. I will be using it again next year.

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read that ties in scripture with historical facts about things like the origin of the Christmas tree. It probably won't change your life but it contains some interesting snippets and the overall message is a good one.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good advice, but some of it is really obvious and cliche. At one point he writes about turning the frown upside down. Ugh. But some of his suggestions I will try out this year.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an annual read for me, which I begin every December 1st. It's a great way to begin the Christmas season.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is meant to help reduce the stress that Christmas can bring, but really, it’s good advice for any time stress threatens to overpower you. For example, it can help you feel better when you are dealing with being isolated at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though intended for reading a chapter a day in Advent, it’s too good to just not continue on once you’ve started. I liked several aspects of the book, but the one I liked best was the author’s many references to Christmas carols and songs. He emphasizes the importance of the lyrics, the history of the songs, and how even current secular songs had, at one time, religious connotations. He gives examples of things you can do to connect to others, to alleviate feelings of loneliness, to make and preserve familial ties, to come to appreciate things that you formerly disliked, and more. This is a book that each time you read it, and you will want to read it again and again, you will come away feeling a bit better and ready to face new challenges.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick little Advent book....that I didn't exactly finish on time. The book covers 26 ways to get into the Christmas spirit by focusing on the meaning of the season, not getting caught up in the details, and bringing back some old timey traditions. A good nighttime e-book library reading for me, but there are other Christmas books I like better. Served it's purpose, but nothing special to repeat.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It gave explanations to traditions, gave historical insights, origination to traditions and the authors personal stories. The book educated me to many facts to traditions, originations of different aspects of Christmas and opened my eyes and reminded me of the important aspects of Christmas that we tend to forget during the preparations of Christmas

[Wintermote · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn’t connect with this one. Maybe it would be better when we aren’t in the middle of a pandemic—at least more of the ideas would be possible. It just really didn’t feel like it was written for my generation.

[Jessica Peveler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely daily readings to keep Christmas a magical, Christ-based holiday. Never one to bring in hate, Ace shows how Santa, gifts, and other traditions some people get cranky about can be used to witness God's love. Each short passage ends with a call-to-action.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the meaning of some Christmas traditions as well as the back story of many Christmas songs. The author tells us; men make plans but God transforms them for His goals.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Very nice read for the Christmas season. I believe reading this each year will become a new tradition.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ideas for the season of Advent.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like his writing and the stories behind songs and traditions. I am currently reading Sticks and stones.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay. Maybe because I just finished his other advent book there was some repetition but I still enjoyed it.

[Keiki Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are you singing the Charlie Brown blues complaining of how Christmas has morphed into a six-week season of commercialism, you will want to read book.

Whether you’re looking for some quick Christmas history, some great Christmas recipes, or some unique perspective on embracing the commercialism of Christmas by sharing the Gospel with others, 25 Days, 26 Ways to Make This Your Best Christmas Ever is a good choice for this Christmas.

It’s a short book and great for what I call my ‘Christmas Planning Moments.’ The twenty-six ways listed in the book encouraged and inspired me and nudged my perspective back in line with Christianity. We all get so carried away with the excitement of Christmas. This book gives the listmakers, the planners, the organizers among us something to check off as we hurry through the Christmas Season.

What were my favorite parts of this book? Day 3 – Making Christmas Mighty used the lyrics of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen to shake me up (as the reader) with straight talk. But, I needed to be shook up. Laying the responsibility of my enjoyment of Christmas squarely on my shoulders, exactly where it needed to be.

Another of my favorite parts was Day 18 – Embracing the Commercialization of Christmas. This chapter pointed out that Jesus used any family/friends gathering to share the gospel and we should as well. My favorite was the idea of putting your life verse on the inside flap of all the greeting cards or on the name tag of a gift.

And lastly, the Chapter entitled A Bonus Day – Filling a Big Box struck a chord in my heart as it described the English tradition of Boxing Day. This is a tradition that America would do well to observe.

A wonderful book organized and written to keep your perspective true during the Christmas Season, I recommend it highly. Pick this one up and keep it with your Christmas decorations. Next year when you begin to decorate, reread it or give it to someone else.

Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project

[Urs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book mostly as it was intended to be read, starting on December 1st, and ending on December 26th. I missed a day here and there, but would then just double up the next day. Each day's reading has a story that is supposed to help lead you into the spirit of Christmas, and, by the end of each reading, there is a suggested action to take as well.

I found myself questioning some of the stories of the origins of Christmas traditions, symbols, songs, etc. This was even easier to do since there was not one reference to support any of the stories. I also wondered how many of these stories were retellings from his other books about the origins of Christmas traditions, symbols, songs, etc.

As far as the actions go, I suppose that they could be helpful to someone who has absolutely no clue or idea of what they could be doing during the Christmas season, but, most of these actions are things that people who care about Christmas are probably already doing or just would never do anyway. Partly because of reasons mentioned above, the stories delivered with each action failed to give me a new meaning to actions that I had already taken.

Still, the book was interesting to try, especially as free read (from the kindle store). I think that this book can at least get you thinking about the season and what it all means, and, perhaps, that alone could help you think of things to increase your enjoyment of the season. However, I doubt that I would pass this book on to others, nor would I read it again during another Christmas holiday or at any other time.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that is worth reading every December 1st. It features short chapters that take you through various Christmas traditions -- some of which you know, and a few you might not recognize (e.g., Christmas trees, mistletoe, silent night, boxing day, etc.). Many of the chapters also include Bible verses to support the text, which I found uplifting.

The intent of the book is to bring back the excitement, joy, and goodwill that surrounds the Christmas Holiday, and I used several of the chapters in family devotionals. A few of the ideas are a bit sappy, but I think you will find some neat things to consider incorporating into your family's traditions as you observe Christmas.

[Adele Clagett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I will make this book a yearly read for December. This book is basically an advent calendar for Christmas. You read a chapter for the days leading up to Christmas, starting December 1st. It helps put the holiday in perspective and helps to remind you what's important. I tried to practice the advice it gave, such as - don't get stressed out shopping, instead take your time and be friendly with those in line or at the register.

Sometimes it just takes a reminder.

[Anastaciaknits · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a lot of good things about this book. I enjoyed the fact that the book was set up almost like an advent calendar, but I didn't enjoy the fact that there weren't really any "new" or "unique" ideas. I did like the fact that all of the ideas, both Christian & not, are all put together in one place. I think I'd get more out of the book, if I didn't work in retail & be bombarded with the worst of humanity all month long.

[Tara Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think sometimes in the rush of getting through the season, I have missed the small details of this holiday...the small acts of sending Christmas cards, the putting up of lights and tinsel!!! This book is great reminder that it's more than just going to church; making a strong effort of getting through the season; putting on the "SPIRIT" of Christmas.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

"It was OK" is a pretty good rating for this. It's worthwhile to read, but it's not going to revolutionize your holiday season. Has some good historical bits, like where the tradition of using mistletoe in holiday celebrations comes from.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great "Holiday How-To" for the Christmas season. I enjoyed reading it and gained a lot of insight into the history of Christmas traditions. I would recommend it to anyone trying to create some holiday traditions of their own.

[Rolland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Largely made up of trite platitudes, and very repetitive. It could have been cut in half, and still would have been too long.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice ways to get ready for Christmas and some things that I never knew.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Ace Collins shares some wonderful ways to put the joy back into Christmas.

[Dee Renee Chesnut · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant reading experience that can be read in small doses to enhance enjoyment of the holiday season.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good holiday book to keep you mind on what is important about Christmas.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a WONDERFUL book!
Gonna get it for my dad!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

No heavy lifting but a simple daily reminder to focus on the importance of the holiday, the simple truths.