Sunday Salon: Christmas From Heaven and Biblical Ornaments

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We are less than a week away from Thanksgiving and a month away from Christmas so the holiday season is in full swing.

On this Sunday Salon when we share books we’ve discovered, I have a wonderful book that will enhance your holiday spirit. In addition, I also have a review of a product that will add to your holiday season.

Relax in that comfortable chair first making sure your cup of favorite beverage is filled to the brim. Prop up your feet, snuggle in the warmth of the season and enjoy.

CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN read by Tom Brokaw

I’m sorry to say I had never heard of the Berlin Candy Bomber (aka Uncle Wiggly Wings) until I discovered CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN. This should be a classic story told every Christmas throughout the nation (and world).

This is the true story of how Gail ‘Hal’ Halvorsen, a young pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps, shared the meaning of giving in a war-torn land. Hal was the pilot of a cargo plane in the Berlin Airlift in which U.S. forces delivered supplies into a Soviet-blockaded Berlin in 1948.

During one of the supply drops, Hal talked with German children lining the fence of the Tempelhof Air Base. Hal wanted to give the children something but had only 2 sticks of gum. He gave the gum anyway and was touched by their acts of sharing. An idea quickly formed and he told the youngsters he would drop them candy the next time he flew in. He told them he would ‘wiggle’ the wings of his plane so they would know it was him.

Hal and his crew fashioned small parachutes for the treats and sent them floating to earth on their next trip to the base. Word rapidly spread and soon other crews were donating their candy to the Candy Bomber. From there word reached sympathetic Americans and candy companies. Hal’s small act of kindness blossomed into a major effort spreading compassion and hope between people torn by war.

CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN is beautifully illustrated by Robert T. Barrett, who captures the setting bringing it to life. The book also includes numerous actual black and white photos showing Hal, his crew and those touched by this effort. There is also a template showing how to make a candy parachute.

To enhance this book even more, a DVD is included that features famed broadcast journalist Tom Brokaw. In the DVD, Brokaw brings this extraordinary story to life during a live reading with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir accompanying him. A highlight of the performance is the arrival of the Candy Bomber himself, 92-year-old Hal Halvorsen.

This is a heartwarming story of hope and kindness that will stay with you long after the season. CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN is sure to be a family favorite. This is a wonderful way to teach youngsters about history, giving and ‘from little things come big things.’ A moving and inspiring story.

Christmas From Heaven: The True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber read by Tom Brokaw, Illustrated by Robert T. Barrett, Shadow Mountain, @2013, ISBN: 978-1609077006, Hardcover with DVD, 32 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tom Brokaw is one of the giants of television journalism. Anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004, he also holds the honor of being the only person to host each of NBC News’s major news programs: The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, and Meet the Press. He has won several awards, including a Peabody Award and seven Emmys. He is the author of The Greatest Generation and The Greatest Generation Speaks, among other books. He and his wife, Meredith, have three daughters and five grandchildren

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

Robert T. Barrett is a professor of illustration at Brigham Young University, received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees in painting and completed postgraduate work in Germany. An accomplished painter, muralist, and illustrator, his work has been featured in many national magazines and in art exhibits across the country and in Germany. He and his wife, Vicki, have ten children and one grandchild and reside in Provo, Utah.

CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN is available through Deseret Book.

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BIBLICAL NAMES OF CHRIST HEIRLOOM ORNAMENTS by Zion Mercantile

As the Christmas season fast approaches, we can sometimes lose sight of the real reason for the season.

These charming heirloom ornaments are a gentle reminder of who we celebrate the season for. Each ornament is beautifully crafted from a lightweight, durable material. The antique pewter-finish ornaments can be used to decorate the tree or wreaths or even as gift tags for those special presents.

Both sides of each star-shaped ornament is imprinted with a different name for Christ. The ornaments come beautifully packed in a long, narrow box filled with straw-like raffia. The bottom of the package displays the different names along with a scripture reference perfect for a ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ countdown.

These attractive Biblical Names of Christ Ornaments will enhance your Christmas decorations and make wonderful presents for family and friends.

Biblical Names of Christ Ornaments by Zion Mercantile, 12-Piece Set, Ornament Size: 3¼" x 3¼"

FTC Full Disclosure – This ornament set was sent to me in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

This product is available for sale from Deseret Book retail stores or online at http://deseretbook.com/Biblical-Names-Christ-Ornament-Set-Zions-Mercantile/i/5104895

Thanks everyone for stopping by today. Hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday and have a stress-free week prior to Thanksgiving. Did you already know about the Candy Bomber before today?