A family affair from start to finish is a great way to describe the book Cole Family Christmas. The book is a true, tender, and wholly unforgettable tale of a coal miner’s family that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Hazel Cole Kendle related this story of a very special family Christmas from her childhood to her granddaughter-in-law and co-author, Jennifer Liu Bryan. Hazel was one of nine Cole children raised in the small mining community of Benham, Kentucky, in the Appalachian Mountains. Hazel states, “It was my sister Ruble, our family’s storyteller, who passed down to me the story of a magical Christmas when things didn’t go quite as planned… yet that Christmas become one of my family’s most beloved and memorable holidays. I, in turn, told this story to my children, who then told it to their own children.”
The tale follows a special Christmas when the Cole children are allowed to ask Santa for gifts from the Sears catalogue wish book. An unlikely snowstorm set the stage for a holiday in which gifts are given and received that no one could have predicted.
The book was released in September 2008. It is 74 pages long. I had no idea when I decided to do this giveaway that she was from Kentucky. That is where we have mainly lived the past 10 years as I finished high school, college, and met my husband. So, what a great scene for me as I read the book. The book is a great Christmas traditional book that each family can read together every year. It is really cutely illustrated! I picture a fire going and reading this to my little girl and soon to be baby this Christmas with some hot cocoa! Can’t wait to share it with them!
For more information about the book, visit the book’s site HERE.
Feeling Lucky? Enter to win a copy of Cole Family Christmas. It’s free to enter. Just leave a comment on one of your favorite holiday traditions. You have until 11:59 CST on Sunday, October 19th to enter. A winner will be selected by random number generator, announced on the blog Monday, October 20th, and notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address or an alternate will be drawn.
For an extra entry, blog about this giveaway then leave us a comment with the link.
PLEASE remember to leave an email address when commenting so that we have a way to contact you should you be the lucky winner. This info will not be used for any other reason.
Good Luck!
cpullum says
Decorating the tree and house the day after Thanksgiving. We do this after shopping for Christmas! It’s a fun day. Then we go to the movies at night!!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com
My Precious Pennies says
This is a weird one, but my favorite Christmas tradition is putting the snowman on the tree. I have this snowman that my aunt gave me when I was 5 years old, and I still have it. The poor thing is missing its nose and one of its eyes, but it’s tradition for me to stick that thing as high as possible on the tree.
Ruby (Mouth) says
We have always opened presents on Christmas Eve because my grandfather worked almost every day of the year except Christmas Day and when my mom was young, he did not want to be woke up early on his only for sure day off, so they opened presents on the Eve. Funny as that is, he usually ended up working anyway because he repaired furnances and they lived in Minnesota. My grandfather did not want anyone to suffer in the cold if he could do something about it. He passed away in 1986, but that tradition lives on.
angelleslament@ gmail.com
Vicky H. says
This is a newer “tradition” for me. I get together with my close friends to exchange gifts and hang out. Two Christmases ago, we went through the cable box’s OnDemand service and ended up in the karaoke section. We then belted out amazingly horrible versions of Christmas classics and other tunes. LoL. We did the same thing last year, and even though we might be in a different location this year, we’re still going to do some Christmas karaoke.
lilnamekangelivy[at]aol[dot]com
AmandaK says
We have this tradition of going around the city and looking at all the Christmas lights displays- then we go to the town square and take pictures in front of the huge Christmas tree they have. Actually, I think it’s always been on my sister and I’s birthday- which is 2 weeks before Christmas. We’ve had this tradition for many many years.
orchestratenoise0726[at]yahoo[dot]com
gkstratos says
Our favorite tradition is to go chop down our own tree.
[email protected]
Melody Peacock says
My husband likes to decorate with alot of lights outside. One of the things we love to do as a family, my 2 children go outside with him and give him ‘advice’ while he hangs the lights – and my job is to have mugs of hot chocolate with marshmallows waiting on them when they come in . . . then we all go out after dark and look at the lights. [email protected]
Homemaker says
My favorite holiday tradition is sitting at the table with all my family and eating great food and laughing and talking about our year. It’s always been my favorite tradition even as a child. Great memories and a great time to catch up on family. Of course I love after we eat we ripped open our presents also…lol…
kygirl says
Our’s is baking Christmas cookies.
Jill says
DH & I have always had a $100 limit for each other's Christmas gifts-in the best of financial times, and in the worst of financial times. It helps! We also decorate my parent's house the day after T-giving, and go to the spa. Can't beat that! 🙂
jill and mike 2 at yahoo dot com
DMarti2620 says
Going to see Christmas lights at our local botanical gardens display of holiday lights.
[email protected] says
We have stockings that we find curious places to put them up on (because we do not have a fireplace) and after opening our presents the last “treat” is our stockings.
CrystalGB says
Decorating the tree after Thanksgiving.
Wrapping presents while listening to Christmas music.
dwarzel says
We open one present on Christmas Eve.
dwarzel at hotmail.com
agordon10 says
we open family presents on xmas eve.
mverno says
opening one present at grandmas
pam says
Definitely driving around town,listening to carols, drinking hot cocoa, and looking at the christmas lights.
Jenn S. says
Making Christmas cookies and making ornaments for the tree is always something we look forward too.
Shannon says
Going caroling.
danosor says
Our tradition is the kids choose the tree we either chop down or buy at a tree sale.
tutugirl says
Going out as a family and cutting down a Christmas tree. We always wind up thinking that we have one that is just too small and it winds up taking up the whole room. We just laugh and live around it for the season.
isabel says
Every Christmas Eve we will have Meat Fondue! We eat and talk all night!
Isabel
[email protected]
john1948 says
Christmas Dinner, the kids have came over to our house each Christmas
Accounting for Dealies says
My husband’s Mom buys us all new pajamas and we open them as presents on Christmas Eve. She started this with her sons when they were little so they would always have on something new for Christmas morning photos. She also does HUGE “stockings” for all of us (even though we are all grown) that come in big storage containers with a stocking laid on top.
[email protected]
reb says
We go christmas shopping with my mom and sister.
rebbi511 at peoplepc.com
Tonya says
We decorate elaborately starting on Thanksgiving. On Christmas eve DH and I stay up late and sit by the tree, talking and putting out the kids gifts.
cstironkat says
Our no-kill animal shelter has a christmas bazaar and my family donates homemade dog bones. We all get together and bake the Saturday before. We have so much fun and it goes for a good cause.
K. Cleaver says
We love Christmas. We always go out and see the Christmas lights the weekend before Christmas. My kids really enjoy it.
Carrie says
Favorite tradition is a giving each famil member a new ornament every year
Cjnedrow says
Our Christmas tradition is to make cookies and give to family and friends!!!
[email protected]
Anonymous says
Gotta have this for my “Cole Family Granddaughters”!
Anonymous says
We celebrate Christmas with my only grandchildren by allowing the youngest person in the room to go first when opening the presents.
Janelle says
My girls and I make Christmas ornaments for our tree. They might be simple paper angels or something more elaborate with paint and glue and sequins. The girls don’t care – they just love being part of the decorating, and it’s a wonderful tradition for me.
Mia J. says
We have a few houses close to our home that really go all out decorating and we like to go and look at all the decorations.
mandymomof2 says
Making cookies then having a cookie swap with friends.
[email protected]
Anonymous says
Every year a couple of weeks before Christmas, the girls of the family get together and have a candy & cookie making day. We make lots of goodies, load up lots of trays, and give the goodies to dear friends.
-Terra
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
windycindy says
On Christmas Eve, all of our family members go the the late candlelight service. From there, we go to my sister’s home for a light meal and dessert. Then, we play family games.
This has been a long standing tradition within our families. Many thanks…..Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Molly C. says
One of my fave things to do, to kick off the holiday season, is to go shopping on Black Friday with my brother & sil. Both of our families still go to my parent's house on Christmas Eve & all 15 of us spend the night.
LIDARKSIDE says
We just love to celebrate a traditional christian Christmas starting with the first advent and ending on the twelth day of Christmas.
Theresa N. says
Our family likes to gather on Christmas Eve and sing Carols.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
Anonymous says
We get together on Christmas Eve for some shrimp. Then we go to “midnight” mass (it’s actually 11 pm) It’s a great time.
Brandi
[email protected]
sweetsue says
We buy a new ornament each year commemorating some event. This year it is a new grandson!
idahomom says
We work a jigsaw puzzle.
Anonymous says
We go to Mcdonald’s for our christmas eve dinner! I wait the whole year to eat Mcdonald’s and it is well worth the wait!
[email protected]
toni says
Bake Christmas cookies on Christmas eve. 🙂
tcarranco[at]yahoo[dot]com
redron says
I collect Christmas books. Would love to add this to my collection
Lena says
A couple weeks before Christmas, my family all climb into the truck and go to the tree farm a few miles from our house (we live in East Texas, Pine territory!). We bring our own saw and each of us cuts some through the trunk. When we get home, we make homemade pizza (a family affair) and drink milk with it while we decorate the tree. I don’t know why pizza and milk, it’s just one of those traditions. Maybe we got it from Home Alone! Anyway, I now have two of my own, but we still go to my parents to participate in this tradition. Pizza and milk must be magic to have lasted this long!
okbarbie5 says
My brother is Santa each year (Shhh) for my grandchildren. They are amazed that Santa knows so much about them!! HA Christmas is family and that’s what is so special.
Melanie says
My son was born on Christmas Eve 2005 so we try our best to separate his birthday from Christmas. One of the things we do is put up the tree after we celebrate his birthday. Another favorite thing we do is add another item onto his stocking. It’s a tradition my husband and I started while dating during college/grad-school. It’s fantastic to have a son to share it with and soon he’ll be able to add items along with us. This year I’ll be sewing on a felt rocket on his stocking!
Melanie
[email protected]
Sunnyvale says
Just being together and reminiscing.
tatertot374 says
Thank you for having this! My favorite holiday tradition is having Christmas Eve and my house every year. It is so much fun to have all my family and friends together. Thank you!
[email protected]
pj says
we have a birthday cake n sing happy birthday dear Jesus….so the kids dont forget Jesus is the reason for the season :>
vmkids says
we say a thank you for a blessing before we open each gift
mrs.mommyy says
having a birthday cake for Jesus is something we do each year Mrs.Mommyyatgmail.com
vboackle says
the family gets together and eats.
Kimberly says
Each Christmas Eve my family and I hop in the car and drive around and look at the outside holiday decorations in all the neighborhoods. We award “prizes” for the most beautiful, most creative, most tackiest and so forth. Rain or snow we make sure to drive around and check out the decorations.
Thank you for a wonderful giveaway!
HunnyV “at” Optonline “dot” net
Robyn says
Our whole family goes to the Chicken Dinner restaurant at Knott’s Berry Farm every year. The line is a mile long, but goes fast, and we have the best conversation, waiting our turn, and then some more while enjoying a big, delicious dinner. Afterwards, we stroll through the shops and see the decorations. It really gets us into the holiday spirit!
[email protected]
Rhonda Parker says
We love to get together with our church and go Christmas caroling to some of the elder families in the church. Afterwards, we’ll go to someone’s house and have hot chocolate, cider, and other yummy goodies.
rhonda(dot)parker(at)dgs(dot)ca(dot)gov
Danielle says
I love driving around looking at all the holiday decorations. We usually do this as a family on Christmas Eve and it is fun to hear the children excitedly talking about what they are anticipating.
ldsmom2201 at yahoo dot com
http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com
http:// homeschoolunitstudies.blogspot.com
The Sanchez Family says
We always have gotten Christmas pj’s and now my mom still buys for us and the grandkids. We open them on Christmas Eve and wear them to mom’s on Christmas morning!
Melissa
[email protected]
g says
we loooove Christmas so there are many but the kids like setting up the nativity ahead and having the characters get closer as the day nears and it continues til epiphany when the wisemen arrive!
[email protected]
mannequin says
We still string popcorn and cranberries for our tree while drinking hot cocoa fireside.
After Christmas, we string the popcorn garland outside for our feathered friends.
This book is on my current hafta have list!
Heather says
Baking xmas cookies and planning my christmas day menu!
Elissa says
One of our favorite holiday traditions is lighting the candles on the advent wreath. This tradition wouldn’t be complete without my dad’s homemade eggnog!
shiloh says
My granddaughter leaves cookies for Santa, and Bubble gum for the reindeers.
Liz says
We love to drive around looking at decorations! That’s our favorite. Decorating the tree is right up there too though.
[email protected]
Leah says
We love making snow angels and snow peoples with cucumbers for eyes and a carrot for the nose and best of all berries for the mouth! Best pictures ever are the kids laughing it up with their snowy friends. : )))
leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
Natalia says
In Christmas Eve all the family get together in one house and we eat and share stories. Its a great time for all fo us.
Thanks
[email protected]
Stacy says
My favorite holiday tradition is sitting around as a family on Christmas Eve and reading the Christmas Story out of Luke.
[email protected]
Karen says
Decorating the tree and looking at every ornament.
ktgonyea at gmail.com
Anna K says
My favorite Christmas tradition is going to a nearby park to see the Christmas lights they put up every year. I can remember going every year when I was a kid, and I continue this tradition with my own son. We love it.
Thanks
[email protected]
Anonymous says
Putting up the Christmas tree the day before Thanksgiving. I would love to win this, my husband is from Kentucky. [email protected]
Princess Golden Hair says
we put our tree up the day after thanksgiving. we decorate with decorations we bought when on vacation or that have some sentimental value for us. The night before christmas always meant giving the boys a gift of new pj’s so they can wake up christmas morning ready for some great pictures.
ky2here says
Formal victorian Xmas Eve dinner with family. Early gift exchange.
Liz says
We open presents on Christmas Eve with my husband’s family and on Christmas day with my family!
[email protected]
Mary512 says
We love to set up the christmas tree the day after thanksgiving. Great giveaway, thanks!
Mary512 says
Blogged ya:
http://mommyland512.blogspot.com/2008/10/cole-family-christmas-book-giveaway-at.html
Thanks again! hellomary018 at yahoo dot com
justicecw says
Has to be the classic of decorating the Christmas tree for us! thanks, [email protected]
elaina says
My family eats gumbo every Christmas. It’s one of my favorite traditions.
RE says
Our holiday tradition is going to pick out our own tree, putting on Holiday music, and decorating while drinking hot coco or spiced cidar. Thanks for the giveaway!
nataliecw says
On Christmas Eve, we would call each other and say “Christmas Eve Gift!” If you got the other person first, they had to give you a “Christmas Eve Gift”. We never actually gave any gifts. It was all about trying to be sneaky and see who would call the earliest.
[email protected]
LINDALSHOT says
We bake cookies & this traditional fruit bread that my grandma made.
dddiva says
On Christmas Eve while we’re out looking at lights in the neighborhood, Santa comes and leaves new pj’s and a movie for the kiddos.
It is the only gift they are allowed to open early. 🙂
ihchicky says
As a child on Chrismas eve my mom and dad always let me choose one gift from my relatives to open. Then the next morning we’d open the rest. I thought this was a great tradition because as a child it is just so hard to wait. Thanks for the chance. This looks like a wonderful book.
jemmmers74 says
thanksgiving day at dinner we exchange names and say why we are thankful for that person this year.
purplepassion126 says
One of my fave holiday traditions is baking cookies and sharing them with family and friends.
Jinxy and Me says
Baking and sharing cookies is my favorite tradition.
Annie says
One of my favourite holiday traditions is toasting almonds on Christmas Eve. I’m not sure why it started, or who started it, but I remember every year we would skin the almonds by pouring boiling water over them, leaving them for a while and then pouring cold water on them. Then we would split them and toast them in the oven in a very low oven! It made the house smell heavenly!
We lightly salt the almonds and mix them with some chubby raisins; a really yummy Christmas treat that all of my kids do now for their kids!
Thanks
[email protected]
Saving Money Works for Me says
I blogged about your giveaway here: savingmoneyworksforme.blogspot.com
Saving Money Works for Me says
I forgot to post my e-mail: [email protected]
kat says
Decorating the house and baking hundreds of cookies for the holiday and waiting for my grandkids to come and visit! Thanks for a great giveaway!
Anonymous says
Opening the fun, stocking gifts first!
[email protected]
chromiumman says
we bake and decorate sugar cokies
blueviolet says
Making a gingerbread house on Christmas Eve is a really fun tradition for us!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth
djolsen says
On the very top of the Christmas stocking peeking out unwrapped a story book of lifesavers.3 generations so far.
artmarcia says
Reading “The Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve.
crystalf says
One of my favorite things to do is ride around with my girls and look at all of the beautiful lights. Christmas is just the best time of the year. Thank you!!
ms-texas says
We can only open 1 gift Christmas eve – the rest must be on Christmas Day!
Think about it says
we always have a ton of decorations in the yard, blow up santas and halloween things. its fun. I left my santa up until june one year, and my bank begged me to take it down LOL
bathroomblogger says
I haven't had a good Christmas in years. For unknown reasons my parents both keep their distance. It is my favorite holiday & it's really a downer having to spend it alone. This year is the second Christmas I will be celebrating with my boyfriend, the first of us living together. Since it's my favorite holiday & I haven't had a good one in years, he has vowed to make this one the very best. No traditions yet, but I can't wait for us to begin making our very own traditions together. I keep telling him it's not about the presents, it's about getting together & spending time with the family.
Amy says
My favourite tradition will be the one my family – with a two year old toddler – creates together!
Becca Ann says
We decorate for christmas the night of Thanksgiving…
[email protected]
Julianne says
Decorating after Thanksgiving. Last year I tried to pull out something new each day for the kids to put up for decor. Just being with ALL of my kids for Christmas is my goal every year!
We don’t really have any traditions as I might wish. Such as I wish we would go see my parents!
Anonymous says
xmas decoarating is always done on Thanskgiving morning – the guys go outside and I stay in and cook. The inside of the house gets decorated on December 1st
[email protected]
JulieMoe says
I love making chocolates
lisawonbig says
I always read Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” out loud to the family.
klp1965 says
we love baking,decorating and watching christmas movies 🙂
Bakersdozen says
We have many family traditions that we cherish, so I will just choose one. Every year I get up in the middle of the night to prepare the Christmas stockings and on Christmas, everyone, including my husband, gets excited about it. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
Darcy says
A tradition we enjoy is to have “Santa Mouse” leave little tiny gifts hidden in the tree for the kids. My parents did this for me, and got the idea from the Santa Mouse books. Thank you for the giveaway!
fancyfeet48 says
would love to win this!
ldrnc2000 says
I love going to the “Love Feast” with my family on Christmas eve.
kerri69 says
Me and my sisters get together and bake cookies and candy and we have a blast
Erica G says
We love to see the “snow” fall in Celebration, FL. It is the closest thing we get to snow.
babychooch (at) gmail {dot} com
donna444444 says
We go to church on Christmas Eve.
Timster says
We go to the movies.
Kristina says
My favorite holiday traditions is putting up the Christmas tree and decorating with lights outside.
[email protected]