Stories & Inspiration

Thank you for offering this tradition to us!  My 4 year old son Jack really took to the daily activities and looked forward to seeing what the next card would bring.  Any tasks that involved secrecy and sneaking around were my son’s favorites! In the week leading up to Christmas, we put candy canes in the name pockets of his preschool friends. My son smiled throughout the week as he watched their reactions! Something so simple really brought the spirit of giving home to him. – S and Family

I thought I would let you know about sharing this Tradition at my church today. I got applause at the end! They liked hearing about how I brought Roger the Scrooge into the process. They also liked hearing about his SSSS of sending cash to his ex-wives. I did make the point that even very ordinary activities like writing a check to charity and decorating the Christmas Tree could expand into something bigger and sometimes magical.

The year before Roger died, he decided to help decorate the Christmas tree which he had never done in the past. Without saying anything to me, he went out and bought a box of matchbox cars, drilled a hole in each and added a hook. He brought them in and added them to the tree. He and his car business were represented. Now our tree still has matchbox cars and of course they carry a very special meaning. Thank you for the gift of this Tradition. It brought Roger and I moments of real tenderness.  — Bernie N.

This year, I gave the CandleTime books, along with many helpful tools, to two of my administrators. I wanted them to have the opportunity to experience this tradition with their family. It has changed their lives! They are truly enjoying the family time. They also were so grateful for the honesty in the book, regarding “nothing is perfect, to just go with it”. They have young children, so that part was very helpful. You should  be so proud of this, it is warming families in sunny south Florida. – K

We are still enjoying this tradition so much!  I’ve found the focus really has shifted this year to our daily cards and activities and not to stress.  (or at least stress is greatly reduced!)  As  predicted, I have had to change some of the plans, but it’s all working out fine.  Also, I really appreciated reading the CandleTime book.  Caren’s  stories about how her holiday season was rarely “perfect” and to just “go with it anyway” really helped me.  It’s enabled me to just let it be what it is and not control it too much.  I am so thankful for this gift. – J

We started the tradition as planned and so far my husband and two boys have been interested. But tonight, there is a football game on (Civil War) and there was a little chaos and grumpies when it was time to sit down to light our candle.  We sort of grumped through the lighting and were a bit sarcastic about the reading regarding “what goal needs more hope”. But then, we pulled the “I appreciate you” card and the entire family came away feeling so much better, reminded of how much we love each other and how much we depend on one another.  It changed the whole tone of the evening, maybe the season!  Thanks for introducing me to this!  – D and Family

Turns out my 3 1/2 year old granddaughter is loving the CandleTime Meditations. Here she is doing the short—2 1/2 minute—meditation on Love in place of the Daily Readings. The smile on her face is because she’s sending a wish of happiness to someone she loves…. which just could be her brand new baby brother sleeping in Daddy’s lap. Do we think Dad is meditating with her or catching a few zzzzz’s in the quiet!

Thought I’d share that as an option for those of you with younger ones who aren’t always into the Readings.