Christmas Traditions Make the Holidays Bright!
One of the fun things about Christmas is traditions. Take for instance, the Land Down Under, because, well, someday I want to visit there, just probably not at Christmas. The English and Irish predominately settled Australia so it stands to reason their traditions reflect those countries. Here’s a few of of their Christmas Traditions.
Aussie’s decorate their homes with ferns, palm leaves and evergreens along with 
blooming flowers of Christmas Bush and Christmas Bell Flower. It’s summer time in December down under, when most of the United States is looking forward to big flakes and blankets of snow for a white Christmas.
Carols by Candlelight is one of the popular events in Australia. People come together under the stars at night to light candles and sing Christmas carols. Seems to me, it’s not far from our own tradition of Christmas carolers. I just can’t imagine Christmas without snow, that’s why I live in Colorado.
Christmas Day is when families and close friends gather from all over Australia for a holiday midday dinner. Some enjoy a traditional British Christmas dinner of roast turkey or ham and rich plum pudding doused in brandy and set on fire before it is brought to the table. Other families head for the backyard barbie to grill their Christmas dinner, maybe shrimp, in the sunshine or go to the beach and enjoy a picnic of cold turkey or ham and a salad. To the delight of children, Father Christmas in shorts may appear to greet children at the beach on Christmas! If you can’t have snow, that’s the way to celebrate Christmas.
Because I am of Swedish descent, let’s take a peek at Christmas Traditions in Sweden where in December the days are quite short, the nights long and the ground is usually snow covered. The Christmas season begins at church on the first Sunday of Advent, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Children use an Advent calendar to keep track of the first day of December until Christmas, just like some of ours do. Each morning, they open a flap in the calendar’s Christmas scene to see the charming picture behind it. This year, I have a Victorian Advent calendar on my computer and enjoy a surprise behind each door daily.
The festivities in Sweden really begin with St. Lucia’s Day, December 13th, a 
celebration of the patron saint of light. A Christmas market held in the old medieval section of Stockholm is where you can find handmade toys, ornaments, and candy. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? Some people write a special verse to accompany the gift and even seal the package with colorful sealing wax. I have enough trouble with scotch tape and wrapping paper, I can’t imagine what would happen with hot sealing wax. Not a pretty sight, I’m sure. A Christmas tree is selected by the whole family just a day or two before Christmas and decorated, while the delightful aroma of gingerbread cookies in the shape of hearts, stars, or other festive shapes waft through to house. Christmas 
Eve is when the main feast is eaten. Presents might be brought by Santa 
(Jultomten) or by gnomes/elves named Tomte or Nissar. Many families set out a sheaf of grain on a pole for hungry birds. My hubby and I always put out special treats for the wild birds on Christmas.
As for my family, we put up the tree, Christmas decorations inside and out, the weekend after Thanksgiving. Or try to. No it’s not a real tree, only because I’m allergic. <sigh> We watch Christmas movies throughout December and make candy such as Divinity, Fantasy Fudge and Beaver Dams. What are 
Beaver Dams, you ask. Well, take a package of butterscotch chips, melt them in a double boiler, stir in half-package of crispy Chow Mein Noodles and one half can of cocktail peanuts. Spoon the concoction onto foil and let set. They look like beaver dams hence the name. YUMMY.
This year I’m going, to once again, try my hand at gingerbread cookies. Its become a Christmas Tradition of sorts, an make my family cringe. Why you ask? I haven’t had a lot of luck in previous years getting a good tasting cookie. Do any of you have a favorite recipe that I could try? Feel free to leave the recipe in the comments section.
Something for everyone. Two books on sale for 99cents each, A DEMON’S WITCH – The adventures of Bruce, Angie and friends are an entertaining escape from the ordinary world. Be swept away into a magical romantic fantasy adventures, you’ll never want to leave. These spicy tales have it all intrigue, humor, thrills, danger and a splash of magic to keep you on the edge of your seat. https://www.amazon.com/Tena-Stetler/e/B014E0PEPM or A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING – Tales of redemption, magic wildlife rescue, true love, and paying it forward will leave you breathless! https://www.amazon.com/Tena-Stetler/e/B014E0PEPM
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Next week My Favorite Things About Christmas. What Christmas Traditions do and your family observe on Christmas Eve and Day? Or during the month of December? I look forward to hearing from you.
Views: 282
Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged Australia, Charm Me Again, Christmas, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Sweden, Tena Stetler, Traditions by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Charm Me Again by Tena Stetler #MFRWHooks
#MFRWhooks this week we take a look at CHARM ME AGAIN! A mysterious tale of enchanted tools of the trade set in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and a Scottish Highland Ghost, with nowhere to go. Breaking the curse is only the first step to forever. Pssst… Charm Me Again is also available in audiobook. Take a listen!
So pull up a chair and get comfy, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about CHARM ME AGAIN!
Click on the cover to read more or purchase!
How CHARM ME AGAIN began:
For several months a Scottish Highland Ghost has haunted Daylan, in his personal life, his professional life and at his forge. Yet, being a talented warlock, he is no closer to discovering what the ghost wants or why he chose Daylan. A trip to his estranged sister’s home in Colorado may have unforeseen consequences especially when family history leads him to a shocking discovery.
As his attraction blooms for Josie, a yoga instructor in his sister’s studio, he realizes there may be more to Josie than he can imagine. When an ancient rogue Fae Warrior set on revenge kidnaps her in an attempt to claim her as his own, a devastating curse comes to light.
Daylan’s world spirals out of control as he searches for Josie. Can he break the age old curse to save her and their future, or will she be lost to him forever?
A peek between the pages of CHARM ME AGAIN:
She swallowed hard and blinked.
Out of the mist, in full Scottish regalia, a ghost stood, his transparent red and green belted plaid blowing in the breeze.
She shook her head, closed her eyes, scrubbed her hands over her eyes, and blinked them open. “What the hell?” burst from her lips before she could control herself. “It’s some kind of bad dream. Right?” She rubbed her eyes again opening only one this time. “Shit, you’re all still here.” She dropped her arms to her sides and glared at Daylan then Summer. “Someone better tell me what’s going on—right now.” Her hands fisted and unfisted at her sides.
Daylan returned her scathing look. “Later.”
“We meet again Shay.” The ghost said. “What kind of attire are ye wearing?”
“Never mind. Ye are the cause of the problem, Daylan.” The leader glared at the ghost.
“Oh, no—not this time,” the ghost said.
Daylan stood straight. “No way. I’m not taking the blame for this.”
Shay grinned. “Oh, now things are falling in place.” He pointed a finger at Daylan. “You are his namesake and that is why Khellan has returned.” He flicked a finger at the ghost. “And you have attached to your namesake hoping he or his twin can break the curse. What a tangle.” Shifting his gaze to her, he continued. “This young lass is caught in the middle with naught power to protect herself.”
“For god sakes. She’s mortal. How can she be caught in the middle?” Daylan shouted. “She shouldn’t even be able to see what’s happening.”
“Yet she does. Something to think about.” Shay shrugged one shoulder. “She is besotted with you, as you are with her. The lass’s blood may be diluted, but it’s there. The cycle begins again.”
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
Views: 280
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Charm Me Again, Christmas, Colorado, ghosts, magic, Paranormal Romance, Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Scottish Highland, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 9 comments.
Interview with Nikki Zakocs – Narrator
I want to introduce you to a gem of a narrator. Give a Spooktacular welcome to Nikki Zakocs, audiobook narrator. She has narrated two of my books (so far), CHARM ME AGAIN (available now) and HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC (available by year end). Pssst… she’ll be working on Chocolate Raspberry Magic (due out April 2021) 4th book in A Witch’s Journey plus it’s one of the One Scoop or Two series from The Wild Rose Press. Working with Nikki to bring my books and characters alive was an absolute blast. She is professional, courteous, and a talented narrator. Scroll down to the bottom for an audio sample of Charm Me Again. Now lets see what makes Nikki tick.
Tell us about yourself.
- I was a teacher by profession, but have always loved the Arts. Theatre, film, music. I stayed at home with my kids when they were young and came upon audiobook narrating through a casting call for my son. He was a child actor. When I realized it was something I could do on my own schedule and it involved reading and acting, it was a no brainer.
- I am a full time narrator.
- I did theatre as a child and teenager. I do not think it is essential. But a love of story telling and performing is what is important, in my opinion.
- Yes, I am an audiobook listener. I have been listening to books on audio for years, way back when they were books on tape. I love hearing a story. Especially on long car rides or walks. I love that you can do something else while being transported to another place and time.
- I don’t think I am suited for books with a lot of violence in them. I have turned down a couple of books because after I read the entire book, it just wasn’t a good fit for me.
- I love to work closely with authors. I feel it it’s a team effort and the closer we work together the better the finished product will be.
- I have not yet been recognized for my voice, but I hope to be some day!
- I always connect with at least one character in a book. I find something I have in common and I become that character. This is how I really get into the book and it makes it easy to tell the story.
- Yes, I read reviews. I love the good ones, and the not so good ones are taken with a grain of salt. I know not to take it personally. I can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. The comments I find most constructive are the ones that give details of why they like/dislike my narration.
- My dream author would be Phillipa Gregory. But I will have to work on my British accent a lot. That is why it is a dream.
SPEED ROUND for a little added fun: Take it away Nikki-
Favorite movie: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Favorite book: Kane and Abel
Last Book Read: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Favorite Color: Midnight Blue
Stilettos, Tennies or Flipflops: Flip Flops
Coffee or Tea: Coffee
Ebook or audio book or paper back: Love all 3
Pencil or pen: Pen
Favorite Song : Stevie Nicks, Landslide
Streak or not: Streak – after a couple glasses of wine
Favorite Dessert: Tiramisu
Favorite Junk Food: Cheese Popcorn
Favorite thing to do to relax: Lay in the sun with a drink and a good book
Champagne or gin: Champagne
Paranormal or Historical; Tie between paranormal and historical
WonderWoman, Superman, Aquaman, Batman, Top Model: Wonder Woman
Favorite TV Show: Big Bang Theory
Hot or cold: Hot
POV: 1st Person
I’d die if I don’t have my pets
Review or not: Always Review
Nikki Zakocs Biography
Nikki lives in sunny Arizona where she records in her professional home studio. A love of learning, reading and the arts has created her passion for narrating books. With a Master’s degree in Education and Literacy, she spent many years reading to her students, many who were English language learners. Nikki is passionate about education, child advocacy and a true animal lover with a home full of pets. When she is not a party of one in a small padded room, she enjoys travel, photography and a good cup of coffee with a piece of cake.
Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiZakocs
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NZakocs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkizakocs/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-zakocs/
Thank you so much Nikki for stopping by to chat with us. I look forward to working with you again very soon.
Charm Me Again: – Breaking the curse is only the first step to forever.
Daylan, a warlock, is being haunted, but what the ghost wants is a mystery. His magical powers bring him no closer to an answer—until he encounters Josie, a Yoga instructor.
But when she is kidnapped by an ancient Fae Warrior set on revenge Daylan must rescue her before the rogue claims her as his own. During his quest, his world spirals out of control, and a devastating curse comes to light. Could the ghost hold the answers he needs?
Can he break the age-old curse to save Josie and their future, or will Daylan lose her forever?
Hidden Gypsy Magic – (Due out by 12-31-20) – Discover the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic!
The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.
The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.
Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.
Views: 297
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Charm Me Again, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Nikki Za, Nikki Zakocs-Narrator, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
CHARM ME AGAIN – 99¢ Sale – #MFRWHooks
#MFRWhooks this week we take one more look at award winning CHARM ME AGAIN! A mysterious tale of enchanted tools of the trade set in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and a Scottish Highland Ghost, with nowhere to go. Breaking the curse is only the first step to forever.
So pull up a chair and get comfy, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about CHARM ME AGAIN! Psst… Charm Me Again is on sale for 99 cents for a limited time. Don’t miss out! Download your copy today and join the adventure!
How CHARM ME AGAIN began:
For several months a Scottish Highland Ghost has haunted Daylan, in his personal life, his professional life and at his forge. Yet, being a talented warlock, he is no closer to discovering what the ghost wants or why he chose Daylan. A trip to his estranged sister’s home in Colorado may have unforeseen consequences especially when family history leads him to a shocking discovery.
As his attraction blooms for Josie, a yoga instructor in his sister’s studio, he realizes there may be more to Josie than he can imagine. When an ancient rogue Fae Warrior set on revenge kidnaps her in an attempt to claim her as his own, a devastating curse comes to light.
Daylan’s world spirals out of control as he searches for Josie. Can he break the age old curse to save her and their future, or will she be lost to him forever?
A peek between the pages of CHARM ME AGAIN: The hook
Without warning, Shay and his Fae warriors materialized beside the group. An eyebrow raised, he nodded. “We’ll take it from here.”
“Not with Josie inside,” he protested.
A loud boom shook the ground and the side wall of the building collapsed. Purple smoke billowed up and Shay cursed. “Get him. Don’t let him get away.” The warriors rushed forward toward the building. A column of the purple haze rose upward and spread across the sky dimming to lilac. Shay and the warriors disappeared with the haze after one of their own.
Josie stumbled out coughing and choking. Daylan rushed to her side as she collapsed in his arms holding her hands out, palms up. The group formed a circle around them as he eased her to the ground.
Summer’s eyes widened as she pointed to the subtle orange glow rising from Josie’s palms. “I believe her latent magic must have saved her.”
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
Views: 300
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, Charm Me Again, Paranormal Romance, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 11 comments.
