I love blogging. Thanks to blogging, I've been given a prompt to think about Christmas. In July. Storkie, a company that sells fine stationery and greeting cards is asking bloggers to write about Christmas in July. And I'm happy to oblige because Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I've been in a bit of a funk lately, and I could use a little Christmas spirit in my life.

Christmas is amazing because it's a time of giving, of thinking of others and ways to make them happy. For me, it's not about commercialism in the gift giving. I love taking the time to think about what each person would like and truly trying to deliver a gift that they will enjoy, maybe even treasure. I love listening to festive Christmas music and sitting down to address Christmas cards, adding a personal message to each one.  My favorite are photo cards that show how my kids have grown. I also love Christmas shopping. It's such fun to get together with friends for a day to shop til we drop - I can't wait until 2011 black friday.

Why don't we send cards or letters at other times throughout the year or give a special gift with some real thought behind it simply because it will make someone happy? I make it a policy to hug my children and tell them I love them each day. In that way, I'm hoping this always helps to reinforce my feelings for them and let them know I'm always here for them. I'd like to bring a little Christmas spirit into my everyday life and remember to be giving to all the people who are important to me.

It doesn't have to be about spending money. I love sending cards for no reason. And email is so convenient. I think I'll take some time this weekend to send notes or cards to some special friends and loved ones to let them know I'm thinking of them. I'll play fun music around the house just because, to bring some fun into the atmosphere. And while I'm out shopping with my daughter for our girls' day out, I'll be on the lookout for small trinkets or items on sale that might brighten someone's day.

I have a number of older neighbors in my mobile home park. There are surely things I can do to brighten their days. Just bringing the kids around to visit and say hello is a good start. We get so busy in our own lives. I'd like to show some Christmas cheer and giving on a more regular basis. Fellowship isn't just for the holidays. People are happy for companionship all year long.

Though this is a sponsored post by Storkie.com, I truly am glad to have had this chance to consider the Christmas theme and to contemplate on the mood and feelings that the holiday brings. You all know I try to take "Everyday Baby Steps" to making my life better. Invoking the spirit of the holidays in my ordinary life is a fabulous way to do that.

I am receiving compensation for this post, but the message and feelings are genuine. In what ways would you bring a little Christmas spirit into your life?

What exactly do you get the person who has everything? Or the person who is looking for adventure? The adrenaline junkie or the extremely hard to buy for person on your Christmas shopping list? I've just learned that there are companies out there that provide some of the most amazing christmas presents imaginable! I think that is just so innovative.

These sites offer experiences rather than just regular old gifts. Wouldn't it be amazing to give the love of your life a hot air balloon ride or a chance to ride in a real race car? You can actually give gifts like these and more. I had no idea! There are experiences for all budget levels, and I've learned that there are a wide variety of choices, like parasailing, jet skiing, scenic helicopter rides and more. What a fabulous option for gift giving!

There are gifts for men like yacht and sailing experiences or a ride in a tank. Who would've thought of such a thing? Heck, women who love a little adventure would go for these gifts as well. I certainly don't mean to stereotype. I had no idea there were such options out there in the world. I would personally LOVE to receive the gift of an experience. My fantasy gift would be that hot air balloon ride I mentioned earlier. With flowers, chocolate and champagne, since it's a fantasy and all!

Maybe, just maybe Bill will read this post and get some ideas. A girl can dream. Can't she? What do you think? Would you like the gift of a once in a lifetime experience? What would it be? Maybe you'd choose just such a present for your significant other. Tell me what you'd get. I'd love to hear about it!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

You all know I love Branson, right? My parents live in Missouri, about an hour and a half away from Branson. I wrote about our experience there this past spring and how we enjoyed ourselves. Yes, we would have had even more fun if two out of three kids hadn't been sick, but I still love Branson. One of these days, we'll take a trip there, and Norah will get to enjoy Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede.

I just read about some amazing deals going on at the Hiltons of Branson right now for the holidays. I sure wish Bill had the vacation time left; Branson looks like such an amazing time at Christmas! At the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing , you can get the It's a Wonderful Life package, starting at $329 per night. This package gives you a shopping, holiday, and relaxation experience all wrapped up in one with discounts to restaurants and shops as well as a treatment at Aspire Medical Spa.

The package I'd most like to take advantage of is the Santa's Coming To Town package at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. For $189 per night, your family can enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus and have presents, cookies, and milk delivered to your room by Santa himself! How cool is that? That would definitely make up for all the times we went to Branson when Norah was sick.

This time, I'd be sure to see other events besides Dixie Stampede. I'd really like to see the Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus, Always Patsy Cline, and Spirit of the Dance. Actually, there are tons of shows I'd like to see at Branson. I grew up on country and would enjoy Mickey Gilley, The Gatlin Brothers, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Wish I could pack my bags right now!

If you're thinking of taking a Christmas holiday, you should seriously consider Branson. There's so much to do, and you'd have family memories to last a lifetime.

Il Divo is a male quartet of singers from different countries and musical disciplines.  When these guys come together, it is magical.  I was so fortunate to receive two CD's to listen to and review.  I love music, and music with such beautiful harmonies as Il Divo is definitely high on my list of favorites.  

Wait until you hear it.  It's a bit of classical with an operatic pop edge.  Take a listen, and you'll understand what I mean.  You can hear Il Divo sing Amazing Grace here.  Aren't they amazing?  What do you think?  Didn't I tell you?  Amazing Grace is one of my favorite hymns and can be found on The Promise, The Luxury Edition with DVD.

Would you like to win a copy of The Promise for yourself?  How about a bonus CD, Il Divo's Christmas Collection?  I get out the Christmas music right after Thanksgiving and listen to it every day.  This CD is fantastic, just wonderful.  My favorite track is Ave Maria. Just leave me a comment here, and you'll be entered to win both of these beautiful CD's to add to your collection.  Comments must be received by Friday, December 12th at noon EST to win. Best of luck to you!