The Art of Gift Giving + A Special Gift Giveaway

Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to spend some time with us. With Christmas around the corner, I know how precious every minute can be. You've all made the release of Seven Brides for Seven Texans so much fun, and I hope you are blessed by each of the stories.

And our celebration will continue this weekend with Erica Vetsch bringing us another Behind the Scenes Sneak Peek. Then, starting Monday, Amanda Barratt with take over hostess duties. Join her as she shares more about her story, "The Truest Heart." The remaining four authors will follow on the subsequent weeks. Seven authors. Seven weeks of fun. Seven weeks of giveaways.

Speaking of giveaways, Susan P. is the winner of yesterday's giveaway. Susan if you'll leave your e-mail in your comments, I'll get Shannon's book sent out to you.

Today, if your name is drawn,  I'll be presenting a gift of Seven Brides for Seven Texans to someone you choose as a gift and one for you. The book will be a gift from you and I, and you won't have to share your own. It's Christmas--the time to give gifts.

Tis the Season

What's your favorite part of Christmas? Is it the magic of it all? The time spent with family?

If you asked most children, they'd say the presents are their favorite part. And who doesn't like a gift?

According to a New York Times article, "They have found that giving gifts is a surprisingly complex and important part of human interaction, helping to define relationships and strengthen bonds with family and friends. Indeed, psychologists say it is often the given, rather than the recipient, who reaps the biggest psychological gains from a gift."

As I was writing the "Heart of Texas", I wanted Chisholm to use the love language of gift giving. He needed to go out of his way to show Caro that he cared, but where was he going to find a gift on a ranch? And how would spicy Caro receive his gift?

He actually gives her two gifts and one of them is a bouquet of bluebonnets. I'll keep the other a secret. The flowers were a simple gift, but they spoke volumes to Caro. It made her open her heart to possibilities, and the gift helped strengthen their bond. It helped Chisholm realize his growing feelings and his desire to take care of Caro.

According to Dr. Evelyn Langer, a Stanford psychology professor, when we five to others it reinforces our feeling for them and makes us feel effective and caring. The biggest effect of giving gifts is actually on ourselves. There's a lot of pleasure in giving and knowing you've taken care of someone.

Hmmm, I guess Chisholm was ahead of his time.

So, let's talk about meaningful gifts. What do you think makes a good gift? Why are gifts important in our culture? What are some of the best gifts you've received? Any romantic gifts you're willing to share? If your name is selected for the Seven Brides for Seven Texans gifting, who would you want it given to? Why?

As you purchase your gifts this year, remember the following:

Hint: Seven Brides for Seven Texans is a gift that can go on everyone's list.

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Lorna Seilstad

Lorna Seilstad brings history back to life using a generous dash of humor. She is the author of the Lake Manawa Summers Series and the Gregory Sisters Series and is a Carol historical romance finalist. She and her husband are almost empty-nesters and call Iowa home. 

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