Are you looking for a great gift written by various LDS authors? Here are some outstanding books that will be perfect to find under the Christmas tree.

Christmas Rose, by Robyn Buttars, is a smallish sized book with a huge heart. It's a one-of-a-kind book that cuts across age boundaries limiting it to no one. This title has subtle meanings that sweetly underline the story. Young Rosie has the opportunity to live next to an elderly care center where her mama cooks the most delicious “pot roasts and vegetables, turkey and stuffing, pork chops and rice in their most favorite way.” Not only does Rosie help her mama after she gets off the school bus, but she has many wonderful growing experiences with the center's residents. One particular elderly friend, Bessie, teaches Rosie important life lessons. She shows Rosie how everyone living there is important and has much to give. One such person is Ina, who Rosie shrinks away from initially because of the terrible scars from a fire on Ina's face. But Bessie exclaims to Rosie that “Ina's one of the most beautiful people I have ever known. Look beyond her skin and you will see her lovely soul.” There is also subtlety in the miracle of special white roses that bloom in December. The story is a quick read making it the perfect read-aloud for a longer Family Home Evening or for the week leading up to Christmas Eve.

The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, by Deborah Pace Rowley, and illustrated by Dan Burr, is a beautiful picture book with the message of the love of Christ. Ten-year-old Walter knows his family is going to have a difficult Christmas. His father is very ill and unable to work . “ Walter watched the doctor and his mother after every visit. Their mouths would pinch together in tight lines, and they would whisper in the corner of the room.” This means that the wooden shoes that German children set outside on the doorstep on December 6 th would remain empty at Walter's house. But the next morning a miracle occurs at his house as he discovers that his wooden shoes are filled with candles and a scroll that reads: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12 . For the next several days, miracles continue until the greatest miracle of all, the missionaries come and give his father a Priesthood blessing. This touching story is all about celebrating the glory and love of Christ and what a great read-aloud for this Christmas season! There's even advice on how to share the miracle along with German Christmas traditions located in the back of the book.

Reflections of Christ, by Mark Mabry, is a unique picture book that follows the life of Christ through actual recreated photography. This celebrated photographer has the gift of delving into the imagery of what life might have looked like back in biblical times. These 25 scenes of Christ's life are breathtaking and powerful as Mr. Mabry has developed a book of a powerful and spiritual presence. This is the perfect book to set out on your table as a reminder of what Christmas is all about.

Sharing Christmas: Stories for the Season, is compilation of some of the best short stories of our time by both renowned members of the Church and celebrated authors. The theme is Christmas, but the stories are as varied as the wondrous old-fashioned Christmas card pictures throughout. Some of the stories include “The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Anderson, “Christmas Memories” by Joseph Fielding McConkie, “The Three Kings” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and “What Shall I Do Then with Jesus Which is Called Christ?” by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Beyond Bethlehem : A Book of Mormon Christmas, by David Bowman, is a smallish board book but it's geared for kids age five and up. It takes you through not only the New Testament of Christ's birth but also the Book of Mormon scriptures of what happened during this miraculous time. The text and illustrations are adapted and geared for kids so the interest and educational level is very high.

Now for two games that families will learn from and enjoy - The Book of Mormon Card Deck, by Bryan Beach, is filled with colorful characterizations of prophets and interesting people of note from the Book of Mormon. There are 6 possible games that can be played of which “Mormon Match” and “Crazy 8's” are but two. Blast from the Past: Create Your Own Mormon Timeline, will surely help give you the sense of when events happened in Church history as you attempt to place your ten cards chronologically and be the first to win! This activity will surely be begged to be played again and again during Family Home Evening for ages eight through adult.