Having recently visited Hawaii, I was impressed by the Hawaiin culture and the traditions that have been passed from generation to generation. Many of the Hawaiin people are talented artists, making jewelry with beads, shells and various types of seeds. Some do wood carving, and some people make beautiful quilts and wall hangings.

In many ways the Hawaiin people remind me of my Amish friends, whose culture is based on the traditions and values of their forefathers. The Amish are also talented at their crafts, many of which include woodworking and quilt making.

In my own family, we have certain traditions that have been passed down from our parents and grandparents. It is these traditions that have molded and shaped us into who we are. My husband’s heritage is German, and on my mother’s side, I also have a German heritage. One particular tradition for me is making stuffed cabbage rolls, which my mother called “Galoushka”. Whenever I fix stuffed cabbage rolls I think about all the times my mother made it for our family when I was a girl. I also made sure to teach our daughter how to make the cabbage rolls so she could continue with our family tradition.

What traditions do you have in your family? How have those traditions impacted your life?

When Meredith, the heroine in my upcoming Discovery series, was faced with hard times, several friends and family members offered her acts of kindness, which helped get Meredith through some great difficulties.

During the holiday season, my husband, Richard, sent one of his cousins a copy of his photography book, “A Portrait of Amish Life,” along with one of his 2013 Amish Country Calendars. Little did he know that the same day the gifts arrived was the anniversary of the death of his cousin’s father, and she was feeling down. She called and told Richard that the unexpected gift lifted her spirits and helped get her through the day.

We may never know what impact our acts of kindness have had on someone’s life. That’s why it’s important to think of others–especially during the holidays. What acts of kindness have you done for someone recently? Or what acts of kindness were done to you?

For the last few weeks I’ve been decorating the inside of our home for Christmas, while my husband puts decorations and lights on the outside of the house. The decorations, Christmas cards, and gifts I’ve wrapped have brought back many Christmas memories from the past.

One of my favorite Christmas memories as a young girl is the year I was chosen to play the part of Mary in our church Christmas pageant. I can still remember the joy I felt that evening when the choir sang “Silent Night, Holy Night, All is calm, All is bright.”

Whenever I see a nativity scene, I’m in awe of God’s love. Isn’t it wonderful to know that He loves us so much that He sent His only Son to earth as a baby? Jesus, the Savior of the world, was crucified for the redemption of our sins so that we may have eternal life. What better gift could anyone receive?

What is your favorite Christmas memory, and how did it impact your life?