Holiday Cheer Returns to Birmingham: Christmas Village Festival

October 28, 2026October 27, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

For generations of Birmingham families, the true start of Christmas cheer is a trip to the Christmas Village Festival. This beloved shopping tradition and local favorite returns to The BJCC November 4-8, 2026, featuring more than 700 local, regional, and national vendors offering one-of-a-kind holiday finds. Now in its 45th year, this year’s edition transforms The BJCC into a festive wonderland filled with decorations and brimming with holiday spirit. Guests can expect to find a wide range of holiday gifts, décor, gourmet food and handcrafted items, from personalized ornaments and jewelry to unique children’s toys and games.

Christmas Village Decor — Shop 700+ vendors at the Christmas Village Festival on November 4-8, 2026. Buy tickets online and save $3 when you use the promo code BCFM.

“We love bringing the holiday cheer to Birmingham every year. The BJCC is transformed into a winter wonderland for our 45th year celebration,” said Kelsey Jackson, Show Manager. “We’ve been running for more than four decades, and so the show is part of annual holiday tradition for families and friend groups. We love that they can leave the rest of the world behind and enjoy the holiday spirit with the seasonal music, gorgeous décor, gift ideas and the Christmas trees and holiday lights.” To help guests shop for those perfect gifts, Christmas Village Festival includes Merry Money. Guests can register for $25 in Merry Money that can be used at the show like cash toward purchases at any show vendor. One winner will be drawn every hour during show hours. And one lucky winner will get $100 Grand Prize Daily. In addition to Merry Money, other show highlights include:

Grab your friends and get ready to kick off your holiday shopping at Christmas Village Festival happening at the BJCC on November 4-8, 2026.
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. One of the season’s biggest celebrities appears at the show daily to hear children’s holiday wishes and to capture classic Christmas memories with photos. Santa Claus appears daily during Christmas Village Festival hours. Upgraded photo packages are available for a fee with Backroad Pix.
Christmas Village Exclusives. Here’s a show hack for festive and frugal shoppers: many of the vendors extend exclusive show offers for guests.
Give Back. *New* to the show this year is a Festive Cheer Booth from Jimmie Hale Mission. Guests can share the gift of hope by entering the phone booth and recording an inspirational video message for those navigating recovery.

Party Season Prep. With both Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, the show provides entertaining inspiration and décor items to deck those halls and ‘scape those tables in advance of visiting family and friends.

Box office general adult admission (ages 13+) tickets are $18, box office general child’s admission (ages 6-12) are $7, and children ages five and under are free (box office only). Advance online tickets are available online at christmasvillagefestival.com. Use the promo code BCFM to save $3 on early shopper tickets. Show hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. –7 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. –5 p.m. For more information on the show, visit christmasvilagefestival.com. †

October 27, 2026October 26, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Want to be encouraged in your faith when you open your mailbox? The Revival Letters, created by local artist and publisher Amanda Cheatwood, is a monthly letter of art, prayer, and encouragement mailed directly to you.

A Passion for Art. Cheatwood has created art since she was a young child. She started to sell her artwork while living in Alaska, where she painted wildlife. The Lord then put it on her heart to start painting as an act of worship. She began painting at churches and church conferences around the world. “The farthest away I’ve painted is Israel. It is a really fantastic, Holy Spirit adventure,” Cheatwood says, adding, “It’s really so satisfying to share not only what the Lord has put on my heart, but also to share what’s happening around the world. I’ve interviewed missionaries, I’ve interviewed everyday people being the hands and feet of Jesus. And my goal is to create more connection with the Lord, not just the divine side of Him, but also His creative side and His goodness.” Cheatwood shares not only her art, but also books, podcasts, and articles through Revival House Publishing. “It’s a broad spectrum. I worked for many years in publishing and have a love for that also. So, this allows me to bring it all into one package,” Cheatwood explains. Her work, through Revival House Publishing, reaches readers in more than 90 countries! In fact, her furthest subscriber lives in Norway.

Amanda and Laurie — Click here to watch a video interview with The Revival Letters creator Amanda Cheatwood and find a sneak peek of Gift the Season.

The Revival Letters. “Each month, subscribers receive a fresh painting that the Lord gives me. There’s always a message that goes with it. So, not only am I sharing my art, but also a personal message to my readers,” Cheatwood explains. Every envelope includes a fine-art print, a personal letter, prayer points, a quote card, a dispatch about revival happening around the world, a worship playlist, and extra surprises. At $19.95 a month, The Revival Letters is designed to be “a monthly rhythm that draws you back toward His presence and keeps you close to the people seeking Him alongside you.” Every month brings a new painting, theme, and message.

Gift the Season. As an introduction to The Revival Letters, Cheatwood has created Gift the Season, a three-month gift subscription that mails in December, January, and February. The December delivery is an 8 x 10 print of Cheatwood’s Christmas painting with a special Christmas letter, followed by two monthly letters in the new year. At $59, it is a $95 value and makes a great gift for anyone on your Christmas list. “Everything ships straight to the recipient, and the giver receives a tracking email each time a mailing goes out,” Cheatwood says. “If givers want the Christmas painting for themselves, they can choose ‘add a print for yourself ’ while checking out.” Order by December 7, 2026 for arrival before Christmas.

To learn more about Gift the Season and The Revival Letters, visit TheRevivalLetters.com. Watch the video interview below to hear more about the heart and inspiration behind The Revival Letters. †

October 28, 2026October 20, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Christmas gift boxes laid out 210459529

Christmas Gift Guide

Looking for gift ideas for the people on your Christmas shopping list? We’ve gathered some great ideas for you in our Christmas Gift Guide.

Give a Gift That Keeps Jesus at the Center of Christmas

For families looking for a meaningful Christmas gift that goes beyond what is wrapped under the tree, Miracle in a Manger offers something special: a tradition designed to help children experience the true meaning of Christmas throughout the entire month of December. Created by working mom and business owner Kim Busbea, Miracle in a Manger grew from a desire she had within her own family—to keep Jesus at the center of a season filled with excitement, activities and gifts. She wanted the story of Christ’s birth to be something children would anticipate and enjoy, while giving parents a simple way to talk about faith together each day.

The experience begins December 1 when an angel arrives with an empty manger, a storybook about the birth of Jesus and an activity card featuring a Bible verse. Each day, children choose from three activities. After completing one, the angel brings a piece of hay the following day to place in the manger. Little by little, the manger fills as Christmas approaches, creating a visual reminder that the family is preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And unlike some holiday characters, this angel is meant to be touched, hugged, held and enjoyed! Activities range from simple acts such as praying for someone, giving a hug or holding a door to reading Scripture or visiting a local fire department. Families can choose what works for their schedule and the ages of their children. Behind the fun is an even greater purpose: helping children understand that Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth, that they are deeply loved by Him, and that faith can be lived out through kindness, generosity and service to others. To learn more and shop the collection, visit miracleinamanger.com and follow @MiracleInAManger on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Learn more about the inspiration behind Miracle in a Manger in this video interview.

Personalized Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Looking for thoughtful and personalized gift ideas? The Ornament Nook, located at The Shops of Grand River in Leeds, Ala., offers a wide variety of personalized Christmas ornaments, gifts, and holiday décor. “We have a little bit of everything, and we want customers to feel Christmas when they come into the store,” shares store manager Amber Nichols.

When visitors enter the store, they will find walls of ornaments with a wide range of themes- from snowmen to sports to careers to baby’s first Christmas to family ornaments and more! “We have something for everybody,” Nichols explains. Almost everything in the store can be personalized for free. In addition to exclusive ornaments, the store is also home to adorable Christmas home décor and gifts.

While this is the first year the Ornament Nook store is located in The Shops of Grand River, they have been in Alabama for more than 12 years. Additional locations include Gadsden and Anniston. To learn more, visit www.ornamentnook.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Watch the video interview to peek inside the Ornament Nook store at The Shops of Grand River and learn more about what you will find when you visit.

Give the Gift of a Clean House

A clean house is an amazing gift any time of the year. Did you know you can purchase gift certificates from Molly Maid of Birmingham? These gift certificates are a thoughtful gift idea for anyone. Gift certificates can be purchased at mollymaid.com/gift-certificates.

October 13, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Christmas Gift Guide

Learn more from Miracle in a Manger creator Kim Busbea in this video.

September 29, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

“Into the lions’ den I go…” One year ago, Peggy Wirgau’s To Outwit Them All was released, taking readers into the dangerous and intriguing world of Revolutionary War espionage. Now, as we celebrate the book’s first anniversary, its story is especially timely as America commemorates its 250th birthday.

To Outwit Them All cover — To Outwit Them All by Peggy Wirgau takes readers into the world of Revolutionary War espionage.

Set in 1779, To Outwit Them All follows Betty Floyd, the niece of a man who risked his life by signing the Declaration of Independence. Despite her Patriot family ties, Betty embraces the social world of British-occupied New York, attending balls and soirees alongside officers of the Crown.

But when a soldier she has befriended is murdered at a British prison, Betty can no longer ignore the war raging around her. She is drawn into General George Washington’s covert spy network, the Culper Ring, where her social connections become the perfect cover for gathering intelligence.

As Betty dances with the enemy, she catches the attention of the charming Major John André, Britain’s Director of Intelligence. What follows is a dangerous balancing act between loyalty to her country and her growing feelings for André—all while a traitorous plot involving Benedict Arnold threatens to expose her and place the entire spy ring in danger.

With America celebrating 250 years of independence in 2026, To Outwit Them All is the perfect read for anyone looking to experience the Revolution from a new perspective. Filled with intrigue, danger, romance, and the high-stakes world of espionage, this captivating story reminds us that the fight for American independence was shaped not only on battlefields but also in the shadows.

Celebrate one year of To Outwit Them All by adding it to your reading list during this historic anniversary year. Available wherever books are sold. Learn more at shop.ironstreammedia.com. †

September 29, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

The Family Pet

In medieval Europe, black cats became tangled in tales of magic, while other folklore celebrated them as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. They have been feared, celebrated, immortalized, and woven into stories for hundreds of years. The month of October has a way of putting black cats in the spotlight, but Nugget and Coal Train aren’t interested in being spooky.

They’re far too busy being silly, tackling dust bunnies, playing paper ball soccer, and falling asleep upside down in laps while revving their tiny motors. These velveteen mini panthers are everything kittens should be – happy, curious, social, and just mischievous enough to keep life fun. They are currently being raised in foster homes alongside children, cats, and dogs.

Nugget is a happy and curious boy ready to make your life fun.

If your home could use more purring, laughter, and a little harmless kitty nonsense, consider this your opportunity to save nine lives. Good fortune may not arrive with a four-leaf clover after all. It just might show up wearing whiskers! Applications are open now at twobytworescue.com.

Two by Two Rescue is a 501(c)(3) faith-based rescue whose mission is to give life to abandoned, abused, and unwanted companion animals. Saving animal lives for more than 23 years, the rescue is foster home based and operates out of Birmingham, Ala. †

September 29, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Get ready to become Greek for the weekend during the 53rd Annual Birmingham Greek Food Festival on October 1–3, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church. Birmingham’s oldest and most anticipated cultural event, the Greek Food Festival is a celebration of food, music, dancing, faith, and community. For four generations, Birmingham’s Greek community has welcomed the city with an act of love and hospitality—and thousands of returning patrons have made the festival a beloved annual tradition.

Greek Festival Food — Enjoy delicious Greek entrees and pastries at the Greek Food Festival on October 1-3, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Festival-goers can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine prepared homemade by parishioners using fresh, high-quality ingredients. From savory entrees to delicious Greek pastries, every dish offers a taste of Greece and the generations-old recipes cherished by the community. In addition to great food, visitors can enjoy Greek music, traditional dancing, and a warm, spirited atmosphere that welcomes everyone like family. Greek dancers of all ages will perform throughout all three days of the festival. The open-air festival offers free admission, with tented outdoor seating available for dining. A convenient drive-thru will also be available. Food plates are individually priced, while Greek pastries will be pre-packaged and available for purchase in the food lines. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the Greek Marketplace, featuring Mediterranean and Orthodox souvenirs and specialty items.

Inside of Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church — Guests of the Greek Food Festival are invited to tour the beautiful Holy Trinity – Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 307 19th Street South, Birmingham, 35233.

The festival also provides an opportunity to experience the historic Holy Trinity– Holy Cross Greek Orthodox parish, chartered in 1906 and recognized as the fourth-oldest Greek Orthodox parish in the Southeast. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the church throughout the festival and learn more about its beautiful Byzantine interior and Orthodox Christian traditions. Parishioners will be available to answer questions. School and church groups are encouraged to call ahead to schedule a tour.

Since 1972, the Birmingham Greek Food Festival has donated more than $3 million to local and national charities, demonstrating the Greek community’s longstanding commitment to giving back. The 2026 festival beneficiaries are Food For Our Journey, Life on Wheels Birmingham, and The Foundry Ministries. The Greek Food Festival is made possible through the dedication of the parishioners of Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church and the generous support of festival sponsors. For more details, visit GreekFestBirmingham.com. †

September 29, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

The Home Front

When I was a little girl, I loved going to my Grandpa and Granny’s house. Lonnie and Opal Ilene Campbell did things in what was considered the old-fashioned way of the 1960s and ’70s. Now the funny thing is people are trying to go back to the way things were done then. You see, my Grandpa and Granny still lived farm-to-table just like their ancestors did before them. Their families had taught them to be self-sufficient just. They grew a big family garden with everything from potatoes to peanuts to corn to tomatoes to okra.

Danna with mom and granddaughter holding fried apple pies — Danna with her granddaughter Leah and her mother Shirley making Granny Campbell’s Fried Apple Pies.

Granny Campbell made the very best fried apple pies. If we got to her house and found apples drying in the sun, it was a heavenly sight. We grandchildren would play in the yard and sneak a dried apple or two when she wasn’t looking. They were very sweet and warm and leathery and chewy with lots of concentrated tart apple flavor. My Granny would gather her apples as they ripened from her apple trees. When she had a basket or two, she would wash, peel, and thinly slice them. Grandpa had an old piece of tin laid on two sawhorses and placed it where it would get a whole day’s sun. A clean cloth was spread across the tin, and the apples were spread out on the cloth. The apples were placed in the sun daily until they were dried enough to store in a flour sack.

When Granny was going to fry up some apple pies, she would get about a double handful of the dried apples and put them in a saucepan and cover them with about twice as much water as apples. She would get them to a boil, and then turn them to simmer until the apples absorbed the water and were soft. After adding sugar and a little cinnamon, the apples appeared dark and thick but not runny. She would make her regular biscuit dough, roll it out thin, and use a saucer to cut the dough for the pie, place a tablespoon of apple filling on the crust, fold it over, and press the edges of the crust together with a fork. After all the pies were made, Granny used an iron skillet with enough lard to fry them in. After frying one side, she turned them and fried the other. It was always a treat when Granny made her fried apple pies!

-Danna Standridge, Author of What’s Cooking with Danna, Y’all? and Happiness is Homemade Y’all! For speaking engagements and cooking demonstrations, email [email protected]. Join her in the kitchen on Facebook @DannaSwannStandridge and YouTube @dannastandridge8749.

Granny Campbell’s Fried Apple Pies

Go to the Apple Farm and get a basket of apples. Wash, peel, and thinly slice. Place in a home dehydrator according to directions and dry apples. When dried, store in a covered container until use or store in a zip lock freezer bag in freezer. When ready to make pies, add a couple handfuls of dried apples to pan, add enough water that is about double the amount of apples, bring to a boil then turn to simmer. Cover with lid. Cook until all water is absorbed, season with sugar and spices to your taste. Apples should be dark, thick, and not runny. Make your favorite biscuit dough and place in refrigerator for an hour for ease of handling. Roll dough out as making biscuits. Use a biscuit cutter to cut. Now take the rolling pin and flatten into a circle. Add a tablespoon of apples, fold, and crimp with a fork. Fry in cooking oil in a deep fryer or pan. Turn over as needed to brown both sides. Place on a paper towel to cool.

September 29, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Parenting Points

Kids thrive on knowing what comes next. They look forward to birthday parties, family vacations, soccer games, and time with friends. When plans suddenly change, disappointment can feel enormous. A canceled event, unexpected move, friendship change, or family challenge can leave children wondering why things didn’t happen the way they hoped. These moments, while difficult, offer parents valuable opportunities to teach children one of life’s most important lessons: we can trust God even when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (ESV). That’s a powerful verse, but learning to live it takes practice. Children often learn trust by watching how the adults around them respond to uncertainty. When plans change, allow your kids to express their disappointment. Trusting God doesn’t mean pretending we’re never sad, frustrated, or confused. Instead of immediately trying to fix their feelings, listen. A simple response such as, “I know you were really looking forward to that,” communicates that their feelings matter. Then gently remind them that even though the situation surprised us, it didn’t surprise God. Parents can also share age-appropriate examples of times their own plans changed, and God ultimately brought something good from the situation. Not every disappointment will have an obvious happy ending, but these stories help children recognize God’s faithfulness through life’s unexpected turns.

Scripture is filled with people whose plans changed dramatically. Joseph certainly didn’t expect to be sold into slavery. Ruth didn’t plan to become a young widow in a foreign land. Jesus’ disciples often discovered that following Him took them in directions they never anticipated. Yet God remained present and continued working through circumstances they couldn’t understand. Families can practice trusting God together by turning unexpected moments into opportunities for prayer. When something doesn’t go as planned, pause and pray: “God, this isn’t what we expected. Help us trust You and show us what You want us to do next.”

We can also teach children to look for new opportunities hidden within changed plans. A canceled outing might create unexpected family time. A new school could lead to a meaningful friendship. Disappointment might build patience, compassion, or perseverance. We cannot promise our kids that life will unfold as they plan. We can give them something better: the assurance that wherever life takes them, God goes with them. Plans change. Circumstances change. But God’s presence, love, and faithfulness remain.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Writer and Speaker

Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries

benbirdsong.com

September 28, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Church Leaders

Each month, Birmingham Christian Family highlights a local church leader who is making a difference in our community. Greg Olexa attends Shades Mountain Baptist Church and formed the “Project 729” men’s ministry in 2013 to live out the church’s motto to “Live Sent.”

Project 729 yard work — Project 729 meets each month to bless someone in the community by completing needed repairs including yard work, painting, and light carpentry.

1. What inspired you to start this men’s ministry? I started the group out a desire to get men together in fellowship serving the community. I saw that men were wanting to serve others, but did not seem to have many options that provided a monthly connection opportunity. The men that participate in Project 729 are passionate about serving others in their time of need through yard work, painting and light carpentry repair.

2. What is the significance behind Project 729’s name? The name of the ministry comes from the time focus that has been a large part of the ministry’s success. We start our Saturday monthly project promptly at 7 a.m. and finish promptly at 9 a.m. thus the name Project 729. I found that men don’t mind showing up to a work project if they know what to expect.

Project 729 in action — Project 729 doesn’t require a commitment. They just encourage you to show up if you can.

3. Who does Project 729 serve? The ministry focuses on yard maintenance primarily for widows and the elderly in our congregation, single mothers and those needing a little extra help. We also have committed to a few area schools, and we occasionally assist the Vestavia Hills Police Department with code enforcement needs throughout the Vestavia community. To date, we have completed more than 143 projects in the 13-year period. It has been a very rewarding experience to be a part of serving individuals in our community and to provide a ministry outlet for men who desire to ” Live Sent” together.

4. How has the ministry grown over the years? We currently have 214 men on our email distribution list! We tell the men when the project is, who it will be serving, the location and what tools to bring. We never require a commitment- just show up if you can. We usually have between 15-25 men attend each month.

If you would like to learn more about starting a Project 729 at your church, email Greg Olexa at [email protected].

– Learn more about churches in our area, including Shades Mountain Baptist Church, at BirminghamChristian.com/findachurch. Are you or someone you know a Church Leader in Central Alabama we should feature? Click here to complete the Church Leader Q&A.

Holiday Cheer Returns to Birmingham: Christmas Village Festival

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