Here we are with back-to-back reviews! This morning I want to share something new that I think is simply fantastic: an Orthodox wall calendar specifically for families and children. Love and Joy was created by three very talented Orthodox moms in Kentucky. What a blessing that God brought them together to form Draw Near Designs!

It’s set up like a regular calendar for the most part. Each month features several saints, is marked with feasts and fasts (new calendar), and includes an appropriate illustration.

When you turn the page you find that month’s activities. For each month there is a recipe, a craft, and either a bible verse or prayer to memorize. These pages are sprinkled with illustrations as well. 

Personally I think this makes a perfect gift for godchildren! Parents can help children write in their namedays or the feast day of their family’s patron saint. I suspect these will be very popular this Christmas so you might not want to wait to order a calendar. You can order them here. 

In addition, Draw Near Designs offers a coloring book, iconographic drawings, and more. You can even (at time time of this posting) purchase some of the original paintings used in the wall calendar! Definitely stop by when doing your Christmas shopping.