DECEMBER MONTHLY ROUNDUP

From Mimi’s notepad 12.31.2026

Merry Christmas!

We had the pleasure of attending Christmas Mass in the Great Hall at St. John the Baptist in Edmond. During the homily (what Catholics call the sermon), Monsignor Novak spoke about the need during the messiest of times for something to offer renewal, to offer hope, to bring light.

The world was a mess when Baby Jesus arrived. He was born in a messy stable. His visitors — including the shepherds — were often the poorest people who lacked the simplest of comforts such as baths.

Monsignor spoke of a painting named Adoration of the Shepherds by Michelangelo Merisi de Caravaggio. The painting shows a more realistic image of how that visit may have gone. Poor Mary, exhausted as any new mother would be. Joseph, also exhausted from the stressful journey, protecting first Mary and now Baby Jesus. Yet in this painting, Baby Jesus reaches for His mother’s face as if to console her. To offer her hope and reassurance.

Monsignor reminded us that these modern times are no different. Our nation is fiercely divided with one side against the other; foreign countries are pitted against us. Collectively backs are turned away from those in need. It was a heavy topic.

The saving grace, so to speak, is the same as it was 2000 years ago: the hope delivered to you and me by the little baby Jesus. Little Jesus.

Somehow, our pintsize creators Viviana and Olivia already knew this. When they decided to write their stories and advise our illustrators on the artwork, they wanted the stories to mirror their lives. They wanted to imagine Little Jesus in predicaments and adventures similar to the ones these two little girls find themselves in. They wanted it real. They wanted it messy.

I shouldn’t be surprised that our book Little Jesus and the Bethlehem Birthday was our best seller this month. While the story feels perfect for Christmas, it is also the perfect version of a mother’s storytelling at bedtime. If you have not read it yet, I invite you to get your hands on a copy today! You can order directly from us, and we’ll add a personalized message.

As for our month, it was our busiest month so far! We had 4 in-person events! We added two more retailers to our family. And we finished up the edits on Book 7.

Keep reading for details!

Kiwanis International in Fort Smith

We were at Golden Corral bright and early on Friday, December 5, to hang out with the Kiwanis. We had such a good time talking about ministry to connect Littles to Jesus, the danger of AI and how to protect our content from malicious impersonators. And — several of them bought books and stuffies! Thank you, Jeff Adams, for the invitation.

Christkindl Market at St. Boniface in Fort Smith

What a spectacular event! I attended early elementary school at St. Boniface — even making my First Communion there. And my heavens, we saw dozens and dozens of people that we’ve known our whole lives. It was the most successful single-church event of our year. Pam Gramlich and her team did a phenomenal job putting it together. Danke, Pam, for including us!

Holiday Market at Immaculate Conception in Fort Smith, AR

The next Saturday we joined merrymakers at IC. Like at Christkindl, we knew many of the people who walked through the parish hall. Our favorite visitor this day was Eliza, a Little we’d met at Christkindl. Eliza’s mother, Kellye Sharum, participated in our “review a book on Amazon” contest for which she won a Wolfie keychain. Eliza is pictured here selecting her mom’s prized keychain.

We experienced another first — a fellow arrived at our booth with a shopping list from his wife! Louis and Kathy Neumeier visited us at Christkindl where they got a few books for their grandchildren. After reading the stories for themselves, they wanted more! This spoke volumes to us as Kathy is a retired school teacher.

And thank you, Surennah Werley, for including us at the Holiday Market.

Procrastinator’s Market in Norman, OK

Sometimes we have to be reminded that not everyone is ready for us! This market was held the day after the OU Sooners lost to that other team. And it was also graduation day.

Foot traffic was light BUT — and here we go again — someone came looking for us after meeting us at an event this past summer!! Olivia was also on hand and was fascinated that we were located on a hard dirt floor (inside a fair barn) just like the roads in Nazareth. How’s that for a little perspective?

Here We Grow Again!

More retailers join Team Little Jesus!

We are delighted to have a favorite local shop — The Now and Then Shoppe — add us to their children’s section. Back when brides registered for china, this is the store my husband and I chose! They are legendary for their collection of treasures. Joan Sloat does a marvelous job purveying specialty items, and we love that our books are now included.

And, drum roll, we are now in a shop in Northwest Arkansas! That’s right, we are in the Uniquely Catholic Gifts Store at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers. We always enjoy getting to know our partners. Julie Perrin and I have been chatting (and phone talking) for a couple of months now. We’re both over the moon!

Pipeline Update

Little Jesus and Friends’ Activity Book 2!

Enrichment time! The activity book that goes with Wiggly Tooth, Marketplace Thief, and Muddy Masterpiece is now available in online bookstores such as Amazon, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble!

You may still order from us so that you can have them signed. However, our online store is currently SOLD OUT. We should be restocked by January 31. Shipping rates apply but we offer free pickup/delivery in some locations. Email us for details.

Our next story book, Little Jesus and the Fishing Adventure, releases in January! This one is so full of cultural elements that the grownups will want to read it a few times to soak it all up! The story takes place as the Feast of the Tabernacles (Sukkot) is about to begin. Wowza! We’ll share the order link next month, though you’ll be able to find it with a simple search.

Pit Stop!

We currently plan to keep close to home base in January. We have a few reading events on the drawing board, but we know that over the last 3 years the weather conditions in January have not been favorable for travel.

However — we are event planning now. We are focused on faith-focused conferences and conventions in Kansas, Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. If you know of an event that might be suitable to our mission, be sure to send us details.

Online Store

Our online store is open 24/7! Each time a book is selected, the buyer has the option for author signature.

The 2025 holiday bundle for $99 is only available through this weekend. The offer expires at 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 4.

The bundle includes all six storybooks, the first activity book, and a big Wolfie stuffie. This is a terrific deal with savings of $30!

Hardcover bundles are also available for $149 saving $40.

Quantities are limited and time is running out!

We appreciate all of you, our Little Jesus fans! Share the news and share this newsletter!