Christmas 2025

EC Magazines Christmas 2025

2025 CHRISTMAS EDITION

WHAT’S INSIDE?

14 44 56 38

TRENDS • Pantone’s 2026 Hue • Holiday Bling • Christmas Combo

LIVING

• Palette Awakening

TRAVEL

• Year of Elsewhere

FASHION

• Frosted Stillness

PAT MANN A late-blooming author who published her first book at 74, Pat Mann has spent a lifetime turning lived experience and Scripture into stories that meet people in moments of need. Her work is less about writing for writing’s sake and more about offering clarity, comfort, and guidance when it matters most.

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Let’s Talk to God: Hablemos Con Dios is a beautifully crafted book designed to help children build a loving and personal relationship with God—one prayer at a time. Written in both English and Spanish, it gently reassures young readers that they can talk to Father God or Jesus whenever they feel the need, whether in moments of joy, worry, or gratitude. Through colorful illustrations and accessible language, the book introduces timeless truths from scripture in a way that resonates with children. It emphasizes that prayer is not complicated or distant, but rather a comforting conversation with a loving God who is always listening. The bilingual format makes it especially valuable for families and communities who want to nurture faith across cultures and languages, offering a shared spiritual experience for parents, teachers, and children alike.

$12.99 Paperback 979-8869213747

$19.99 Hardback 979-8869213990

$7.99 eBook

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Is there life after death? Can we truly hear from God? In this eye- opening journey, Dr. William Dorrance examines the spiritual evidence science often ignores—from empathy and soul awareness to the voices of contemporary Jesus-like teachers. ENCOUNTERS with GOD is a must-read for seekers, skeptics, and believers alike.

$39.99 Paperback 979-8765259412

$61.99 Hardback 979-8765259429

$3.99 eBook

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www.brian-oglesby.com

$16.99 Paperback 978-1967421251

$29.99 Hardback 978-1967421268

$9.99 eBook

In this powerful and eye-opening new edition of Progressives, Leftists, and Black America, author Brian Oglesby returns with an expanded and updated analysis of the real-world impact progressive policies have had on Black communities in the United States. With added chapters, refined arguments, and timely reflections on recent political and cultural shifts, this edition takes the conversation deeper than ever before. Oglesby unapologetically confronts the widely accepted belief that progressive and leftist ideologies have been beneficial to Black Americans. Instead, he offers a well-reasoned critique, exposing how decades of liberal policy-making have eroded family structures, weakened educational systems, and fostered generational dependence on government programs. From the breakdown of the nuclear family to the rise of identity politics, this book challenges readers to examine the unintended consequences of political loyalty and ideological conformity. This edition includes new material analyzing recent national events, shifts in party platforms, and the cultural narrative surrounding race, equity, and justice. Oglesby also addresses how faith, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility can serve as pathways toward lasting empowerment and liberation. Passionate, data-driven, and deeply personal, Progressives, Leftists, and Black America is more than a political critique-it's a rallying cry for intellectual independence, cultural restoration, and a renewed vision for the future of Black America.

Whether you're a policymaker, educator, activist, or everyday citizen, this book will challenge your assumptions and expand your perspective.

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

In Persistence , Linda Dezenski shares her unfiltered journey of living with Cerebral Palsy in a world that often overlooks disability. With wit, grit, and grace, she challenges stereotypes, confronts systemic barriers, and reclaims her voice. This memoir isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, advocating, and embracing every part of who you are.

$14.99 Paperback 979-8892285605

$20.99 Hardback 979-8892285612

$3.99

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www.lindadezenski.com

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Christmas Edition 2025

ETHEL LEACH Managing Director GENER ZAFRA

Project Manager ALEX ROSS Marketing Fulfillment Manager CARLO RIVERA Editor EDGE JAVIER Art Director

JOMAR OUANO Graphic Designer/Artist

COMING SOON 2026 TAIPEI INTERNATIONAL BOOK EXHIBITION February 20–25, 2026 | Taipei World Trade Center

THE LONDON BOOK FAIR March 12–14, 2026 | Olympia, London

BOLOGNA CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR 2026 March 31, 2026 – April 3, 2026 Bologna Fair District, Costituzione Entrance

LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS April 20–21, 2026 | University of Southern California

SEOUL INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR 2026 June 26–30, 2026 | Coex Convention & Exhibition Center

In a world teetering on the edge of cosmic disaster, Ancient Destiny: SHIP launches readers into a science fiction saga where ancient Martian refugees, lost Atlantean technology, and a mysterious orbiting spacecraft converge to rewrite humanity’s fate. When astronomers detect a massive interstellar object hurtling toward Earth—too large to deflect—the ship awakens, selecting a brilliant college student to become the next “Aristotle,” tasked with accelerating human advancement before time runs out. Led by a team of highly capable women, with a nominal male captain as figurehead, the mission blends modern empowerment with ancient wisdom. As secrets of Atlantis, Mars, and Earth’s forgotten past unravel, the race to escape a doomed planet begins. Visionary and provocative, Clark’s novel explores what it means to inherit knowledge, lead with intelligence, and survive with purpose.

$10.99 Paperback 978-1966473107

$17.99 Hardback 978-1966473114

$2.99

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EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

CONTENTS

14 trends

cloud dancer holiday blings christmas combo 20 life lessons a season of soft light 34 living palette awakening 50 travel year of elsewhere 66 cover story pat mann 76 fashion frosted stillness 88 back cover story merrill vaughan

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As Earth faces imminent destruction from a moon-sized interstellar object, humanity’s survival hinges on a daring evacuation plan. In Ancient Destiny: Escape from Earth , the second installment of Albert Lynn Clark’s visionary sci-fi saga, global powers unite to construct forty massive colony ships—each designed to carry 1,000 people to new worlds. Guided by SHIP, a sentient vessel left behind by ancient Martians, a young college freshman is chosen as its final captain, joining six expert female crew members to lead the mission. Together, they accelerate scientific breakthroughs in space travel, resource extraction, and planetary colonization. As Earth’s final days approach, 140,000 colonists prepare to launch into the unknown, driven by faith, ingenuity, and the hope of a second chance among the stars. Blending hard science with spiritual undertones, Clark’s narrative explores the moral and political complexities of survival, the legacy of Atlantis and Mars, and the enduring question: can humanity thrive beyond the planet it once called home?

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CLOUD DANCER

Brands Bask in Pantone’s 2026 Shade of Serenity FTER THE EARTHY WARMTH

the mood of the moment, are already leaning in. From Play-Doh pots in creamy porcelain tones to Post-It’s elevated Neutrality Collection, the shade is finding its way into everyday rituals with surprising elegance. Mandarin Oriental’s spa and afternoon tea experiences will be wrapped in this minimalist hue—proof that even luxury hospitality sees serenity as the next frontier of indulgence. Spotify, for its first collaboration with Pantone, translates the color into sound, offering curated playlists that echo its tonal calm and emotional clarity. Tech isn’t far behind. Motorola extends its partnership with Pantone through a Cloud Dancer edition of its Edge 70—a smartphone distilled to sleek, quiet refinement. In an age of overstimulated screens and loud design statements, its restraint feels radical. Behind the annual reveal is Pantone’s year-long study of cultural

rhythm: shifts in taste, longing, visual appetite, digital fatigue, and the return to tactile living. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, calls Cloud Dancer a bridge—“a balance between our digital horizon and our primal need for genuine connection.” It is not just a paint chip or runway swatch, but an aesthetic reset: a crisp, untouched surface offering creative permission. Pantone’s influence continues to extend beyond palettes and product drops. From shaping Tiffany Blue to defining Coke Red, the brand has long been the quiet architect of visual culture. Now, with physical activations and immersive campaigns, Pantone is no longer simply forecasting trends—it’s curating how we experience them. Cloud Dancer, in the end, is more than white. It is pause, perspective, and possibility—an unpainted moment in which design can exhale again. EC

of last year’s Mocha Mousse, the design world is shifting its gaze toward something quieter,

softer, and profoundly more spacious. Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, arrives as a breath of air in an overstimulated era—a white that isn’t sterile nor stark, but “billowy and balanced,” imbued with calm intention. According to The Pantone Color Institute, its selection speaks to a society relearning thoughtful pace, measured pleasure, and the luxury of simplicity. As with every Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer is less prediction and more cultural mirror. It sets the emotional register for beauty, interiors, fashion, retail, and tech. While Mocha Mousse draped runways and living rooms in nostalgic warmth, Cloud Dancer invites a different frequency: soft edges, quiet palettes, and unhurried design. And brands, ever attuned to

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

In the third installment of the Ancient Destiny saga, humanity’s survival beyond Earth enters a new phase. Generations follows the descendants of the original colonists as they adapt to life on distant planets, guided by the legacy of SHIP—the sentient vessel that once saved them. As new crewmembers join the mission and scientific breakthroughs reshape their understanding of space travel, the team uncovers startling truths: the origins of SHIP, the secrets of the Library of Atlantis, and the deeper history of Martian civilization. But peace is short-lived. A mysterious enemy emerges, forcing the crew to confront moral dilemmas, leadership shifts, and the fragile bonds of interstellar community. When they return to Earth decades after its destruction, they face haunting remnants of the past—and the possibility of first contact with the Galactic Alliance.

Blending speculative science, philosophical inquiry, and bold character dynamics, Generations explores what it means to inherit knowledge, rebuild civilization, and define humanity’s place in the cosmos.

$13.99 Paperback 978-1966473169

$20.99 Hardback 978-1966473176

$2.99

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TRENDS

HOLIDAY BLINGS Sparkle, sentiment, and standout style...your Christmas tree deserves nothing less this season.

ET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT with Christmas décor that does more than fill a space—it transforms it. This year, let

your tree become the luminous heart of your home, a testament to the beauty of handcrafted design, meaningful details, and the joyful nostalgia that defines the holidays. Crate and Barrel’s thoughtfully curated collection embraces every facet of the season, blending the timeless with the contemporary, the whimsical with the refined, and the playful with the poetic. It’s a selection designed not just to decorate, but to inspire. Begin with the richness of tradition: the Textured Red and Green Glass Ball Ornaments bring depth and festive warmth, their surfaces catching light like old-world jewels. Pair them with the bold Red and White Wide Striped Glass Ball Ornament for a classic holiday palette that feels both familiar and elevated. Then dial up the sparkle with the Red Tinsel Star or the Silver Tinsel Star, radiant accents that instantly lift the mood of any tree. The Gold Glitter Tree Ornament and the Gold Glitter Coral Cluster Set add a luxurious glimmer, turning branches into shimmering landscapes of light and gold. From sparkle to sculptural form, the collection continues to impress

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

In Ancient Destiny: Survivors , the saga continues as humanity confronts the aftermath of Earth’s destruction. Twenty years after a catastrophic asteroid impact, the colony ships have long departed—but Earth wasn’t entirely lost. Against all odds, a small group of survivors endures, rebuilding a fragile civilization from the ruins. Meanwhile, SHIP—the sentient vessel that once led humanity’s escape—detects signs of life on the ravaged planet and returns to investigate. What it finds is both haunting and hopeful: remnants of human resilience, unexpected evolution, and traces of ancient Martian and Atlantean civilizations that once walked the Earth over 10,000 years ago. As the survivors reconnect with the interstellar community and confront the mysteries of their past, Survivors explores themes of endurance, rediscovery, and the enduring question of what it means to be human in a universe shaped by forgotten histories and cosmic forces.

$16.99 Paperback 978-1966473190

$22.99 Hardback 978-1966473206

$2.99

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TRENDS

with pieces that add structure and contrast. The Glass Star Ornaments— sleek, reflective, and modern—offer a crystalline counterpoint to the organic warmth of the 8-Point Wooden Snowflake. Meanwhile, the Metallic Paper Ornament Set of 15 adds softness, movement, and a handcrafted feel, their delicate folds creating gentle shifts of shadow and shine. These pieces work beautifully layered together, giving the tree depth, rhythm, and visual narrative. Then there are the ornaments that bring soul—the ones that make a tree feel personal. The Boiled Wool Animal Ornament Set of four infuses the décor with handcrafted charm, each piece full of character and warmth. The Jolly Santa Ball Ornament, topped with its ceramic hat, is pure holiday cheer, while the Beaded Snowman and Snowman Snow Globe Ornaments capture the magic of childhood winters. Each one tells a tiny story, inviting you to pause and smile as you decorate. Nature lovers will find comfort in the gentle simplicity of the Wood Kiwi Bird Ornament and the White Wood Bird Clip, pieces that anchor the tree with earthy presence and Scandinavian calm. These ornaments pair beautifully with natural materials— wooden garlands, woven ribbons, soft neutral tones—creating a serene, winter- forest aesthetic that feels both modern and timeless.

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

Bertha The Ordinary Chicken is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the quiet strength and emotional depth of one seemingly ordinary hen. Inspired by Danna Southwell’s real-life love of raising chickens, the story gently explores themes of belonging, rejection, and unconditional love. Through Bertha’s journey, young readers discover that even the most overlooked among us carry wisdom, warmth, and the power to nurture. With tender illustrations and a message that resonates across generations, this book reminds us that being “ordinary” can be truly extraordinary.

$15.99 Paperback 979-8893914849

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TRENDS

For those with an eye for design, Crate and Barrel offers standout modern pieces that double as miniature works of art. The Light-Up White Ceramic Alpine A-Frame Ornament glows softly from within, casting a warm, architectural radiance beneath the branches. The Celebratory Accents Gold-Dipped Porcelain Ornaments by Lucia Eames deliver sophistication through their minimalist silhouettes and elegant metallic detailing. And adding a dose of playful glamour, the Stevey Disco Ball Set by Leanne Ford twirls light around the room, creating tiny constellations across walls and ceilings—perfect for holiday soirées and nostalgic nights. Taken altogether, this collection isn’t just décor—it’s an invitation to create an atmosphere. A tree adorned with these ornaments becomes a reflection of who you are and how you celebrate: joyful, thoughtful, spirited, and full of heart. With every piece adding depth, shine, movement, or memory, your Christmas tree transforms into a holiday masterpiece—one that glows warmly through the season and leaves a lasting impression long after the lights come down. EC

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www.dwainybooks.com

$14.99 Paperback 979-8349447808

$21.99 Hardback 979-8349447822

Dwainy and the Ackee Tree is part memoir, part fantasy. Author Dewyane D. White brings the story of his life through his childhood in Jamaica, his time as a young adult in the United Kingdom, and later in life his adventures in the United States. Read along and enjoy the wonderful journey he brings to life in colorful language paired with beautiful illustrations created by Nicole Dobrican of Deveo Studio. Nothing can compare to the story he's written. Children and adults alike will find something they can connect with in this book. Whether you're a gardener, a traveler, or someone who simply has hopes and dreams beyond anything you think you can accomplish, Dwainy and the Ackee Tree is the book for you!

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

TRENDS

CHRISTMAS COMBO Elevate your holidays with something other than red and green.

Burgundy takes on a richer, more refined life when softened into deep wine tones and paired with warm metallics. In the festive home of Kimberly Jones, designer Kelly Deck reimagines the classic Christmas red through a subdued burgundy palette, grounding the space with bronze and copper accents that shimmer gently against fresh greenery. The result is elegant, understated, and timeless—

proof that tradition can feel renewed with just the right tonal shift. Far from the usual holiday scheme, sky blue and pine green strike an unexpectedly striking balance. In his Charleston home, Matthew Bees swaps out the predictable red bows for soft blue ribbons, giving classic Christmas décor a refreshing coastal lift. The pairing feels breezy yet grounded, perfect for those celebrating by the

HE BEAUTY OF HOLIDAY decorating lies in the endless ways color can transform a space—whether you lean tones to airy coastal hues, this season’s most inspiring combinations prove that Christmas décor can be as creative and personal as the celebrations themselves. T traditional, crave something unexpected, or prefer a palette that carries gracefully into the New Year. From rich jewel

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

TRENDS

ocean or simply craving something light and uplifting for the season. For lovers of serenity, winter whites bring a quiet magic—a nod to snow-capped mountains and frosted mornings. Joanna Buchanan captures this ethereal mood with a table awash in layered whites, punctuated by silver and gold accents that glint softly in candlelight. It’s delicate, dreamy, and utterly transportive. Minimalists will find a kindred spirit in Beth Webb, who tempers Christmas excess with a restrained palette of black, white, and metallics. By paring décor down to its cleanest lines and simplest tones, she creates a look that feels elegant and enduring, transcending the boundaries of the holiday season. Pink, however, invites joy with a wink. Thanks to the wave of Barbiecore, this playful hue has earned its place in the holiday palette. Vintage pink ornaments—from whisper-soft rose to full Pepto-Bismol bold—offer a charming, unexpected twist, and the best part is they transition seamlessly into Valentine’s Day décor.

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www.lmhaynesbooks.com

The story of The Rusty Red Wagon begins in the small town of Dansby, Maine. Dylan and Diana Brewster want to help their parents save the family farm by selling Dylan's red wagon. With the help of the town's fire chief, the entire Dansby fire department and the parish pastor, Dylan and Diana embark on an adventure that will bring joy and happiness to a different child of Dansby every Christmas for years to come.

$8.99 Paperback $18.99 Hardback

978-1953821997

978-1966473008

$1.99 eBook

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TRENDS

House Beautiful’s love affair with blue and white continues into the holidays with designer Jenny Wolf’s themed tree. Crisp blues against bright whites create a classic yet refreshing statement, proving this palette is as festive as it is timeless. For those seeking drama, a pairing of deep red and rich purple brings regal depth to any holiday scene. Designer Mally Skok leans into the boldness by displaying antique red glassware against red-and-purple wallpaper—a color combination that sings particularly beautifully on a Christmas table. Finally, silver and sage strike a moody, modern note that lingers gracefully into the New Year. One Kings Lane founder Susan Feldman sets her table in layered grays, silvers, and muted greens, drawing inspiration from a showstopping centerpiece. The palette feels sophisticated, soothing, and subtly celebratory—perfect for welcoming the season’s quieter moments. EC

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

LIFE LESSONS

A SEASON OF SOFT LIGHT Christmas arrives not with a rush, but with a quiet tug at the heart—an annual reminder that even in the most complicated of years, joy still knows how to find its way back to us.

TREETS BRIGHTEN BENEATH garlands of gold, homes take on the smell of cinnamon and pine, and suddenly the world just long enough for us to remember what matters: connection, memory, and S feels softer, slower, and strangely more human. It is the season when time pauses

the gentle miracle of belonging. What makes Christmas beloved by so many is not simply the sparkle or spectacle, but the emotion stitched into every ritual. It is the handwritten card from someone who rarely writes. The familiar notes of a carol that can transport us, instantly, to childhood. The

dinner table that stretches a little wider, making room for friends, neighbors, even those who have been missed for far too long. Christmas is nostalgia in motion— our most treasured moments, replayed in lights and laughter. For some, it is the quiet side of the holiday that resonates the most.

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Spirit of Love is Lynne Berghorn’s heartfelt memoir of overcoming emotional, mental, and verbal abuse through faith, service, and spiritual awakening. Drawing from decades of personal and professional experience—including her time as a flight attendant, model, volunteer, and Sunday school teacher—Berghorn offers readers a compassionate guide to recognizing hidden wounds, reclaiming self-worth, and embracing divine healing.

$15.95 Paperback 979-8891305137

$9.99 eBook

$5.99 Audiobook

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LIFE LESSONS

The candlelit mass, the midnight drive home under cold stars, the exchange of thoughtful gifts that say, I know you, I see you, I am glad you are here. Even grief, softened by memory, becomes a kind of presence this time of year. Every person we have ever loved, every moment that shaped us, seems to sit beside us again, reminding us that the heart remembers more beautifully during December. Above all, Christmas is adored because it gives us permission—to hope, to forgive, to slow down, to gather, to love without restraint. It is the rare moment in the calendar when the world collectively leans toward joy. And in that warmth, whether grand or quiet, celebrated among many or held gently alone, we rediscover what it means to be human: to give, to receive, and to cherish the light that returns, year after year, without ever demanding to be earned. EC

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$10.99 Paperback 978-7430444130

Salvation is a heartfelt story about faith, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

When Drake faces the loss of his cousin, he struggles with anger and grief. But through the guidance of his Sunday School teacher, Ms. Smith, he discovers the power of God's love, redemption, and true strength.

As he learns about forgiveness and accepts Jesus into his heart, Drake finds hope, purpose, and a new family in Christ.

This uplifting children's book beautifully teaches the message of grace, second chances, and the promise of eternal life.

Perfect for young & middle grade readers seeking faith and inspiration!

www. michelecampanelli .com

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King Jesus Christ’s Nursing Assistant is a reflective memoir that delves into the experiences of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The author recounts the challenges of working in an overburdened healthcare system, where limited staffing and rising patient needs intensified caregiving's physical and emotional demands. Amid these hardships, the narrative explores themes of resilience, empathy, and spiritual dedication, portraying caregiving as both a vocation and a ministry. The author’s journey is deeply influenced by a strong Filipino heritage and a legacy of family values emphasizing service, perseverance, and faith. With each chapter, the story highlights the transformative impact of compassion in healthcare and the power of personal faith to sustain and inspire caregivers through periods of profound crisis and loss.

$15.99 Paperback 979-8895254523 $22.99 Hardback 979-8895255445

$9.99 eBook

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$17.95 Paperback

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978-1098094850

The lessons and devotionals printed herein are always intended to teach a biblical principle, a life lesson, show a path to righteous living, or give a warning before taking a wrong turn in life. The Bible, as a whole, contains principles and guidelines regarding every issue a person can possibly face in a lifetime, including relationships, financial management, emotional highs and lows, attitudes, authority, truth, integrity, fear, pride, temptations, possessions, repentance, and all spiritual insights to name a few. Many of these issues are presented in the chapters of Psalms. Every effort is taken to apply the principles found in the Psalms to everyday life situations so that you may become spiritually strong as you face life's complexities at every stage of your life. The majority of the chapters of Psalms were written by David, the lad who went from shepherding his father's sheep to shepherding the flock of God's chosen people as king of Israel. In his lifetime, David was hunted down for slaughter for no misdeed of his own. He experienced betrayal by close associates. He knew what it was like for his own children to try to steal his throne. He was a fearless warrior. He had a heart for God. He is called "a man after God's own heart." David had an unrelenting trust in God's protection and provision. He is the author of the most beloved Psalm-the twenty-third Psalm-that begins, "The Lord is my shepherd." May these songs from Psalms encourage you, inspire you, bless you, and challenge you every day of your life. Let there be music in your heart toward God.

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025 www.patmannbooks.com

$20.95 Paperback 978-1685704216

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In Let There Be Music: Life Lessons from the Songs of the Psalms, Volume 2 , Pat Mann continues his inspiring devotional journey through the timeless poetry of Scripture. Drawing from the rich imagery and heartfelt cries of the Psalms, this collection offers short Bible lessons and reflections designed to encourage, uplift, and guide readers in their daily walk of faith. Each devotional highlights practical life lessons—on trust, gratitude, perseverance, and worship—showing how the ancient songs still resonate with modern challenges. With warmth and clarity, Mann invites readers to discover how the Psalms can become not only prayers but also melodies of hope and wisdom for everyday living.

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In Let There Be Music: Life Lessons from the Songs of the Psalms, Volume 3 , Pat Mann continues his devotional series with fresh insights drawn from the timeless poetry of the Psalms. This volume offers short Bible lessons and reflections that highlight themes of faith, resilience, and worship, showing how the ancient songs speak directly to the challenges of modern life. With clarity and warmth, Mann guides readers through practical applications of Scripture—encouraging trust in God’s promises, cultivating gratitude, and finding strength in prayer. Each devotional invites readers to experience the Psalms not only as sacred texts but as living songs that inspire hope, wisdom, and joy for everyday living.

$21.95 Paperback 979-8891300750

$9.99 eBook

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These devotionals are intended to evangelize, educate, and inspire individuals to greater Christian growth. Some of them are used as tools in leading others to come to faith in God through Jesus Christ. They do not follow any theme throughout, so they are in no particular order. Users should choose one they deem appropriate for the occasion for which it will be presented. Use the titles as a guide to choose just the right one. These devotionals are used by some groups as a prelude to a Bible study class or as an opening, preceding a committee or board meeting, either for a religious group or a civil gathering. They are useful in nursing homes, pastors or auxiliary planning meetings, youth events, and campfire events. Some of the devotionals are appropriate to use for a short children's sermon. Travel groups enjoy a brief morning devotional before the day's activities begin, either in motel lobbies or on a travel bus. They also make great gifts for any occasion, such as graduations, birthdays, bridal showers, Christmas, Mother's Day/Father's Day, Pastor Recognition Sunday, or just a gift that says, "Thank you for all you do." Think about adding this book as kind of a "stocking stuffer" add-on with another gift appropriate for the occasion. Some individuals enjoy using the devotionals in this book for their own personal "closet time with the Lord." "These are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:31 KJV) .

$22.95 Paperback 978-1098037598

$9.99 eBook

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$71.95 Paperback

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978-1644161579

This book contains fifty-two Bible lessons suitable for students from grade 6 to adult and is useful in several different settings: a year's supply of Bible study lessons in any classroom setting. The book includes lessons for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. These lessons are useful when a substitute teacher is needed on short notice. The substitute teacher may select a topic and teach an effective lesson with little or no preparation time. Use as curriculum for an in-home Bible study group, for youth gatherings, for nursing home studies (either group or one-on-one), for jails or prisons, for special events (for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas holidays). Or perhaps an individual, at-home, personal Bible study, or any other group gathered to study the Bible. These Bible lessons are intended to be easy to use for anyone who can read English. Teach a lesson with little or no preparation time. Those who are inexperienced in teaching Bible lessons

will find these lessons easy to use. Each lesson includes the following:

The main lesson text, including printed Scripture passages A summary/review of the main points of the lesson Life-application questions, applying the lesson to life A suggested closing prayer (optional) A Bible quiz to be used as a time filler, if needed

An index and description of each lesson is located at the front of this book.

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LIVING

PALETTE AWAKENING Color of the Year 2026: The Shades Poised to Shape Our Homes and Imagination

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N COLOR FORECASTING, THE present is always a step behind. While trend experts and paint brands are already sketching out the pigments that will define 2027, the rest of us are just beginning to meet the hues set to influence our spaces in the coming year. And 2026, as it takes shape, signals a gentle rebellion against the hyper-digital tones of recent seasons. The palette that emerges is warm, tactile, and deeply rooted—an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and find beauty in the natural world again. I

This turn toward grounded color feels almost inevitable. After years filled with sleek metallics, cool grays, and technological blues, homeowners and designers alike are craving pigments that feel human— shades with history, temperature, and soul. That’s where earthy, comforting browns like Adventurer come in, evoking weathered leather, clay, and the warm grain of wood. There is a sense of stability in these tones, a return to materials shaped by hand rather than machine. Meanwhile, sprouting greens

such as Midnight Garden echo the quiet optimism of growth—lush, enveloping shades that speak of regeneration and the serenity found in living things. Equally compelling are the stone-inspired hues that blur elegance with grounding. Silhouette, a slate- flecked brown with a charcoal undertone, captures the depth of shadow and the sophistication of sculpted surfaces. Universal Khaki, meanwhile, feels like a textile translated into pigment—warm, tactile, and understated, the color equivalent of a perfectly worn natural

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

LIVING

fiber. Taken together, these tones form a palette less concerned with trendiness and more with texture, presence, and a renewed appreciation for the tactile world. But the story of 2026 color doesn’t stay solely on the forest floor. Some brands chose to widen the definition of “natural,” drawing inspiration from the sky, orchard, and atmosphere. Pantone’s Cloud Dancer—a soft, featherlight white—invites a return to airiness, offering a counterpoint to the year’s deeper, more grounded shades. It captures the feeling of dawn: “Warm, grounded, and emotionally resonant, the 2026 palette invites us to reconnect with color that steadies us as much as it inspires.” hopeful, expansive, and refreshingly uncomplicated. Graham & Brown’s Divine Damson, by contrast, pulls from ripening fruit, bringing a sense of richness and abundance. It’s a hue that feels both decadent and familiar, a reminder that nature’s palette extends far beyond greens and browns. BENJAMIN MOORE: SILHOUETTE Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette stands out as one of the most refined interpretations of the 2026 aesthetic. Described as a seamless blend of espresso and charcoal, it updates the classic brown resurgence with a tailored, almost sartorial sensibility. Rather than a background neutral, Silhouette behaves like a statement—quiet yet unmistakably confident. According to Andrea Magno,

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

LIVING

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

Benjamin Moore’s director of color marketing and development, the shade reflects our current appetite for “buttoned-up looks, but with comfort to them.” It’s structured, timeless, and unmistakably polished. Silhouette performs beautifully in contrast. Against crisp white trim, it offers a subtle nod to pin-striped suiting, lending definition without harshness. Paired with the brand’s jewel- toned selections from the 2026 Color Trends Palette, it gains dramatic depth, becoming the anchor for moody greens, blues, and plums. In more minimalist spaces, Silhouette adds instant gravitas— proof that a dark hue can feel both contemporary and warm when handled with restraint. A PALETTE THAT ENCOURAGES CONNECTION The broader message behind 2026’s colors is clear: we are ready to come back to earth—literally and emotionally. These shades ground spaces in something familiar and reassuring, offering stability while still allowing room for imagination. They speak to a renewed desire for authenticity in the home, where surfaces feel touchable, objects carry memory, and color serves as a quiet companion rather than an overwhelming statement. Warm, grounded, and emotionally resonant, the Colors of the Year for 2026 form a palette that reflects where we are and where we hope to go. They coax us into gentler living, deeper connection, and a more tactile relationship with the spaces we call home. In the end, the forecast isn’t just about pigment—it’s about the mood and meaning these hues invite into our daily lives. EC

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

TRAVEL

YEAR OF ELSEWHERE Up for some adventure in 2026?

by Sophie Ibbotson

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

entertain—they shift perspectives, stir imagination, and remind us that travel is most powerful when it transforms. From rhino rewilding efforts in Rwanda to celestial ballets above Finland, from ancient spring rituals in Baku to Cornwall’s summer theatre of surf and folklore, 2026 is mapped as a sequence of intentional months, each promising its own distinct sense of wonder. This is the sleek, the meaningful, and the quietly spectacular—handpicked by

Maximum Exposure’s travel insiders. January opens in cinematic white in La Plagne, France, where the resort’s 65th ski season unfolds not just as sport but as celebration. Snow races, theatre troupes in faux-fur boots, open-air screenings, and creative ateliers animate the slopes, while VIP Ski’s new Graciosa chalet suites offer ski-in, ski-out ease and champagne nights under star-scattered skies. February shifts north to Oulu, Finland, Europe’s

HE YEAR AHEAD BELONGS to those who wander with intention—and with taste. As January’s cold bite settles in and “Sunshine Saturday” inspires its annual frenzy of dream-booking, a familiar cycle begins: grey skies, post-festive fatigue, and browsers packed with beaches, peaks, spas, and sunlit escapes. But beyond the usual shortlist lies a curated yearlong atlas of destinations that do more than T

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

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newly crowned Cultural Capital, where winter becomes luminous rather than bleak. Aurora borealis washes the city in greens and blues, Swan Lake takes on its most haunting form performed by Kyiv Classic Ballet, and concerts, ice hockey rivalries, and Moomin-filled Magic Winter festivities create a month staged against the heavens. By March, renewal takes on a ritualistic pulse in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Navruz ignites the city in saffron, fire-jumping, pastries, and rooftop feasts framed by minarets and modern silhouettes. April moves east to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, emerging onto the world stage with new architectural landmarks, a Centre for Islamic Civilisation, a Centre for Contemporary Arts, and even a Plov Museum. With new direct flights from Manchester, it’s a moment to see the city before the crowds arrive, ideally from the calm elegance of Swisshotel Tashkent and the curated craftsmanship of Teplo Store.

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TRAVEL

May then belongs to Pakistan’s Hindu Kush, no longer remote but on the cusp of luxury discovery. With reinstated direct flights and free e-visas, travelers enter blooming valleys and witness Chilam Joshi, where the Kalasha people celebrate spring with embroidered dress, ancestral dances, and cedar-scented rituals. June turns to Rwanda, where conservation becomes a calling: Akagera National Park now shelters 70 southern white rhinos, a rewilding effort that reimagines Africa’s ecological future. Paired with Nyungwe’s chimpanzees and Volcanoes National Park’s gorillas, the experience—crafted by Journeysmiths— offers soft-luxury depth and storytelling rooted in respect. “Beyond the usual wishlist lies a curated calendar of places that don’t merely entertain— they transform.” July redefines British summer in Glasgow, Scotland, where Victorian grandeur meets street-art swagger and live music pulses through its UNESCO-recognized cultural veins. With the Commonwealth Games taking over the city, July becomes a tapestry of competition, ceremony, and civic pride. August softens into Cornwall, UK, where cliff roads hug turquoise coves, surf breaks roll in rhythmic perfection, and folk music spills across Falmouth’s harbour. Travelers following Southwest 660 experience tin- mine relics, artisan bakeries, and the mist- draped mythology of Tintagel.

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

September’s drama unfolds in Kyrgyzstan, host of the World Nomad Games, where equestrian feats, eagle hunters, silk-robed competitors, and musicians gather in yurts embroidered with centuries of craft. By October, the heat settles in Oman, glowing with desert marathons, Ironman events, and Muscat’s Festival of Colours. Yet beyond its festivities, Oman offers quieter luxuries: dhow sails at dusk, turquoise Daymaniyat waters, serene Bedouin hospitality beneath the dunes. November brings exhalation in Portugal as Europe cools and the country warms. Wine regions deepen into ruby and gold, Lisbon beaches mellow, and ceramic markets and azulejo museums take center stage under Atlantic light. December closes the year in Medellín, Colombia, where Christmas becomes incandescent wonder. Alumbrados Navideños floods the city with 730 kilometers of lights, floating worlds, technicolor sculptures, candlelit traditions, and orchestras playing under a galaxy of glow—an ending so bright it feels like a beginning. These are the journeys that define a year not by dates but by experiences— one intentional month at a time. EC

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

COVER STORY

PAT MANN For Pat Mann, every book begins with a problem that needs solving and a lesson waiting to be shared. Her faith- rooted storytelling blends decades of life experience with a teacher’s instinct to make the complex feel simple.

ONG BEFORE SHE PUBLISHED her first book at 74, Pat Mann understood the power of a well- timed story. She discovered it as a farm girl listening to her mother read Bible stories aloud, as a teenager navigating small-town classrooms and church camps, and later as a young woman trying to make sense of military- town uncertainties while her husband served in the Army. Through every chapter, Mann found that Scripture—and the lived reality surrounding it—offered a set of lessons waiting to be shared. “I like to write when there is a need,” she says. For Mann, writing has never been an abstract pursuit. It is a tool, a response, a way to steady others in moments when structure matters most. Her path to authorship began quietly. In high school she breezed through writing assignments, even winning local competitions on social issues like alcoholism. College brought more validation: first-place awards, L

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honorable mentions, professors’ praise. But it wasn’t until years later, working as Education Director for a local church, that she realized how urgently her writing could serve others. Sunday mornings often brought frantic calls from teachers suddenly unable to lead their classes. With minutes before start time, Mann found herself telling panicked volunteers, “Go in there and do something.” She knew there had to be a better way. So she wrote one. Drawing from decades of personal Bible lessons stored on her computer, she reformatted 52 of them into clear, bold-prompted guides— lessons that any substitute, even with no preparation, could teach confidently. The book Teacher Friendly Bible Lessons on Short Notice was born not from literary ambition but from necessity. That origin story remains Mann’s signature: every book she has written since began as a solution to someone’s problem. Her process is surprisingly disciplined. Books rooted in her existing lesson library take months; those written from scratch take about six. She keeps a steady schedule, often drawing from earlier teaching material and her own memories to make abstract Scripture feel immediate. “I draw heavily on my life experiences,” she explains. Each lesson ends with questions—simple but piercing—that bridge ancient text and modern life: What can you learn about God from this lesson? Who needs to hear this today? Those life experiences are Mann’s most distinctive writing quirk. Her childhood on a farm, her years in small churches and small schools, meeting her future husband at a summer camp when they were thirteen, navigating Army life, returning home, and spending 37 years teaching Bible lessons inside the county jail—every episode becomes soil for her stories. “Using life experiences makes the lessons have an application that people can relate to,” she says. And for her,

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those people are many. “I’ve never been a mother,” she likes to joke, “but I have LOTS of children.” Her ideas flow from the twin rivers of Scripture and observation. Growing up with a mother who read Bible stories aloud, she absorbed the narrative architecture of faith early. Later, she watched the struggles of those around her and instinctively connected their troubles to Biblical principles. Hope, she believes, is something you pass along. Technology still amazes her. After years of wrestling with an electric typewriter, the ease of digital writing— the corrections, the storage, the ability to revisit a document years later—feels like a revelation. Each January she writes a summary of her year, clicking back through memories layered over time. She stores anniversary plans, travel notes, even the programs she’s written for friends. “The computer has made all the difference,” she says. “It’s the biggest and most appreciated surprise.” Her family shares the pride. Her husband brags about her books; siblings recognize their shared childhood in her stories. Mann laughs when she recalls her brother buying one of her books. “If I knew he was going to do that, I would have given it to him.” And when she’s not writing? She’s teaching. Or camping. Or traveling with friends to national landmarks. Or cooking. Or watching too much television, she admits. Most of all, she’s spending long, quiet moments with her two cats. For aspiring Christian writers, her advice is simple—literally. Don’t hide meaning behind academic vocabulary. “You want to teach something, not impress anyone.” She rejects writing that forces readers to keep a dictionary close by. Clarity, she insists, is part of compassion. As for what makes a good story, Mann’s range is unexpected: courtroom dramas, family sagas like

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

The Waltons, the gentle morality of The Andy Griffith Show, even galaxies far, far away. “A good story can come out of something common with uncommon situations,” she says. In that sense, Mann has been living a good story all along—a story built not on literary prestige but on service, on meeting people exactly where they are, and on a lifelong instinct to transform need into narrative. Her words are not meant to impress; they are meant to steady. And for countless readers, students, and inmates, that has made all the difference. EC

EC Magazines | Christmas Edition 2025

FASHION

FROSTED STILLNESS In a palette of winter neutrals and soft cinematic light, Iris Law embodies the modern allure of holiday elegance—pared back, intimate, and undeniably luminous. Dario Catellani captures her not as an ornament of the season, but as its still point: composed yet warm, radiant without excess. The silhouettes are fluid, the textures whisper rather than shout, and the mood is reminiscent of a December morning before the city wakes—precise, hushed, and impossibly beautiful. The styling leans into subtle grandeur, where satin meets sculpted wool and gold glimmers like a secret rather than a proclamation. Beneath the surface of every frame is a quiet electricity, the kind that belongs only to winter nights and velvet rooms. It is the new language of festive dressing: thoughtful, tactile, and intimately luminous, told through Iris’s gaze and Catellani’s lens—where

celebration becomes art, and elegance breathes. Photography: Dario Catellani Fashion Stylist: Vittoria Cerciello Hair Stylist: Mari Ohashi Makeup Artist: Giulia Cigarini Casting Director: Piergiorgio Del Moro Model: Iris Law at IMG

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