Need a few outstanding gift ideas this holiday season? From now through Christmas, I'll be offering suggestions of items I think would make great gifts for the important people on your Christmas list.

I've recently come across one of the best resources for wholesome, Christ centered films—it's called PureFlix Entertainment. You can watch movie trailers, read a film synopsis, and purchase DVDs directly from their website. Soon you'll even be able to rent and watch movies online. One thing I really appreciate about the site is that you can search for movies by genre, such as Action & Adventure, Children's Movies, Christmas, Comedy, etc. There's also a section for Dove Family Approved films.

One of the newest titles just released from PureFlix is Sarah's Choice, starring Christian singer Rebecca St. James in her first leading role. This movie has a strong pro-life message, as well as themes of forgiveness and redemption. It might be the perfect gift for just the right teen girl on your Christmas list.

• Learn more about Sarah's Choice.

Is there a "romantically inclined" person on your list (like my mother), who has read every one of Janette Oke's novels and watched most of the Love Comes Softly film series based on her inspirational women's books? If so, may I recommend The Complete Love Comes Softly Collection—a compilation of eight faith-themed films by filmmaker Michael Landon Jr. The collection releases in just a few days (December 1), leaving plenty of time to get it wrapped up under your Christmas tree!

More Family-Friendly Movie Suggestions:

• My Favorite Family-Friendly Movies
• Your Favorite Family-Friendly Movies
• Top Christmas Movies

• For more gift ideas, check out my Christian Shopping Mall

_{Images Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC and PureFlix Entertainment}

Every year on Thanksgiving Day I like to post this poem, A Thanksgiving Day Prayer. I wrote it to share with Christian families around the globe—wherever Thanksgiving is celebrated.

Heavenly Father, on Thanksgiving Day
We bow our hearts to You and pray.
We give You thanks for all You've done
Especially for the gift of Jesus, Your Son.
For beauty in nature, Your glory we see
For joy and health, friends and family,
For daily provision, Your mercy and care
These are the blessings You graciously share.
So today we offer this response of praise
With a promise to follow You all of our days.

--Mary Fairchild

This year, I'd also like to invite you to share your favorite Thanksgiving memories, traditions, and verses:
• Share Your Thanksgiving Memories
• Share Your Thanksgiving Traditions
• Share Favorite Thanksgiving Verses

More:
• Thanksgiving Day Prayers and Poems
• Bible Verses for Thanksgiving
• Thanksgiving Traditions and Trivia
• 10 Ways to Give Thanks
• Thanksgiving Fun for Christian Families

_{Photo: © Ryan McVay / Getty Images}

Last week in my newsletter, I talked about the holidays being a difficult time of year for many people. The family traditions and celebrations tend to stir up memories and emotions that can make us introspective. This Thanksgiving Day is sure to be a tough one for our family. As many of you know, we lost our dear niece earlier this year when she tragically died five days after delivering her first baby. She was naturally a bubbly person who loved the holidays, so our family will sense a profound loss as we get together tomorrow.

Although I don't suffer from depression, I know many Christians who do, especially at this time of year. Realizing that the next few weeks are going to be emotionally challenging, I decided to seek advice from others who are accustomed to battling the blues. Here are two great resources I uncovered: Read more...

The history of Christmas reveals quite a bit of controversy. For one, the date of Christ's actual birth is unknown. It is not recorded in the Bible. Not only did church leaders argue and speculate about the date, they also disagreed about the appropriateness of birthday celebrations within the Christian church. Much of the contention stems from the pagan customs associated with the origins of Christmas. Yet today all Christian denominations and faith groups, aside from the Church of Armenia, celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25. Find out why as we look into the history of Christmas:

• The History of Christmas
• Join the Discussion About Christmas on the Forum

_{Photo: Tom Grill / Getty Images}