Posted by Madeline Turner on 20 Nov, 2006 from Marietta, GA

Last year I began a new Thanksgiving tradition using Socks For Christmas with my family and my high school students. I purchased over 30 white athletic socks and tied them with colorful ribbon. I placed them at the table setting of each person for Thanksgiving to the left, next to the napkins. Seeing the socks as part of the table setting had the many family members guessing as to what I was up to. After everyone was seated I stood and read Socks For Christmas. The prayer following was for "mindfulness during the holidays, and all year long, of the simple things we take for granted that are luxuries to others and asking for a grateful heart- even for a simple pair of socks." I related to everyone that this was their first Christmas present and encouraged everyone to notice the feet of others and to be discerning of the needs of others less fortunate.

I did the same thing with my high school students except without the verbal prayer. But they were challenged with the same message. This year I have purchased really nice Christmas socks for everyone, and tied them with colorful ribbon, to continue the new tradition of receiving socks for Christmas at Thanksgiving each year. I have also purchased 3 more books and mailed them with socks tied with ribbon for others to begin a new Thanksgiving tradition in their households as well.

Thank you for a powerful message of kindness and compassion for those less fortunate that goes beyond age or culture!!!

Posted by Lynda Meeks on 26 Dec, 2005 from Pensacola, FL

Hi, Andy, Although my Christmas presents landed somewhere between yours and Timmy and Barbara's (closer to the latter), I--to this very day--have a strong need for good-fitting, comfortable socks. See, I remember--as the last of four girls in south Mississippi, somewhere near Singapore--having to use rubber bands around the tops of my knee-high socks in order to keep those hand-me-downs from residing somewhere around my ankles. I'm very much okay with new socks for Christmas!

Posted by Chuck LeBlanc on 26 Dec, 2005 from Lethbridge, Canada

I discovered Andy Andrews from the PBS Special he did on the 7 Decisions. I saw Socks for Christmas and immediately ordered a copy. When the story arrived my wife and I read the book together. There were so many memories that came flooding back as I read that I thought Andy had "read my mail". My wife and I agreed that our two children needed to read this story. We decided that we would introduce this book in a unique way. We went out and bought each of them a package of socks and wrapped them up as a Christmas gift. We allowed them to open all of their other presents first, holding the socks for last. When they each opened the package containing the socks there were the customary whines and groans. After they complained about the socks, we all sat down together and played the CD of Andy reading the story. It was amazing to watch their faces as the story unfolded. Our youngest (14) began with that adolescent smirk on his face -- The one that they have when they think the activity set before them is really dumb -- By the time the story concluded both of their faces were solemn with the realization that they were indeed blessed to have received "Socks" for Christmas. Thank you Andy for a wonderful tale. We will be continuing the tradition of giving socks for Christmas, and reading and listening together to this wonderful reminder of how truly blessed we are.

Posted by L. Szczepanski on 19 Dec, 2005 from NE

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I wanted to take a moment and share my thoughts. I recently bought your package and love everything included. The story "Socks for Christmas" especially hit a nerve. So much so that I tried to buy 2 more copies for my children Shawn (15) and Liz (13), but was told you were out of stock. I did, however find 2 copies at Amazon, and snatched them up. I have a special surprise in store for my children. Christmas morning they will open a box containing a pair of socks each. They will question the gift and will be told that they will understand the gift later in the day. Christmas night, after all the activity has calmed and they can focus, I am going to read them the story. Afterwards, they will get their own copy to keep and one more special present. When they open it, they will find a pair of socks framed and matted ready to hang in their rooms. It will have the following inscription: To my (Son or Daughter), May you always remember the meaning of "Socks for Christmas" and share it as you grow older. Love, Dad Christmas 2005. I am hoping they will keep the book and framed socks and pass it on to their children one day. The final touches have not yet been done, so the wording may change a bit, but I think you get the idea. Thank you for making this dramatic impact in our lives.

Posted by Robbie Howerton on 15 Dec, 2005 from Helena, AL

Andy, After hearing your book on Rick And Bubba, it brought back so many happy and not so happy memories of my childhood. I had to share it with my son, wife and my friends and coworkers. It reminds us what it important in our lives. Let's just say that everyone got a pair of socks and your book "Socks For Christmas" this year. P.S. Thanks for the story about Lucy. My wife says that all the time. While we were watching the PBS special, she was saying; "that is you , that is you!" When she heard the ending, she said she was sorry and she had never thought of it that way. Thanks, Robbie