DECEMBER 1, 2025.
Twenty years? I am definitely in my Christmas Jars feels.
Two decades ago this story was a mini manuscript buried among many. Then along came Shadow Mountain and Deseret Book, and everything in this image slowly came to life.
Without them, there’d be no books. No movie. And certainly no movement of jars appearing on doorsteps around the world.
They didn’t just publish a novella—they launched a legacy. But a publishing house is more than just a logo on a spine—it’s the people inside.
First, there’s Lisa Mangum, the editor who unearthed Christmas Jars from the proverbial slush pile. Lisa was the first to see the magic of the story and saved it from the digital dustbin. Without her, the other dominoes likely never fall into place.
Then there’s Heidi Gordon, who’s worn a hundred hats, and often all at once! She’s been the special ingredient behind so many of our best ideas. She’s also the brains behind the beautiful new cookbook we’re celebrating this year! Her talents are legendary.
And, of course, Chris Schoebinger is the heartbeat of it all. As the publisher, he’s been the #1 advocate of Christmas Jars since the beginning. He’s the reason they signed me to a contract, the reason the book was fast-tracked to market, and he’s been the book’s biggest cheerleader for two decades. He didn’t just publish a novella; he saw a spark that could light a thousand more. Twenty years ago he said to me, “I believe this book could change a million lives.” He was wrong! It changed a million and one—and the one was mine.
I must also express my deepest gratitude to the executive team, including Sheri Dew and Laurel Christensen Day. Most Christmas novels are lucky to get a season or two in the sun, but these remarkable leaders have never let the lights dim on Christmas Jars. Their endless support for the brand and the movement is virtually unheard of in publishing. They’ve probably never gotten the credit they deserve for preaching the power of Christmas Jars across their vast retail and publishing arms.
And finally, to the incredible team behind the scenes and to all those who’ve come and gone from the company. From sales and marketing to design and distribution. There are too many to name individually, but please know you’ve played an equally important role in turning the book into so much more.
To everyone at Shadow Mountain and Deseret Book: Happy Anniversary!
Here’s to 20 more years of stories, jars, and miracles.