Christmas in Idaho - Why this Book?

Written By Ray Downing
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Because Christmas Matters

 

Ray Downing, who is known internationally as the artist who brought Jesus to life for millions on the History Channel Easter special “The Real Face of Jesus?”, has now turned his attention to the Christmas holiday.

Below Ray outlines the reasons why he needed to create this Christmas book and why we need to experience it.

💠 Because it’s time for a new Christmas story that revives the sights and sounds and wonder of the season.

💠 Because Christmas is becoming less Christmassy with each passing year.

💠 Because Jesus needs to be back at the center of the celebration.

💠 Because the coming of Jesus is an event of cosmic importance.

💠 Because we all need to press the reset button on Christmas.

💠 Because Ray feels there is no better way to apply his talents as an illustrator and author.

 

Blog Archive

Featured
The Author and the Snowman
The Author and the Snowman

Read about how the book Christmas in Idaho came to be, in the author’s own words.

Reader Review — “Christmas in Idaho” by Ray Downing
Reader Review — “Christmas in Idaho” by Ray Downing

“This book is one of those beautiful and lavish treasures and it’s not aimed specifically at young children. I’d say this is more of a family discussion book. Or a family treasure book. A Christmas tradition book you can discuss with your family and enjoy year after year.”

Winner Best Book Awards
Winner Best Book Awards

Christmas in Idaho by Ray Downing, Christian Indie Book Awards winner.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Beautiful book… A Christmas Standard.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Beautiful book… A Christmas Standard.”

“I bought the book because I love my Idaho home. I found so much more.”

Book Review: Taking Back Christmas
Book Review: Taking Back Christmas

Christmas in Idaho, a book by Ray Downing. “Taking Back Christmas: Celebrating a religious commemoration instead of sheer commercialization.” Book feature by Marisa Herman, Newsmax Magazine, December 2022.

Book Review: A Unique and Powerful Christmas Story
Book Review: A Unique and Powerful Christmas Story

Christmas in Idaho, a book by Ray Downing. “The book combines a sense of magic and spirituality with a fantastical Christmas adventure like no other.” Book review by Ethan Hunt, Idaho Falls Magazine, December 2022.

Winner Human Relations Indie Book Award
Winner Human Relations Indie Book Award

Christmas in Idaho by Ray Downing, Human Relations Indie Book Award winner.

Winner National Indie Excellence Awards
Winner National Indie Excellence Awards

Christmas in Idaho by Ray Downing, Christian Indie Book Awards winner.

Winner Christian Indie Awards
Winner Christian Indie Awards

Christmas in Idaho by Ray Downing, Christian Indie Book Awards finalist.

2022 Award Winner
2022 Award Winner

Ray Downing’s beautiful and inspirational book Christmas in Idaho has won prestigious awards in several categories.

Winner Eric Hoffer Award
Winner Eric Hoffer Award

Christmas in Idaho by Ray Downing is First Runner Up in the Short Story category in the prestigious Hoffer Book Awards.

Winner Firebird Book Awards
Winner Firebird Book Awards

Ray Downing’s book Christmas in Idaho took first prize in three categories: Audiobook, Gift Book and Specialty Book.

Finalist Christian Indie Awards
Finalist Christian Indie Awards

Christmas in Idaho by Ray Downing, Christian Indie Book Awards finalist.

Winner Illumination Book Awards
Winner Illumination Book Awards

Christmas in Idaho by Ray Downing, Illumination Book Awards Winner.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A book that keeps on giving”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A book that keeps on giving”

— Review by Joshua H.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Glorious!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Glorious!”

— Review by Miz Bird

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Beautiful book.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Beautiful book.”

— Review by Sally G.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I could not put it down.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I could not put it down.”

— Review by Jannett

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Gives you a warm feeling inside!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Gives you a warm feeling inside!”

— Review by Denise R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Definitely a classic for our modern times.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Definitely a classic for our modern times.”

— Review by Cynthia J.

Christmas in Idaho - Embossed Cover
Christmas in Idaho - Embossed Cover

Embossing is an effect created by raising images or texts against the background.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Something enchanting and mysterious.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Something enchanting and mysterious.”

— Review by JD

Christmas in Idaho - End Sheets
Christmas in Idaho - End Sheets

End sheets play a leading role in the design of this book.

Christmas in Idaho - Holly Motif
Christmas in Idaho - Holly Motif

Holly motif that brings the book together.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “You will enjoy this instant classic.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “You will enjoy this instant classic.”

— Review by Jeff B.

Christmas in Idaho - Printing Method
Christmas in Idaho - Printing Method

Stochastic printing preserves the photographic appearance and the smooth color transitions even under a loupe.

Christmas in Idaho - Gilded Page Edges
Christmas in Idaho - Gilded Page Edges

Gold adds richness and texture.

Christmas in Idaho - At work
Christmas in Idaho - At work

…he became the main character in this Christmas adventure of awakening, hope, loss and survival.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delightfully detailed Christmas story.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delightfully detailed Christmas story.”

— Review by Tattie M.

Christmas in Idaho - Typeface
Christmas in Idaho - Typeface

Open and elegant, Didot is a beautiful typeface.

Ray Downing
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Christmas in Idaho - The Angel
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Christmas in Idaho - Author’s Statement