Houston, TX (USA), April 01, 2014 — Jesus is taking a back seat when Christmas is celebrated, according to Anna Jurinich, author of the new book The Christmas Odd Box. She would like to see Christians focus more on the basis of their faith rather than the chaotic commercialism that has evolved.

Houston, TX (USA), April 01, 2014 — Jesus is taking a back seat when Christmas is celebrated, according to Anna Jurinich, author of the new book The Christmas Odd Box. She would like to see Christians focus more on the basis of their faith rather than the chaotic commercialism that has evolved.

“The central theme that flows through the story is about Jesus and His message of love,” Jurinich said. The idea for The Christmas Odd Box came to her one year while putting away her Christmas decorations. As she placed the box lid on her collection of “odd” ornaments, she said aloud, “you guys be good in there.” “They were all odd, and I meant for them to be good to each other,” Jurinich said. “I was thinking about how the box imitated the world we live in, all of us being so different.”

A native of Zadar, Coratia, Jurinich arrived in the United States with her family in 1958 and settled in New York. She attended art school and became a prominent artist. Jurinich has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, which is exhibited in museums and galleries in New York as well as internationally. An art instructor for many years, Jurinich also has illustrated several children’s books and a cookbook, which she created with her husband, Giampaolo.

“I’m a painter. I never really thought of myself as an author,” she said. But, she kept getting little messages that she needed to write The Christmas Odd Box.  Naturally, the talented and admired artist created exquisitely illustrated whimsical characters to tell the story of The Christmas Odd Box, now available through Halo Publishing International.

“This book is sure to spark the imagination and invite the young reader to contemplate Jesus’ message that we love one another,” said Publisher Lisa Umina. “Jurinich created a beautiful, original and insightful book that is truly a unique piece of art.”

Jurinich said it was a relentless idea that was interrupted numerous times by her daily life, being a painter, a teacher, a wife, raising two sons and caring for her mother. “But there was always a strong determination to bring this book to fruition.” She wants Christians to focus on Christ, especially when they celebrate Christmas.

For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.halopublishing.com

About the Author:
Anna Jurinich continues to paint and lives in New York, near the Long Island Sound. Her e-mail address is [email protected].

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1031 Cherry Spring Drive, AP 726
Houston, TX 77038 – USA
877-705-9647
[email protected]
http://www.halopublishing.com