The Holidays

Writing about the holidays puts me in a holiday mindset almost all of the time.  You'd think a person would become sick of it, but it hasn't happened thus far!

I don't think I'd mind celebrating, decorating and living in a holiday spirit every single day of the year.  While I might become a bit desensitized to it after a while, there's always something to appreciate if you know how to focus on the beauty and true intention of a holiday- especially Christmas.

This is what I'm trying to keep in mind as we approach Thanksgiving.

I have a super family.  I really do.  But alas, no one in perfect.  I'm not naming names, but we've got some serious anxiety disorders and projection problems going on.  Luckily, most people keep them cloaked or under some carefully constructed control when we all get together.

And my sense of humor comes in very handy.  Hence the photo posted here.  (It made me laugh out loud- because I can see this going through a select few minds on the big old turkey day- laced with love, of course!)

What about you and your family?  Crazy, too?  Way too normal?  Just getting by?  Share with me- and any stories you want to share!  I love a good crazy family story.  It makes me feel less alone out here.

Christmas Every Day

I've been hard at work (okay- maybe lukewarm at work) on my full length novel, Christmas Every Day, for a while now.  It's slow-going, but I think I love it.

The work- I don't love so much- but the characters and story keep me coming back to work on them.

Can you imagine living in a small town where everything and everyone is committed to celebrating the spirit of Christmas every single day?  I know, I know, some people think you shouldn't have too much of a good thing.  In this case, I disagree.

The tricky part of writing this story is to keep the spirit of Christmas present in every scene.  How do I do that?  Music.  Decorations.  Fun conversations about Christmas.  There's even a bakery that creates traditional holiday goodies (in addition to more upscale delights- but that's going to be a whole other book...) where you can enjoy the tastes of Christmas whenever you like.

Help keep me in the Christmas spirit as I work on this book.  What's your favorite thing about Christmas?