Two Beaux for Christmas (Pink Lemonade Memories)
Also available in the UK and on NOOK!
As Christmas 2012 approaches, I realize how much I’ve accomplished this year, my first as a full-time writer. Most of my published works have been short stories set around the Holiday Season, and a couple even have Christmas in their title.
Christmas Past: Since I was a little girl, Christmas has been a time of great joy and inspiration, at times even magical! My parents did a fantastic job of creating that kind of atmosphere by developing traditions for our family. From the time my sister and I were very young, we would always have our annual Christmas picture taken with Santa Claus at our favorite department store in the city. Thinking back, and viewing those treasured photos brings back that magical feeling of the Christmas spirit. Sometimes in my mind, I can even remember the soft feel of Santa’s beard, because you know all little kids want to make sure it’s real.
After, we had our visit to Santa, we would go to the same lot every year to pick out our Christmas tree, usually a Balsam or a Douglas Fir. I remember my Dad always loved to put the silver icicles on our tree, and they looked so beautiful. He also created a handmade cardboard star covered with aluminum foil that we would place on the very top of the tree. Even though he probably remade that star about ten times over the years, I still have one rendition of that with me today, that I placed atop my tree this evening.
Christmas Present: These days, with all the hustle and bustle and busy schedules, it’s sometimes hard to get into the Christmas spirit and find the time to do all the things that my parents seem to do effortlessly during the season. But, when I feel overwhelmed, I turn on the radio and listen to Christmas music and all the pressures seem to disappear and thoughts of spending time with wonderful friends and family during the holidays fills my heart.
My family’s present holiday tradition is to come to my home on Christmas Eve and exchange gifts; then we spend Christmas Day at my sister’s. She always has a delicious meal and her home is buzzing with Christmas cheer, as her two children and their friends fill the house with activity and excitement…everything one could possibly want to inspire some Christmas spirit!
Christmas Future: As my niece and nephew grow up and start new adventures of their own, I hope that they will always cherish the family traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. In turn, they will begin their own special Christmas traditions that I hope I will be blessed to experience with them.
My writing future includes ideas and inspiration for many new Christmas and holiday-based stories! I’ll keep you posted!
Today is Christmas Eve and I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of my readers for making my year extra special. I also want to thank all the wonderful authors and writers with whom I have connected on Twitter and Facebook. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be associated with so many talented and passionate individuals! I wish you and your families the happiest of holidays and a prosperous and successful New Year!
All the best,
Juliette
Christmas Shoppe Magic (Juliette Hill’s Christmas Shorts)
Also available in the UK and on NOOK!
