Christmas Musings and Reads

ACFWAuthors and writing, Books, Encouragement, Faith, writing 2 Comments

By Marguerite Gray

Hello, fellow readers and authors. Tis the Season for a lot of things. It is the joy of Advent—a time of anticipation as we remember our Savior’s birth. What are some of your “Tis the Season” activities?

I start anticipating the season with an abundance of Christmas novels and novellas that I have collected since January. I love watching the stack increase as the days inch toward Christmas. In 2024, a few books trickled over from 2023, such as a collection by Charles Dickens.

My reading of Christmas works begins in October of each year, way before any Christmas decorations and music appear. I snuggle in my big chair without a roaring fire or hot chocolate. In Louisiana, the October and November days can feel like summer. Yet the pages of a Christmas story focus my attention no matter the weather. I don’t expect cold days and snow, mostly because in my home state, it can be in the 80s and 90s in December. I live vicariously through the winter scenes from novels. How about your weather in December?

What is the draw of Christmas books? As readers and writers of Christian fiction, we concentrate on the role of Christ in our lives throughout the pages, gleaning God’s purpose and promises from each chapter. So why do we (I) gravitate to Christmas novels? The reasons might be different for individuals. I have several reasons why I seek Christ-centered Christmas stories.

One reason is the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth. When a fictional read centers on that, how can one not expect miracles of love and hope? The Baby wraps the gift in a big bow for everyone to open and accept. Nativities, stars, and the Bible point us to the reason where Jesus is the number one element of “Tis the Season.”

Another item enveloping the Christmas genre is the revealing of different traditions from Christmas trees and wreaths to windows with candles welcoming guests, piercing the winter nights. Traditions come in all shapes, colors, and meaning. Some might go back generations such as attending a Christmas Eve service where the anticipation of Jesus’ birth is celebrated and shared. Other forms could be hot chocolate and games on a special night. Favorite ornaments and lights twinkling all over the house lend special warmth.

Who can forget the scents from winter candles, cookies baking, and cinnamon spices on the stove? Add in the multitude of goodies like sugar cookies, gingerbread, pumpkin pie, and apple cider, the Christmas backdrop is bursting with the potential for making memories and traditions.

When do you start playing Christmas music? Honestly, I could play the tunes all year long. November finds me bringing out the beautiful renditions of old favorites. Nothing better than curling up with a Christmas novel, hot tea, and the pure melodies filling the house.

For me, Christmas is a time for family, watching the generations meld into bursts of vibrant connections through laughter, stories, hugs, and kisses. This time together is a promise for the next days, months, and years. Tis the Season to rejoice as we gather to celebrate our Savior’s birth.

What makes an author write a Christmas novel or novella? All of the above rushes through possible plots and stories in unique ways to spread the pure joy of Christmas to ones who want to snuggle by the fire with a book.

So, grab a Christmas read. Your favorite authors probably have one or two available.

God bless you during the season and onward.

Marguerite Gray is the author of the Revolutionary Faith series, Gardens in Time series, two books in the Suamalie Islands series, and two Christmas novellas. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish. She lives in Louisiana with her husband. Her two grandsons keep her young. Visit Marguerite on her website at https://www.margueritemartingray.com.

Comments 2

  1. Thanks for the great reminder of why we celebrate the holiday and why we write what we do. We are adjusting from our move from Washington State to Tennessee. We miss the winter weather there, but are adjusting and also living vicariously through what we read. Have a blessed holiday!

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