Have you seen those memes on social media that give you a Bingo board to check off as you watch holiday movies? They’ll have things for you to watch for as you view the movie. Did the character drink hot chocolate? Mark that one off. How about a parade? Check. Decorating a tree? Yep. Got that too.
As much as we all look for certain items in a holiday movie, the same is true with holiday books too. We read novels set at Christmas because we’re wanting to feel a certain way, and experience certain things. Needless to say, when I set out to write my first full-length holiday book, I wanted to make sure I checked enough boxes to leave my readers satisfied.
(Side-note to say I know some people read Christmas books all year long. And that some people just read books to read them–not looking for anything in particular except a good read. But I think this is true for a lot of readers. Feel free to leave me a comment saying otherwise. ;) )
Mama Dated Santa releases tomorrow. And even though it’s set in central Texas where it is pretty much guaranteed not going to snow for Christmas, I still think this book has a lot of holiday spirit.
We have, in no particular order:
- A toy store complete with Santa set-up
- Holiday music playing
- Cookie-making
- Tree decorating
- Sweaters
- Sleigh ride (I’m not going to tell you how I did that with no snow)
- Lots of lights
- Gift-wrapping
- Peppermint
- White-chocolate dipped pretzels
- Hot chocolate
- Mistletoe
- A nephew who loves the season
- Reindeer
- A romance between a very Scrooge-like character and one who is trying to make him love the holidays
What do you think? Did I miss anything? Do you like doing bingo boards like I talked about earlier? What would we put on one for Christmas books?
Leave me a comment below by 10/20, and I’ll choose one reader to send a brand-new copy of my book, Mama Dated Santa, to (US readers only). And if you can’t wait for that, go ahead and snatch it on pre-order. The price for the ebook goes up tomorrow!
Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But she will do anything for her nephew Mark, even take him to visit Santa. After Dad died and the holiday bucket lists stopped, December hasn’t been the same. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa.
Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. He’s been so focused on the numbers, the Christmas season has become nothing more than one last drive for sales. But Trudy makes him re-evaluate his attitude as well as want to help hers.
Can two holiday-haters renew their love for the season … and more?
Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher's kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.
Hi Amy! Congrats on your upcoming release! As a German / American living in a small town in SW Michigan, who loves Christmas I enjoyed all the Christmasy items you included in your story. Several things I enjoy at the holidays are: the lighting ceremony of the city Christmas tree and taking an evening ride looking at the Christmas lights. I enjoy watching Macy’s Christmas parade in New York City. Also enjoy going to Christmas Tree displays – Chicago Field Museum as well as Fredrick Meijer Gardens in Michigan have Christmas trees from Around the World. I enjoy seeing how other cultures celebrate Festivals of Lights. I read Christmas stories year around. Best wishes.
Wow I never think of most of them for Christmas. Our Christmas is praying for cooler weather, seafood, salad, the Christmas Pageant and Santa only wears a suit if it’s airconditioned otherwise he wears board shorts and likely thongs. I’m not one for bingo and I’m one of those readers who simply wants a great read, whenever and whatever the time of year. Excellent that you have a northern hemisphere Christmas book out. Maybe a research trip to the southern hemisphere and your next Christmas book might be set in a hot Southern hemisphere country. Wherever it is I know it will be a great read with a HEA and leave readers satisfied. Merry Christmas!
Christmas tree displays is such a fun idea! My family also enjoys watching the parade and driving around to see lights. :)
Thanks, Dianne. Yes. Northern and Southern hemisphere Christmases look much different!
I think you covered it all. Congrats on the new release.
Thank you so much!
Love everything you mentioned! The only other things I can think of are making gingerbread houses or contest and making homemade ornaments. I love reading Christmas stories all year long because I love A little Christmas all the time.
welcome today. this sounds like such a fun story. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, than Easter. Yup I am one of those funny people who shop/sew all year for Christmas. I like to have it all done before Thanksgiving. This way I can so enjoy the Christmas season with family and friends. Oh and mostly stress free.
Good morning Amy, it all sounds really good to me, I love, love Everything Christmas! Every year my family and I decorate pre made Gingerbread houses and they are alot of fun. A couple of years ago, I got some small wood birdhouses painted them and then we all decorated our own little birdhouse for Christmas, it was alot of fun! This year we will be decorating pre made Gingerbread houses. Have a great day and a great week. Your book sounds like a great read, Congratulations.
The only thing I can think of is gingerbread houses and caroling.
I don’t do the Bingo movie ones, as I don’t watch a lot of movies, Christmas or otherwise. If I’m watching a movie, I’m reading through it, and the tv is on for background noise to my reading. If I really do watch the movie, it’s usually an old western. I did by myself the DVD of White Christmas, though, so I’ll be watching it next month!!!
My family usually makes ornaments around Thanksgiving so we can have them for Christmas. :)
That’s a great plan. I have already started shopping, but am definitely nowhere close to being ready. I always want my gifts to be just right. ;)
Hi Alicia! Now you’ve got my picturing birdhouses decorated like gingerbread. Wouldn’t that be cute? It all sounds like lots of fun.
Good news. I do have one scene that is sort of caroling. But a bit sillier. ;)
I adore White Christmas. We watch it every year!
I enjoy a good Christmas romance. I like the coziness of them and how they can get you in the mood for all things Christmas.
I completely agree!
I hadn’t heard of the Christmas movie bingo before but I would say most would be in it. One thing I like here in some of the cities is the Christmas decorations. In Melbourne there are the Myer windows which always look amazing. Also here Carols in Candlelight (or in my case Carols in the Square) are something that is Christmas (not that I go anymore due to the noise but do watch on tv). Although they haven’t been as good lately with the songs (don’t know why they have to mess with the traditional songs). Our town its Christian based which makes it better as all carols are Christian ones.
When I do read the books I love seeing the things like hot chocolate and peppermint (which I don’t actually like). and a the gingerbread houses etc. I do make biscuits/cookies at Christmas. Ironically even in the heat so many will have a hot meal with Roast Turkey or Ham. we personally after many years went to cold meats. Mum would roast the turkey the day before and have salads.
Your windows and carols sound lovely. Here, we eat cold turkey or ham sandwiches for leftovers the next few days. ;)
That happens in Australia (I have to admit I don’t like turkey) We would also have roast lamb. But we would more likely have cold meat and salad for days. We had a Turkey Breast and the family would go Christmas day and mum would cut the remaining turkey and freeze it in meal size portions to eat later otherwise too much would be thrown out. (Didn’t help I had a cat who ate anything but turkey and ham)
Cat’s are funny in what they’re picky about.
Wearing Christmas pj’s and watching a movie together is a fun activity. We also let the kids open up a game on Christmas Eve so we can play it together.
I enjoy reading holiday books all year long. You did a good job with your list.
I do not really get into the Bingo boards. If I sit down to watch a movie, I want to enjoy it. The same goes with a book. I do not keep score or a spreadsheet to see if it checks all the boxes. All books and movies are different. I want to enjoy the story line that the author has created. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Those sound like traditions my kids would absolutely approve of adding to our list.
Thank you so much!
I’m not really into bingo boards. It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
I agree it’s much more fun to just immerse myself in a story.
Thanks so much, Diana.
Congratulations on your New release I think you covered everything on the board Have a Blessed Day!
Congrats on your upcoming release! One thing I would add would be stuffing the stockings. One of our traditions also is our annual family Christmas tea party.
looks fun
I love to see a Christmas proposal or a Christmas wedding 🥰
Thank you!
Thanks so much!
Ooh. I can totally get behind an annual tea party!
Those are so sweet!