It’s the most wonderful time of the year…except when stores are full of cranky shoppers.
Have a holly, jolly Christmas…until your oven goes on the fritz at 8:32am Christmas morning.
Silent night, holy night, all is calm…for brief moments between the last-minute school play costume emergency fixes, late-night teacher gifts assembly lines, and slipping out of bed just before you nod off to move the elf who needs to get up to new hijinks before morning.
I know I probably sound like the captain of Team Ba-Humbug, but let’s face it. The holidays, as truly wonderful as they are, can often feel overwhelming and hectic. Even though the comforting nostalgia of family traditions, seasonal music, and revisiting the Christmas story ultimately outweigh these stressors for me, it’s easy to feel a bit grinchy from time to time.
I love how books create an escape, but I also really appreciate stories that reflect what real life is like. Characters who struggle to remember the “reason for the season” amid everyday struggles. Unmagical plots that eventually turn out okay in the end, even if not perfectly tied up in a bow. Of course, as a contemporary romance writer, I do look for those happy endings, but not every couple gets an actual ride off into the sunset on a sleigh lined with jingle bells, do they?
In both Christmas novellas that I’ve written, I wanted to share with readers couples struggling to keep the faith during what’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year. In Somehow, This Christmas, wedding planner Cate and firefighter Noah are thrown one snowy curveball after another on their way to the altar. Not-so-merry mishaps (including an encounter between a very grinchy cat and Cate’s wedding dress!) as well as the pressure Cate feels to impress a wedding blogger, threaten both their nuptials and holiday spirit.
My newest novella, An Unscripted Christmas (in the Christmas in Mistletoe Square collection) tells the story of Ellie and Oliver, a couple married for thirty years. The holiday magic of the town, its people, and the annual Christmas play Oliver produces at their community theater may not be enough to erase the resentment that has settled between them. When they must face real hurt and disappointment, can they choose to see the good through the pain?
Both of these stories are uplifting and sweet, but they very much showcase the real struggles we each face no matter what time of year it is—even the most merry and bright. This year, I’m particularly thinking of a reader friend who is facing a scary surgery, an author friend still battling through recovery, and a fellow mama friend reeling from loss. But God…God sent Jesus to provide a way through it all. I pray the stories you read this Christmas and all year long point you to the hope and love of God when you need it most—during life’s grinchiest days and darkest nights.
May you also find some smiles and laughs among the pages of all books by us Inspy Romance writers. YOU are the reason we do what we do.
I’d like to give away a signed paperback copy of my novella Somehow, This Christmas, to one reader. Simply comment below telling me either your favorite part of the holiday season or share a way we can be in prayer for you during this time. Due to international shipping costs and restrictions, this giveaway is open to US readers only. Giveaway ends Monday, December 6.
Teresa Tysinger is an author of Southern contemporary romance inspired by grace. She writes on the fringes of being a wife, mom, and full-time communications professional. Teresa is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, the Association for Women in Communications, and the Religion Communicators Council. She’s an introverted Enneagram 4 (if you know, you know) and loves coffee, traveling, and almost every genre of music. Born in Hawaii, raised in Florida, and educated in North Carolina, she now resides in Texas with her husband, daughter, and dog.
My favorite part of the holidays is going to all the festivities.
I’m a bit of a homebody, but there are a few outings around town I look forward to every year! Thanks. :)
I know I can’t enter (Just wondering if you would consider an ebook for an Aussie if they won as this aussie prefers ebooks).
I think I like the carols and although I can no longer go to the town carols I still enjoy watching them on tv. Normally when I could go we would start around 8 when its starting to get dark so we can have them in candle light and because the churches put it on its all carols.
This year has been a difficult year with loss (our church while small has lost 4 members) I have also lost friends overseas but thankfully they are all Christians and now out of pain and in paradise. I know for many it will be a hard year the first without a loved one. I personally found after reading a book on grief that starting a new tradition can be a help or doing something special for Christmas can be a help. For me I started a small Christmas village which was something totally new and different and gave me a different focus.
PS a grinchy cat sounds interesting. Mine thinks the tree needs constant naps and that it should be climbed and all the ornaments are for her to play with.
Of course, I’d consider an ebook if you are chosen as the winner! Thanks for asking and reminding me of offering that option. :) I’m sorry for your losses this year but admire your outlook and faith. Hugs!
This Christmas is going to be hard as I just lost my mom last month. We are going to continue her tradition of a Christmas eve buffet and cherish our memories of Christmas with her.
Oh, Lori, I’m so sorry. Definitely bittersweet, but I hope the happy memories outweigh the grief, even if just a little bit. Hugs!
My favorite is all the lights in the neighborhood.
One of my favorite things, too!
My favorite part was always going home to my parents and attending Christmas Eve candle light service with family and having fellowship afterwards with games, food, and making memories. I could use prayers as this isn’t possible anymore as daddy passed 2 years ago and mama passed in May.
Lucy, I’m sorry for your losses and will of course be praying. Those Christmas Eve candlelight services are a top highlight for me, too, and always make me cry. Hugs!
This will be my second Christmas without Mom. Last year was very different, and this year will be even more so. I’m going to visit friends out of state this year, and may actually get to see snow for the first time and have a White Christmas! As much as I’m looking forward to going, it’s also bittersweet, knowing that the reason I get to go is because Mom isn’t here. As much as I’m looking forward to it, it feels weird at the same time. Yet, I know Mom would be happy that I get to go. The emotions are all over the place!
I’ve learned that it’s not only okay, but important to feel ALL the emotions. God created them all for a reason, and the sadness comes with the underlying blessing of having been blessed by someone enough to feel sad they’re gone. You’re in my prayers, Trudy! Thanks.
I enjoyed reading your latest novella very much. Life is not Hallmark Channel, and challenges do follow us into the Christmas season. And I agree, focusing on Jesus and His ability and timing to get us through the narrow spots in life frees us to enjoy this beautiful season. The peace He gives does surpass all understanding. ❤️
Thank you so much, Kati. So well said. Hugs!
My favorite thing to do on the holidays is spend time with my family and friends. This will be my second Christmas without my grandma
Family time is the best! I’m sorry you’re missing your grandma. Hugs!
My favorite thing about Christmas, other than the true reason for the day, is many fold. Memories of Momma’s excitement in all things, gathering with family who are now almost all gone, and the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service followed by me giving all of the family our traditional Christmas morning breakfast of cinnamon rolls I had made and packaged for each individual family unit. Since 2014 I have not been able to get around to do anything as before and most of my family is gone, either to heaven or to fractured relationships.
This Thanksgiving I had the most amazing gift! My daughter is here from out of state for the season for the first time in about 10 years & I was able to have Daddy here from his adult foster care home, thanks to my home having a ramp out front and the inside being ‘walker friendly’. I prepped food for 2 weeks (& help from my son and daughter) to make a dinner we had all been used to. I can still barely move from pushing my body far beyond it’s limits but the ability to have both of my kids and my Daddy here enjoying our time together around the table was the best gift we have had in so long! My prayer is to be able to do this again for Christmas-likely with a slightly altered meal plan (a turkey, 6 sides, rolls, relishes & 4 pies was a little much for 4 people!).
What a wonderful Thanksgiving it sounds like you had! I’m so glad and pray Christmas is great, too. Take care of yourself as well. :)
At my house, it’s always quiet during two weeks before Christmas. I love that peaceful feeling before Christmas & just after the New Year….it feels like a pause to reflect on the year and anticipate a new one. Sometimes we just need a pause, don’t we? Especially if it’s been a really busy holiday season starting with Thanksgiving. A time to take a deep breath and just “be”.
These past few months, it’s been a struggle for me, like I’m in a slump. No particular reason really other than this whole pandemic has been very wearing. I know everyone else probably feels the same to some degree. I’ve just seen too many people lose loved ones or friends to Covid & my heart has grieved for them. I’ve even struggled with reading (gasp!), which has never happened to me. I’m trying to read short CF Christmas stories now to hopefully bring me cheer & help me be able to move past it. So in short, I’m not sure the reasons or the whys, but I’m praying God would help get me out of my slump (life & reading).
I can very much relate, though my time before Christmas is NOT quiet. Ha! We usually are traveling to see family and it’s a bit hectic sometimes. I’ve felt the same during this pandemic. Hugs!
Hi Teresa! As a retiree, Christmas is finally more peaceful, then when I was a daughter, pastor’s wife, mother, and teacher. While living in Chicago while my husband pastored a multi- lingual church the nightlight of our candlelight Christmas Eve service was when the congregation sang Silent Night together in 19 languages. Heaven on earth. Now I enjoy the holiday lights in darkness. Still not sure what Christmas will look like since my sons live in several locations. Taking one day at a time. Hubby and I usual celebrate Christmas alone, so our grandchildren can celebrate peacefully at home. Our meal is usually Cornish hens with rice stuffing. Best wishes.
Quiet Christmases sound delightful, too!
One of my favorite thing about Thanksgiving is seeing all the thankfulness on Facebook. It can be a nasty place, but during November, I see lots of 30 days of thankfulness posts.
One of my favorite things about Christmas is how the whole world has to acknowledge the birth of Jesus. Whether they want to or not. And even if they shift their focus to Santa and gift buying, they still know what’s it’s really about.
Shannon, that’s a great point! About both holidays. Thanks!
I love everything about Christmas and I just enjoy spending it at home with family and enjoying each others company , maybe even going to see the Christmas lights and decorations or just even taking our grandchildren to the park. Have a great day and stay safe.
Yes, those simple things are the best! :)
I just love to spend extra time with my family!
As far as prayer, my husband just had open heart surgery two weeks ago. Recovery is going well, but it will be a long road to complete healing.
Will definitely be praying…for you both!
Hi, Teresa! I have lots of memories of Christmases growing up where there seemed to be more expectations than enjoyment (at least during the preparations). Now we have a struggle because 2 years ago my sister-in-law, who was all about Christmas all year long, had a stroke at the Christmas dinner table and died two weeks later without regaining consciousness. It does put a damper on the festivities. I like ausjenny’s suggestion of starting a new tradition but have yet to think of a good alternative. We shall see.
I loved, loved, loved “Somehow This Christmas”, especially all the creative recovery and the ultimate sense of letting go of expectations in favor of receiving the blessings of the day. Such a good story.
Merry Christmas to you, with as few Grinchinesses as possible! :-)
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about such a difficult past Christmas, Lincoln. That’s so hard. I’m also so touched to hear you enjoyed the novella. It means so much. Merry Christmas!
My favorite part of the Christmas season is putting up the Christmas lights and then just sitting in the dark with the Christmas lights on. They look so pretty and I love how they break through the darkness and remind me there’s still beauty even amongst the craziness of it all.
One of my favorites, too! It never gets old.
I like the music Even though I live in the US I’m also reading more ebooks and with the mail getting slower and less reliable in my area. I also appreciate the option even though I appreciate books in all forms. Thank you very much for the giveaway.
You’re very welcome. :)
My favorite part is gathering with extended family on Christmas Eve for conversation, a meal, laughter, love, and Christmas caroling.
All of the best things!
I love being able to spend time with family and friends. I just recently retired from working in Retail so now I have more time and energy to devote to more pleasurable activities.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
Oh, I’m sure your holidays will be MUCH different out of retail. Bless you!
I enjoy giving presents and spending time with my family!
Can’t beat it! :) Thanks.
Love this post! And my favorite part of the season is spending time with my family, remembering God’s greatest gift for us all. Looking forward to helping my mom with all the baking as we listen to Christmas music/carols. :)
Sounds perfect, Priscila!
My favorite part of Christmas is cooking a nice meal for my family. I can really do without all of the shopping and sparkly stuff. We actually try to keep things as simple as possible so as to not forget why we are celebrating.
The older I get, the less I enjoy shopping. So, I can agree!
Thank you, Teresa. I am trying to keep my mind set on the birth of Jesus, not on material gifts that I give to others. We do not have the extra this year to spend money on others. This is the first year that my Mom is living in a nursing home. Last year, she was in the hospital for Christmas in ICU. My husband and I lived with her for 8-10 years as her caregivers so she would not have to live in a nursing home. Her medical problems became too much for us to handle. It took her months to accept her new surroundings. She is beginning to thrive. I am an only child and my Mom is my best friend. I have always been a loner per say because I would not follow the world ways. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband who has become my full time caregiver. I have also been blessed to make so many wonderful friends through Facebook as well as email sites. Please pray that I can find I am not even sure what it is that I need. I try to do everything that I can for my Mom as well as my Dad. (My parents have been divorced for over 30 years). Thank you so much for letting me vent. God bless you.
Debra, you’ll definitely be in my prayers. Taking care of family is such a gift but also can be so difficult…emotionally as well as physically. I’m glad your mom is thriving. But I do hope and pray you find the peace you’re looking for in whatever ways you need it. God loves you!
The pleasant part of Christmas is usually being with the family and eating something delicious.
This Christmas I will have to be studying for a make-up exam that I fail unfairly in ordinary times. In the study of laws in Chile we work differently from the “Common Law” which is how Anglo-Saxon countries work, this means that we do not study sentences but codes with articles And there are teachers who believe that asking for articles from memory is a great way to evaluate without paying attention to anything else like the content, the subject we need to study, or understanding. So yes, make-up exam on January 10th.
Hehe I’m afraid I’m the age of the children of many of you here so my problems are very university. But I thank God for that … He has given me a life where I can only worry about things typical of my stage there are people who have more serious things to deal with.
Lilly, you’ll definitely be in my prayers as you study and take your make-up exam. Praying for focus and determination. Let us know how it goes!
I love getting to spend time with my family!
Me, too! Enjoy the season!
Caroling on Christmas Eve – can’t wait!