Today in the My Favorite Things Giveaway, we hear from Jeanne McDonald, Contemporary Romance author of Compass and Politically Incorrect!
What is my favorite thing about the holidays? Well, that’s a loaded question! I rattled this thought around in my brain for the longest. Because I love Christmas season in general how was I to pick just one thing from the food, the smells, the lights, the tree, the presents, the romance…and there it was. The thing I most love about the holidays is the Christmas spirit, itself.
There’s something about the holiday season that changes people. Happiness floods the world. People smile more. People love more. Families come together and share their hearts. People allow themselves to open up and care more. The Christmas spirit is simply magical. And who doesn’t need or want a little magic in their lives? I know I certainly do.
As a writer, my mind automatically reverts to stories and how they convey Christmas spirit. There are countless holiday stories that reflect the importance of Christmas spirit. One of my all time favorites, which also happens to be a classic in the realms of literature, is The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. We all know this story, as it’s been retold a million and one different ways – Ebeneezer Scrooge, a mean ol’ miser, refuses to see his fellow man for anything more than another shilling in his pocket. In an effort to save him from a terrible fate, he is visited by three spirits of Christmas. These guides show him the importance of the season, more importantly the importance of a full and happy life. As I said before, this story has been retold in countless manners, from cartoons to Muppets to theater and film, but my favorite recreation is the 1950’s film starring Alastair Sim. When I read the novel, I always picture him as my Scrooge.
Another great story about understanding and finding oneself in the spirit of Christmas is While You Were Sleeping starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman. As a woman with no family, Lucy is reminded every Christmas how alone she is. That is until a freak accident drops her into the lives of Callaghan family. There Lucy finds love and learns what life means to be surrounded by those who adore you. Christmas spirit shows her the life she was always meant to have.
Okay, I know I have gone all kinds of philosophical here, but really, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Christmas spirit. So tonight, when you’re sitting with your family or walking through a crowded shopping mall looking for Christmas gifts, stop and think about the joy this season brings. Then you can truly feel the spirit of Christmas.
Now that I’ve got you thinking about Christmas spirit, how about you continue your journey with Compass. No, this isn’t a Christmas novel, though there is a Christmas scene within its page. This is simply a story about finding love and giving it a chance.
Buy it or read it for Free on KindleUnlimited.
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
About Jeanne McDonald
Jeanne McDonald enjoys writing contemporary fiction filled with spice, romance, drama, and humor. She prides herself in being a mother, a wife, a student of knowledge and of life, a coffee addict, a philosophy novice, a pop culture connoisseur, inspired by music, encouraged by words, and a believer in true love.
Jeanne is the founder of the author co-op, Enchanted Publications, and is an avid supporter of autism awareness.
When she’s not spending time with her family, she can be found reading, writing, enjoying a great film, or diligently working toward her bachelor’s degree in literature. A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.
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