12 New Christmas Stories

Category: Fiction - Anthology
Author: Terry Broxson et al.
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Publication Date: September 26, 2024
Number of Pages: 110
ISBN-13: 979-8-89132-379-7

12 New Christmas Stories is an anthology comprising holiday-themed tales that examine the family, hope, generosity, and the magic of the holiday season. The collection combines the talents of Lee Allen Hill, Diane Kenel-Truelove, Terry Broxson, Ann Mullen-Martin, and Jay Squires, each contributing their unique narrative style and creative imagination. This anthology reflects the authors' compelling storytelling ability, intertwining poignant moments with heartwarming humor to evoke the spirit and traditions of Christmas. “Jesús and Donkey” by Lee Allen Hill follows a young boy, Jesús, and his dog, Donkey. As Jesús prepares for Christmas, he wishes to buy a turkey for his mother. However, his plans are thwarted when he learns that all the turkeys in town are sold out, leading to a surprising outcome. Diane Kenel-Truelove’s “The Magic of Santa’s Christmas Box” reflects on the author's childhood memory of receiving a cardboard box filled with beloved books from Santa. It captures the magic of childhood belief and the nostalgia associated with family traditions during Christmas. In “A Christmas Gift,” Ann Mullen-Martin presents a grandmother witnessing her granddaughter Sarah partake in a dance recital. The evolution of their relationship over time, particularly after the grandmother’s loss of her late husband, showcases their loving connection. Each story captures the holiday spirit and explores human connections. 

This collection contains stories that will resonate with readers, especially Christians. Whether it is a nostalgic recollection of the significance of Christmas caroling in the author’s childhood in America or a whimsical narrative about a talking cat named Holly telling her human companion about the historical significance of Christmas trees and the importance of family and associated traditions, these stories are beautifully crafted and imbued with heart and humanity. Readers will be delighted to read about the nostalgia of Christmas, the mending of broken relationships, the wonder of rediscovery, and much more. The voices in these narratives are compelling, and the writing is as gorgeous as possible. These short stories are gifts from the authors' hearts and perfect gifts for Christmas. Through heartwarming tales that tackle various aspects of Christmas, the anthology reminds readers of the values of love, community, and the essence of giving. Each story contributes to the overarching theme: while material gifts may come and go, the reaffirmation of relationships and cherished memories endures, marking the true spirit of Christmas.

Reviewed By: Jayne Anne Rooney

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Date: November 5, 2024

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Fiction