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.