The Joy of Turning Christmas Pages Again and Again

by

Hello! MK McClintock here. As the air turns crisp and the scents of spices and pine fill the house, I am drawn every year to one of my favorite traditions — pulling out my “A Home for Christmas” story collection. It’s become as much a part of my holiday season as decorating the tree or baking delicious treats — sometimes old favorites that remind me of the stories, or from newly discovered recipes that someone else has thoughtfully shared. But for me, it’s not just a collection of stories — the stories are a piece of my heart.

When I first began writing Christmas stories, I had no idea how deeply I would come to feel about them. I simply wanted to capture the feelings of the season — the quiet hush of a snowy evening, the golden glow of lights against a dark sky, the simple warmth of love and belonging. I lost myself in the characters’ stories, as authors do, often with a mug of something hot by my side, trying to translate that sense of comfort and wonder onto the page.

Now, every December (sometimes sooner), when I pull the collection from the shelf, it is like a homecoming. Each story carries with it a little echo of the time in which it was written — the mood I was in, the people I loved, the memories I wanted to hold on to.

There’s something so special about rereading my own words year after year. I can see the journey I’ve taken as a writer — the early stories that are simple and sincere, and the later ones that weave in more depth, more reflection. But above all, I can feel the same heartbeat running through them all: a deep affection for the season and what it represents.

Christmas has always had a way of slowing me down and reminding me what really matters, going so far as to trade in abundant gift-giving for simple presents only given to the children in the family, to better remember what the season means (stockings are still fair game). Writing these stories helped me put that feeling into something lasting — something I could share. And every time a reader tells me one of my books has become part of their own holiday tradition, I am truly touched.

When I pull out all the Christmas books – mine and those of other authors’ I’ve come to love to read – and set them out on shelves, tables, and by my bedside, surrounded by twinkling lights and soft music, I am overcome with gratitude for the stories themselves, for the people who read them, and for the way writing them has deepened my love for this beautiful season.

As I wait to decorate the house and trim the tree in the days after Thanksgiving, I’ll once again pour a cup of tea, settle by the fire, and open those familiar pages. And just like that, Christmas will have arrived — in both the world outside and in my heart, where these stories first began.

How do you read your favorite Christmas stories? By the fire? In your favorite reading nook? Any special hot drinks to go with your reading? Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cider? I’m giving away one copy of A Home for Christmas (ebook or print) to one lucky commenter. 

 

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34 thoughts on “The Joy of Turning Christmas Pages Again and Again”

  1. I read my Christmas stories the same way I read all books–in bed before I go to sleep. I read Christmas books any time of the year.

  3. I love rereading favorite books, curled up in my chair, fireplace going, a fuzzy blanket. I prefer a quiet house but with 5 little grandbabies that doesn’t always happen. So I usually wait until the house is still at night to open the books and revisit old friends.

  4. I read anywhere. I sometimes sit on the couch with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. I have just started by Christmas reading.

  5. Thank you for coming today. Thank you for posting about your getting ready for Christmas. I tend to read Christmas stories all year long same with Christmas movies. I love to sit in my recliner, my two cats are with me. I love to drink Iced Tea when warm and Hot Tea when cold. As it gets closer to Christmas I love to re-read: Mary Did You Know? (special meaning from when helping out on stage at church. One of the musicians wrote the song) Christmas In Germany ( When our son was in high school, he took German and once a year they had high schoolers from Germany come over for two weeks. Great memories). The Christmas Shoes (my mom and I read this book together for years). An American Tale (My son bought this book when he was in grade school at the book fair at school. We read this book together as a family for so many years). The Polar Express ( Another classic that our family read every Christmas)

    • I do so love the song, Mary Did You Know? What great Christmas memories related to reading! And I, too, find that Christmas movies especially can be enjoyed all year round. My Christmas reading tends to least most of the winter. If there’s snow on the ground, it’s prime time for Christmas books. 🙂

      Thank you for visiting today, Lori!

  6. I love having a cup of hot chocolate, a good book and a warm throw, settled on the love seat with my husband by my side.

  7. Good morning and welcome! I’ve enjoyed your books! I can also read Christmas books throughout the year. I would love sitting by the fire reading a book! We have a fireplace, however, we are lucky to get to use it one time a year! Yes, I live in Florida. Heh. I’ll read anywhere. Even at the doctor’s office. I usually take it with me when I take me mother to her visits.i read 278 books last year. I’m at 268 this year. I read and still take care of my mother three days a week. And she is 30 minutes away. I’m not sure how I do it! LOL Because I’m always amazed at the amount of books I read! But, many are short stories. Short series.

    I’ve enjoyed your books over the years! I’m reading The Gallagher’s series now. Thanks for stopping by!

    Best wishes to you!

    • MK, I have read A Home for Christmas. You can take me off the list. I would want someone else to have a chance to read your books! Again, thank you!

    • Thank you so much Tracy for visiting, and for your kind words. And wow, an impressive number of books in a year. I thought I read a lot. I hope you have a love holiday season with all your reading!

  8. I read a lot — 385 books last year. So, I read in many situations, and I love a hot drink (coffee, hot tea, or hot chocolate) nearby.

  12. When winter sets in, I love reading in bed with a warming blanket over me. Sometimes a small bowl of popcorn is fun. I love this time of year when fall leans into winter. Peaceful.

  13. Good morning and Welcome, your book sounds like a great read and the cover is Gorgeous!! I would love to jump right into that cover!! I read Christmas books snuggled up on the couch with my pup beside me, sometimes I will drink hot tea or hot cocoa, and I will read Christmas stories anytime of the year. When it is not cold I will sit on the couch and drink something cold. Have a great weekend. (not entering this ebook as I am not tech savvy and so I dont read ebooks at all, but Thank you)

  14. Welcome back, MK. We’re so happy to have you. I think we all love Christmas stories but I only read them during the season and not all year. Your stories are the best, so full of heart and gentleness. I just love your writing voice and style. It just seems to match my own. Wishing you much success.

  18. Nothing special or different for me while reading Christmas stories. My desk op, Kindle (when it works), phone with chirp audiobooks. I read while waiting for a ride at different locations or at my desk. lol If I get too cozy, I fall asleep. hahaha

  20. I will either curl up on the sofa or sit at the kitchen table to read. Depending on my mood, I will either have a hot cup of tea or hot cocoa. I’ve found when I get involved with a story, everything else fades away. I have ended up with a cold cup of tea r cocoa many times. The microwave does come in handy.
    I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your Christmas reading.

  22. I love reading any book curled up on my couch with a blanket and a beverage of choice for that evening. Reading is a guilty pleasure of mine.

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