Yuletide Spirit: Sharing the Joy: Guest post and Giveaway from author, Christy English

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Sharing the Joy: Guest post and Giveaway from author, Christy English

Please join me today in welcoming historical fiction author Christy English.

Sharing the Joy: Christmas Trees and Imagination
By Christy English

When I was a child, I would spend hours in the evening lying beneath the Christmas tree, looking up into the lights. The initial attraction was of course, the gifts. I would lie next to them, as if being close to the objects of my desire would bring Christmas Day to fruition that much sooner. I am sorry to say that it didn’t work.

But as I continued to lie beneath the tree, with the rest of the lights in the room dim or out altogether, I found that I forgot the presents as I gazed up into the shifting colors of the tree itself. Those lights were soothing and mysterious all at the same time. I found my mind shifting from the obsession with the future, from wishing for Christmas Day itself, to an internal world, where anything might happen, where magic was real.

Even as a small child, my belief in real world magic had all but faded. But as I lay beneath that tree, listening to the silence, watching the shifting lights as they blinked in the darkness, I found a different kind of magic. A magic that to this day leads me to other worlds, to other places just beyond the door of my mind. Those places beckon me still, leading me into undiscovered countries, to uncharted seas, where I find my characters and my stories waiting.

Christy English is the author of The Queen’s Pawn and To Be Queen: A Novel of the Early Life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Please join her on her blog for more musings on magic, mystery, and the beauty of the written word. http://www.ChristyEnglish.com

GIVEAWAY:
Please leave a comment below to enter our give away of a signed copy of To Be Queen. Open to those who live in the US/Canada/UK.

About the Book:

Duchess at fifteen, Eleanor of Aquitaine marries the King of France. But will she find that she must pay too high a price to be queen?

Although Louis VII is enamored of his bride, the newly crowned king is easily manipulated by forces in the Church. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Eleanor fights for her freedom and for the love of her life. In the arms of Henry of Normandy, Eleanor may finally find the passion she longs for, and the means to fulfill her legacy as Queen.

Thank you to Christy for the lovely guest post!

Always in spirit....

11 comments:

UnknownDecember 13, 2011 at 10:27 AM
What a sweet story. Thanks for sharing that with us.
I agree that there is just something magical about the Christmas tree. As I sit next to it I feel so peaceful and the things of the world seem to matter so much less.
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Christy K RobinsonDecember 13, 2011 at 11:14 AM
When I was a child, it was my privilege to decorate the tree when my dad set it up the day after Thanksgiving. One year, my mother wanted to decorate the tree with popcorn strings and homemade cookie ornaments. The next morning, we found our poodle under the half-nude tree, sleeping off the sweets--I mean, her Christmas spirit. We had to raid the attic boxes, unwrap the glass ornaments and decorate again. That wonderful dog has been in heaven for more than 35 years.

Please enter me in the drawing.
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AmandaDecember 13, 2011 at 1:50 PM
I think the Christmas tree is my favorite part of Christmas and my memories. We never went shopping on black friday, but spent the day decorating the tree and house.

Thank you for the chance to win the book! I've heard some great things.

Cheers!
Amanda
libraryofmyown at gmail dot com
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AnonymousDecember 13, 2011 at 4:23 PM
Thanks for the opportunity to win the book. I think my favorite Christmas tradition is sending out Christmas cards (the real ones sent thru the P.O.). I love receiving them too, altho a lot of friends have discontinued this tradition.

Merry Christmas to you, Christy.

Marjorie Cullen
macullen1@murray-ky
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AnonymousDecember 13, 2011 at 10:10 PM
When I was a child, I had once heard that all animal can talk on Christmas Eve. So I gathered our dog and cat and tried my hardest to stay awake until midnight so we could talk!
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Liz V.December 14, 2011 at 2:13 PM
I so loved the smell of fresh cut pine trees that we continued to have them even though I am allergic to the sap. Finally, we got a fake tree, but it isn't the same. Some years, we have used pine branches in vases with ornaments on sticks, but when the puppy can be trusted, we're reverting to real trees, cut fresh at a farm.
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Jessie MarieDecember 15, 2011 at 8:38 AM
I loved having the tree up as a kid. And I used to do the same thing - lay under the lights and get lost in the blinking colors. Unfortunately, we haven't had a tree up for several years because my "little brother" Moose (a four year old labradoodle) has a nasty habit of wrapping his mouth around an ornament and squeezing just enough for the thing to burst. He gets such a kick out of it but it's so dangerous! So, no more tree until he can kick the habit.

Many thanks for hosting the giveaway; this one has been on my TBR list for quite some time now. : )

Merry Christmas to you!

Jessie Marie
oneohvt@gmail.com
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Sally@threeblondeboyzDecember 15, 2011 at 9:15 AM
What a lovely story! I had forgotten how magical a Christmas tree is when you are very young. This year I have noticed how my three little boys no longer pull at the tree. Rio our youngest is four on New Years Eve and in previous years has been known to pull the whole tree down! The tree has actually become an unwitting milestone marker. Still keeping the faith with the reading challenge, hugs Sally xx
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Sandy FrykholmDecember 16, 2011 at 3:38 PM
I love the fruitcake! Others may claim there is only one fruitcake in the world, and it makes the rounds because nobody wants to keep it. I'm here to say, that is NOT true! I bake a few each year, and have it on good authority that I'm not the only nut who likes a good fruitcake. I'm also not alone in my admiration for Christy English's books, and would love to read To Be Queen. Sandy Frykholm
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Melissa WiebeDecember 18, 2011 at 2:30 AM
I always just love looking at the tree with the gifts starting gather underneath the tree. Even when there seemed to be only a few gifts for my sister and I, there would be new ones when we got up in the morning.

Would love to be entered into the contest, if its still going on
history_buff@hotmail.com
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ValerieDecember 18, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. I just love the feeling of closeness between my family during the season. It was also my dear mother-in-law's favorite holiday, and now that she's gone (and dearly missed), we have tried to carry on some of her favorite traditions within the holiday: everyone decorating the tree together, the big family gathering and meal, and just the overall sharing in the happiness of each other's company.

Thank you for offering the giveaway, and Merry Christmas to you all :)
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I have always loved the holidays, which for me is Yuletide and Halloween (I love Thanksgiving too). I try to keep the spirit going year-round, with Christmas in July in the middle of summer. What I love the most about Christmas and Yuletide are the feelings of good will and peace, and the traditions, which are the message of the season. Keeping the spirit and celebrating Yuletide all year long is the goal. Oh, and don't forget Halloween. Click the Halloween button below to check out our page. I intend to share more Halloween elements going forward. I hope you enjoy your time here! I also blog at my main blog, True Book Addict. Just click the button below the Halloween button to visit.

Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world.

Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them, for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happens on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins, as have the malady in less attractive forms. His own heart laughed; and that was quite enough for him.

He had no further intercourse with Spirits, but lived upon the Total Abstinence Principle, ever afterward; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every One!

from A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY CHARLES DICKENS, 1812-1870

Christmas Morning

Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise, and slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guide-book for any pilgrim going the long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke, to rummage and find their little books also,--one dove-colored, the other blue; and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day.
..
from LITTLE WOMEN BY Louisa May Alcott, 1832-1888

The Magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are the wisest. Everywhere they are the wisest. They are the Magi.
..
from THE GIFT OF THE MAGI BY O. Henry

Home for Christmas

This is meeting time again. Home is the magnet. The winter land roars and hums with the eager speed of return journeys. The dark is noisy and bright with late-night arrivals--doors thrown open, running shadows on snow, open arms, kisses, voices and laughter, laughter at everything and nothing. Inarticulate, giddying and confused are those original minutes of being back again. The very familiarity of everything acts like shock. Contentment has to be drawn in slowly, steadyingly, in deep breaths--there is so much of it. We rely on home not to change, and it does not, wherefore we give thanks. Again Christmas: abiding point of return. Set apart by its mystery, mood and magic, the season seems in a way to stand outside time. All that is dear, that is lasting, renews its hold on us: we are home again....

from HOME FOR CHRISTMAS BY Elizabeth Bowen, 1899-1973

Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no! We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here! We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny f***ing Kaye! And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse!

Clark W. Griswold in "CHRISTMAS VACATION"

Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspision love actually is all around.

~Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) IN "LOVE ACTUALLY"

Christmas began being celebrated on December 25 in 336 A.D. In 350, Pope Julius I declared December 25 the official date, and, in 529, Emperor Justinian declared Christmas a civic holiday. The biblical Jesus was not actually born on December 25. His birth probably took place in the summer months because shepherds and their flocks (the Nativity story portrays that they were present at the birth) would not have been roaming the hills at night in the winter. The reason the Pope chose December 25 as the official date was an attempt to incorporate the winter solstice festivals important to the cultures of pre-Christian Europe and Asia. Christian leaders believed that the best way to get the pagans to accept Christianity was to include their most deep rooted traditions in to Christian worship and celebration. Here are some popular pagan traditions that still survive today:

The Yule Log--this tradition has very deep pagan roots. The massive logs were burned in winter ceremonies in celebration of the sun. The selection of the log was crucial and included much ceremony because the log started the celebration fires and would last for the duration of the winter festival. To justify this pagan ritual, the Christian church gave it a new significance, that the fire signified the light that came from Heaven when Christ was born. The log was lit on Christmas Eve and left burning throughout the twelve days of Christmas (see below for the tradition behind the twelve days of Xmas).

Greenery--evergreens were revered by pagan people because they could stay alive during the cold dark winters. Considered magical, greenery decorated the inside and outside of houses during the winter solstice festivals. Church officials again justified the continued use of greenery by saying it symbolized Christ, who in his triumph over death gave the gift of everlasting life to the world. The most common Christmas greenery in use today: holly, ivy, mistletoe, and, of course, the most revered Christmas tree.

Mistletoe--this Christmas greenery was actually worshiped in pagan times. Druids and Romans thought it sacred, for healing and as a charm against evil. It was considered a symbol of peace; warring soldiers who found themselves under mistletoe quickly put down weapons and made a temporary truce. Ancient Britons hung mistletoe in their doorways to keep evil away. Whoever entered the house safely were given a welcome kiss--thus the custom of kissing under the mistletoe!

Sitting under the mistletoe
(Pale green, fairy mistletoe)
One last candle burning low,
All the sleepy dancers gone,
Just one candle burning on,
Shadows lurking everywhere:
Someone came and kissed me there.

Tired I was; my head would go
Nodding under the mistletoe
(Pale green, fairy mistletoe)
No footsteps came, no voice, but only,
Just as I sat there, sleepy, lonely,
Stooped in the still and shadowy air,
Lips unseen--and kissed me there.

~Walter De La Mare, 1873-1956

The Origins of Santa Claus (St. Nicholas)--as a young man, became Bishop of Myra while still a teen, earned him the nickname of Boy Bishop. Bishop Nicholas, through courage and generosity, touched the lives of many people, saving many from famine and despair. He founded an orphanage and became known for his love of and wonderful relationship with children. He was imprisoned by the Roman Empire during a time of religious persecution. He was finally reprieved by Emperor Constantine who was developing a softer attitude toward Christianity. Nicholas died on December 6 in approximately 343 A.D. (This day is still celebrated as St. Nicholas's Day in many European countries) Nicholas was very popular throughout Christendom and he was named the patron saint of children, sailors, thieves, hobos, pawnbrokers, and bankers--and also Russia, Greece, and Sicily.

A Poem Suitable for the Season

The merry halls may jingle in the good, old-fashioned way; In merriment we mingle, with the music holding sway. The "Gloria in Excelsis" is sounding everywhere, But, really, 'tisn't Christmas, if Mother isn't there. She hangs a newer halo round the mistletoe on high; A spirit of bravado drew away the weary sigh-- For sorrow is no mistress, and life lets go its fear Amid the joys of Christmas, when Mother, dear, is here. The fire upon the hearthstone lights up with ruddier glow; The laughter is more mirthsome, bubbling forth in frolic flow; The Christ Child truly comes to us, in all His heavenly cheer, If the advent of old Christmas finds mother, also, here.

~William Hopkins ..

Item: Those Inconsiderate Last-Minute Shoppers

Way of women at Christmas puzzles a woman

Why not start list now (December 5) and do your Christmas giving sensibly, with regard to feelings of others, as well as for time, strength, and money? Leaving everything until last minute makes season harder for clerks and spoils holiday!

(Headline of an article in the December 5, 1926 Providence Journal urging procrastinating wives to show a little more thought during the holiday season. The article is accompanied by an illustration of an unnamed acquaintance of the author's who "used to dread Christmas and spent the whole holiday in bed, utterly spent, and with ice-bags at her head and feet.") ..

Item: Pearl Harbor brings a different kind of Christmas

While preparations are going on here, in a mild way to be sure, due to wartime conditions, our little British cousins across the seas have not been overlooked. Old Santa, that kindly bewhiskered man, will pay them a visit through the thoughtfulness of the relief agencies here...Of the many thousands (of) toys of various types and descriptions sent across the seas by Bundles for Britain, most of them are soft dolls and animals made from scraps of materials in the sewing looms...

(The New York Times, December 21, 1941)

Item: The Choice

If Western civilization dies in a rain of nuclear explosions, it will be written in a later day that the tragedy of our century was the inability of man to apply to the problems of peace the genius that loosed a most fearful Armageddon. "Peace on earth," the angels sang 2,000 years ago, but peace today is as tremulous as thin fog at dawn along the shore...Today is a day for happiness...but we shall end by trading that happiness for horror if we cannot recapture the humility, the simplicity, the understanding, the faith, the affection, and the lack of fear that marked the shepherds who saw His tiny fists wave in the lamplight of a stable at Bethlehem.

(From an editorial in the Providence Journal, December 25, 1957)

Item: The Immigrant's Puzzlement

Understanding Santa is troublesome for Laotians on their first American Yule

Khamehanh Chantharangsy was preparing about a dozen of his fellow Laotians for their first American Christmas...They had never heard of Santa Claus...Now that the refugees are in America, he said, "We try to do everything like American...." Khamchanh interpreted [for his friend Xiong Tong]: "He says it is quite strange, quite interesting but quite impossible for this man to penetrate the roof of his house with such a large sack of toys."

(From the Providence Journal, December 24, 1976)

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Sharing the Joy: Guest post and Giveaway from author, Christy English

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