Writing a Christmas Story {12 Days of Christmas}

Hey Y’all! Today I’m here to talk about writing some of my very favorite stories ever - Christmas stories. As of now I’ve written and published two Christmas novellas, as well as written several Christmas short stories. When it comes to both writing and reading, Christmas stories are some of my favorites. There’s just something so satisfying about sitting by a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa and a book that brings the heart of the season home.

But what makes a Christmas story a Christmas story? Obviously it needs to take place sometime around Christmas time, but there are a few more elements I think are really important for us to keep in mind as we try to make our readers feel like they’re reading a holiday story. 

1. Family. This is arguably one of the biggest themes around Christmas time. During the holidays we travel to visit family, spend time with them, and catch up with those we haven’t seen in a while. In our society today, we struggle with the whole idea of family and what it means. But in a Christmas story we can bring our readers a little taste of what God intended. Because it’s during this season of peace on earth and goodwill to men that people are more open to ideas they would normally argue against. So let's take this opportunity to bring home to our readers the importance of family as God designed it. 

2. Snow. Now, I know. Not everyone lives in a place where they will get snow for Christmas. (I’m so sorry to those of you who don’t.) But I mean, come on. Hearing about a snowfall in a book just makes it feel like Christmas. It’s almost a requirement. 

3. Traditions. Even in this day and age of new technology and rapidly evolving changes, there’s something to be said for old-fashioned traditions. It’s a part of what makes Christmas so special. Maybe it’s attending church on Christmas Eve, or making a certain desert. Maybe it’s candles in the window like grandma used to do, or decorating the tree with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Whatever it is, it’s something that through all the time and change stands constant, year in and year out. It’s why Christmas is almost old fashioned, in some ways. Because even in 2018, many of us will follow traditions that have been around for over a century. No matter what tradition you choose, it’s important to have one in any Christmas book. 

4. Shopping and peppermint mocha. Don’t look at me like that; they totally go together. Who doesn’t go Christmas shopping? And who doesn’t want a peppermint mocha to keep them awake while they do it? Okay I mean maybe there are some people who don’t like peppermint, but that’s their loss.

5. The Christ story. Christmas isn’t all about Santa Claus and reindeer, pretty lights and shopping. It’s about the baby born in a manger who came to save us. That’s what we’re celebrating. And in whatever way, it needs to be the focal point of our Christmas story. Because that alone is the true christmas story. Jesus come as a baby to a sinful world. A pure, innocent child, to save us when we were unable to save ourselves. That’s love. And that’s what Christmas is all about.

Have you written a Christmas story?  What was your favorite part about the process?

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