Holiday Madness

It's been eleven years now snce my first published book, The Cowboy's Christmas Bride, a contemporary romance, still available at the Wild Rose Press. After11 years of also writing holiday blogs, it's becoming harder and  harder to think of things to write about. And yet--it's still a time of year that always means romance to me. Maybe that's why "White Christmas" remains one of my all-time favorite movies.

Is it the candles, the sparkling lights, the crackling of fires or the sharing of gifts that makes the season so romantic? It's hard to say. The holidays mean different things to each of us. For some, the decorations or music or traditional foods spur the spirit of the season. For others, it's the meeting of families, attending events, or a religious belief that define their perfect holiday. For even more, the holiday season brings nothing but loneliness and grief. My heart goes out to the lonely, the bereaved, and the brokenhearted this time of year.

Last night, I watched a movie on cable that I'd never seen before. The lead, who didn't believe in much, encourged the other characters to help one another, instead of waiting for miracles, and this really resonates with me. Each of us, regardless of what we do or don't celebrate, has the potential to reach out to another, to "be the miracle." Even if we have no money, no time, no holiday spirit, we should be able to find some way to share a kindness, to bring a smile to the face of a neighbor or friend.

That, to me, is what the spirit of the holidays, whether Yule, Chanukah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, is all about. Taking time to give, not just a present in a box, but to help one another.

Wishing all of you the best the season has to offer. May your hearts and hearths be warm and your lights and smiles be bright. Happy holidays, from my house to yours.

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Cindy Spencer Pape

www.cindyspencerpape.com