Many, many personal stories of Christmas, perfect for Christmas time reading even if most carry the same message: family.
I like to read a feel-good-christmas-theme book around this time and having just watched Last Christmas the movie it appeared that this book was released in relation and in aid of raising money for Crisis.
There's many very short, almost blog post in length, stories from different people ranging from well known from movies to doctors to support workers - all of which are lovely and the perfect dose of reality for Christmas.
In fact, the book has helped me put some of my own feelings towards Christmas into perspective and helped me to rethink it a little bit.
The stories do have an aspect of repetitiveness but I think that's to be expected as really the best thing about Christmas is supposed to be being surrounded by family (be it of blood or of mind).
There was also the pleasant surprise to find stories from beyond white English speaking countries and how Christmas (an ultimately Christian affair) comes into their lives. It's something I was never taught at school and (shamefully) I've never considered much before reading this book.
Yes, definitely a good Christmas lead up read to refill what Christmas means to me.
7 Highlight(s)
I think it's fitting that the calendars stopped there, on the most exciting day of the year, the day which contained no disappointment, only glorious anticipation.
A round table in the middle of the restaurant was winning the hotly contested title of party most likely to finish the lunch slipping around in their own vomit like Bambi on ice.
what is this christmas thing? it smells of promises and caramel it sounds like a tiny storm in a tiny cave full of phosphorescent pools and lonely people
a department store in Japan, anxious to capitalise on the commercial opportunities the season affords but not quite understanding the details of the Christian story, once featured in its window a Santa Claus nailed to a tinselled cross.
Steve Ali
I realise now, the character in the Christmas story we should all aspire to be is the star in the sky that shines so brightly and hopefully – that someone else who is lost can find their way.
My years at the UN taught me that most people want the same things: safety, stability, work and a healthy and happy future for their children. It's not too much to ask.