I don't write or read holiday books, but I do think Christmas lends a writer special opportunities. Namely: emotion. Whatever your heart's reaction to this time of year, there is something there from which to pull.
Saturday, it snowed. It snowed in Raleigh less than a week after humid, summer weather was in the air. Luckily, it was our day to get the Christmas tree. So, in the midst of a beautiful, large-flaked storm, we headed to the tree lot. The kids opened their mouths and tipped back their heads. They licked snowflakes off their coats and tried to pick the tree with the most snow on it (gotta love kid logic). I think we succeeded in that endeavor, as our tree is still drying in the garage. And we made friends with complete strangers. I mean, we were all in it together, right? Christmas, tree picking, snowstorm to start our December. So we laughed and smiled together for 20 wonderful minutes.
Situations, relationships, emotions, moral codes--the holiday season brings all of these to the social forefront. And a writer...Well, a writer would be remiss not to notice! Even if you, like me, do not write or read holiday-based fiction, you can at least benefit from the exercise in friendliness that is December.
How does this time of year affect your writing? Do you include holidays in your work?
Merry Christmas and Happy December everyone!
