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Worst Christmas Ever by Mallary Mitchell

 


When I wrote this novella, I had no idea that by the time 2020 Christmas rolled around, we’d have redefined what a worst Christmas could look like. This year is going to be different. I’m not going to any Christmas gatherings. There won’t be Christmas plays to attend, or if there are plays, this year they will look a lot different.

This isn’t the first pandemic and probably won’t be the last. And this year? Soon we’ll be able to say goodbye and good riddance to a year that will go down in history books as being a year of sickness and loss. But you know what so what?

I don’t want to go into this most Holy of seasons thinking about what I’ve lost or what I don’t have.

The group Kutlass released a beautiful song “This is Christmas” several years ago, and I quote…What is Christmas, if there never was a Savior wrapped in a manger? What is Christmas If the angels never sang glory to the newborn King. What is Christmas without Christ?

So, with that in mind, what do I have? I have a God who loves me. While I’ve had to give up going out in a crowd. I have a Savior who gave up Heaven…Heaven. He left His Father. He left His throne to be born in a barn. He left glories untold to lie in a manger. He came to die for me.

Worst Christmas Ever? No. It isn’t the parades, candy, gifts that make Christmas. Christ makes Christmas.

This year remember Jesus loves you, and He is always with you. He is Christmas.

OK, I hear you. So Mal, if this is your attitude, why did you write a book called Worst Christmas Ever? I know that the holidays can be hard. My mother often was very sad at Christmas especially after Dad passed, but Christmas stories really cheered her. Reading, listening, or watching Christmas stories buoyed her spirit. They made her smile and often laugh. When I wrote this story, I wanted something to make folks smile. To have them put aside the stress of the season and look at life through the eyes of another. And having read a lot of the Pelican Book Group Christmas Extravaganza stories I would say these books do just that.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Because remember Christmas doesn’t need bows, or boxes or bags…it will arrive just the same.

God Bless You and Yours,

Merry Christmas to all and may your toilet paper never run out.

Mallary Mitchell

PS and Shameless Plug. My book A Lawman for Christmas is also available from PBG. It’s about a young deputy who is sent to guard and as necessary, rescue a young widow, but when he falls down her chimney, she has to save him.

PSS: E-books are safe from CoVid.


Worst Christmas Ever

After being jilted the day before her Christmas wedding, Sara Jane hates the holidays. Holly and mistletoe are a painful reminder that happily-ever-after isn't for her. Now, this Christmas, her baby sister is getting married. Talk about adding insult to injury! 

Forced into faux Christmas joy while she helps plan the nuptials, Sara Jane just wants to escape to Athens, Greece--away from the judgmental stares and snickers of her family and friends. God, on the other hand, may have other plans. 

Maxwell Dixon has secretly loved Sara Jane since they were children. Like so many tragic childhood love stories, however, he was relegated to "friend status" long ago. But when Sara Jane needs him for moral support and to be a safe date at the wedding, Max decides it's time to show Sara Jane what love and Christmas are all about. 

A Lawman for Christmas 

Can she trust his charming smile, or is he working with the enemy?
Christmas is a time for miracles, and Dessa Courtland desperately needs one. The widow of an outlaw, and with two small children and another on the way, she’s been shunned by neighbors who believe she is still consorting with outlaws. The leader of her husband’s gang has been visiting because he thinks she has a pile of his ill-gotten gains, and he’s given her until Christmas Eve to turn it over—or else. When a deputy falls down her chimney, her daughters think St. Nick has arrived early, but Dessa thinks the lawman is the answer to her prayers.
Deke Elliot is on the trail of a notorious outlaw who also happens to be his uncle. Deke is sent to watch Dessa and catch his uncle, but when he is injured chasing a man off the roof of her dugout cabin, his plans go awry. He’d always thought Dessa Courtland wasn’t the type of woman to have dealings with outlaws, and after spending time with her, he’s certain she's innocent. He has a lot to do before Christmas Eve--make a plan, find the money, and catch his uncle to name a few. There’s no time to fall in love, or is there?




This is Christmas Kutlass link https://youtu.be/20HoJZecNqM

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Comments

kaybee said…
Mallary, thanks for sharing this, you're right. To paraphrase Dr. Seuss, Christmas doesn't come in a box. If only he'd taken that a step further...Jesus Christ is the ultimate Gift.
Kathy Bailey
Fellow Pelican author
11 December 2020 at 12:03
Carol James said…
What a timely title. Thanks for sharing, Mallary. And you’re right. While in some ways this Christmas will be very different, the truth and depth of the gift of God’s love never changes.
11 December 2020 at 12:15
LoRee Peery said…
Well done. I look forward to reading the story.
11 December 2020 at 16:36
Mary A Felkins said…
Love the idea of reclaiming Christmas time as the "worst" to the very best --once we look at situations and seasons and celebrations through the eyes of Jesus. I am excited to indulge in the story of your heroine and hero healing each others wounds :)
11 December 2020 at 16:56
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