The world can wait

Pictures from the BBC Nativity which aired this week. And now for todays final story December 25th Sophie sat by the phone. She had opened her stocking presents after breakfast, but wasn’t particularly interested in them. The rest of the presents still sat unopened under the tree. Her older brother David was building his Lego spaceship. Grandma was cooking dinner in the kitchen as Mummy had left the house very suddently before church. The phone rang and Mummy answered it. She'd burst into tears and shooed them from the room. After a bit, Grandma and Grandad arrived and Mummy went out. It had been a horrid day. The worst Christmas ever. Normally they had dinner just after church in the morning, but not today. Then they opened all rest of the presents after the Queen’s Speech, but not today. The presents sat unopened under the tree and even though there were a few with her name on, none were what she wanted. That wouldn’t come in a box or wrapping paper. The best present of ...

eyes wide open, peeping over the edge of the bed "He's been!" an excited voice calls. "Shhh," a giggle. "You'll wake them up." feet patter from one room to the other paper rustles as eager fingers empty stockings trying to work out what the parcels are. "Mine's bigger than yours." "Can we wake them now? What's the time?" more footsteps, this time heavier as they run to the clock. "It's only two am. Mummy said six." "Don't want to wait... let's go see if they're awake." footsteps and dragging noises excited whispers the door gets pushed open "Mummy are you awake?" not answering she keeps her breathing regular "Daddy are you awake?" "No." "Oh... okay.... He says he's not awake." laughter from the hallway "Maybe he's sleeping then..." he tries not to laugh wondering how anyone could sleep with all this noise. "Daddy are you sl...

in lieu of a story - well to save putting it in one lol I bring you Stained Glass Window biscuits. For the biscuits 350g/12oz plain flour, plus extra for dusting 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp salt 2 tsp ground ginger 100g/3½oz butter 175g/6oz soft brown sugar 1 free-range egg, beaten 4 tbsp golden syrup packet wrapped fruit-flavoured boiled sweets in different colours To decorate tube ready-made white icing (optional) narrow ribbon Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. 2. For the biscuits, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and ginger together in a bowl. 3. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, then stir in the sugar. 4. In another bowl, beat together the egg and golden syrup, then pour this mixture into the flour mixture and mix to make a smooth dough, kneading lightly with your hands. 5. Crush the sweets in their wrappers using a rolling pin. 6. Roll the dough out on a floured work surface to about 0.5cm/¼in thick, then cut into shapes using...

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas this year is a little help around the house from my husband. I know he has a really really important job and all and is super busy right now, but honestly, I work too. I have a novel deadline coming up and the house is so full too. The kids have thier friends over and they all want feeding. And honestly they seem to think the laundry does itself. Then there's the baking, cleaaning, more laundry, dinner to do for at least 20 tonight. The dishes after dinner. It seems I'm the only one who knows how to wash dishes. Anyway, if you could see it clear to getting him to help i'd appreciate it. Hugs and kisses Mrs Claus ps if you're late home again tonight then your dinner will be IN the dog.

Pastor Jack looked at himself in the mirror tugged the jacket down over the unaccustomed girth he’d gained. He glanced up and saw the laughter in Cassie’s eyes. Then he rolled his eyes as there was a knock at the door. “Come in.” Matt and Kyle came in. “You wanted to see...” Matt broke off then he laughed as he saw Jack. “I told you that you shouldn't have had that extra cake at lunch,” Kyle managed laughing hard. Jack sulked. Cassie laughed. “But honey, its such a lovely shade of red.” “Don’t even go there,” Jack screwed his nose up at her. “It’s not even my colour.” Cassie handed him the false beard and wig. “But you look cute,” she said, her smile widening as she watched him put them on. Jack humphed and pulled the hat on. “Not as cute as the three of you will do in these!” He held up three outfits with a huge smirk on his face. Then he laughed as he watched the grins on the faces of the others replaced by horror. “Oh no,” Cassie said backing away. “Oh yes,” he said. Matt sh...

“What is it?” Sophie asked picking up the doll. “It’s a nutcracker,” Grandma told her. “Looks more like a doll.” He smiled. “It is but it's a magical doll.” “Magic?” Her eyes widened. “Does he have a story?” “He certainly does.” Grandma sat on the couch next to her. “Once upon a time,” she began. An hour later she finished reading and looked down at the sleeping child in her arms. She wondered if Sophie were dreaming of soldiers and mice men and sugar plum faires.

Sara looked down at the mess in front of her. It had looked so easy when she read the instructions and she wanted this to be perfect and special. This was their first real Christmas together. Last year did not count. She had been trying to ignore how she really felt about Luke and trying to hate him instead. After all he was the cop who was pretending to be the father of her unborn twins and masquerading as her dead husband. Then she had been kidnapped and then rescued in the early hours of Christmas morning only to then pass out and need an emergency caesarean section. At least that had brought the both of them to their senses and he had proposed a few days later. So this was their first Christmas as husband and wife. The twins’ first Christmas as well as their first birthday. The huge tree sat in the bay window and Luke’s pile of perfectly wrapped presents sat there mocking the pathetic attempt in front of her. Sara threw the screwed piece of paper across the room and screamed in fru...

The tall carpenter stood in the stable, looking down at the tiny newborn baby in his arms. Mary, his wife, lay exhausted on the pile of straw beside him. He loved her so much, didn’t think they’d have make it. Especially with everywhere full and Mary in labour. He’d never tell anyone how scared he was the last few hours. And as for delivering the baby himself... He shuddered. He’d done it, but never again. He sat down slowly, the babe still sleeping peacefully in his arms. The angel said this babe was the son of God. It wasn’t his flesh and blood he knew that. He’d known for months. He’d been ready to divorce Mary, furious that she’d cheated on him, but the angel had set him right on that score. His faith and love for the woman nest to him wasn’t misplaced or in vain. He stroked the babe’s cheek. “I will protect you, love you, raise you as much as any children I may have in the future with your mother.” He took a deep breath. “Lord, where do I, a mere carpenter, fit into this plan You ...

yay and caught up Dec 17th Yannick sat on the hillside—alone. The darkness seemed deeper than before and even the stars seemed dull and boring. Except for that new one which hung over the town, almost as bright as day where it shone. Ever since those shiny sky people appeared singing and raving about a baby born in town—in a stable of all places—nothing had been the same. Everyone had rushed off to see if the story was true. Everyone apart from him. He had to stay here and look after the stupid sheep. Being the only kid still living at home sucked some times. No make that all the time. Yannick do this. Yannick do that. Yannick go make up the 20 rooms for the unexpected guests this census has brought us. Yannick go feed the animals. Yannick go help your brother with the sheep tonight. Yannick stay here while we go see and see this Saviour who’s been born. Dawn broke. Strange...that star still shone, bright as anything. Where was everyone? Yannick sat up straight. Was that singing? Over ...

day 16 Guest post by my friend and fellow author Donna A really good present Lise stared at the tree as the lights blinked off and on, then looked back down at the popcorn in her hand. She popped one in her mouth and chewed while she slipped the needle and thread through another piece, careful not to break it. “Why can’t daddy come home for Christmas?” Her mother glanced down from the step stool then looked back up and finished placing the angel on the tree. “Because he has a very important job, sweetheart. He has to keep lots of people safe.” Tina watched her daughter scrunch up her forehead as she tried to reason through her next question. Four years was hardly old enough to understand that evil never slept. “But daddy could come home when the bad people go home for Christmas.” Tina stepped down and folded the stool, leaning it against the closet door to put away later. She sat down on the couch next to her daughter and picked up the other threaded needle and a handful of popcorn. Sh...

ok so feeling a little better now. on couch with laptop and gonna catch up then doze a little. Day 15 Kyle stood next to Holly as they looked in wonder at the tree under the pagoda in the centre of the park. It towered above them and the lights and coloured baubles sparkled against the winter snow. Next to it sat a table with cards for Christmas wishes. Several children were making long lists of what they wanted Santa to bring them. Kyle had done the same every year since a small child. The feelings of nostalgia it provoked never changed. Would she think him silly, or would she fill one in, too? Holly shoved her hands into her pockets. "The tree's beautiful. It puts mine to shame." Kyle raised an eyebrow. "I think your tree is awesome." "Uh huh. Not compared with this." "Compared to mine it is." "That's because you don't have one." He hesitated for a moment then pointed a gloved finger at her, his breath hanging on the frost...

Jared looked at Elspeth and rolled his eyes. “Not more cooking.” “It's Christmas and with your brothers coming over for the day, they'll eat me out of house and home you know that.” “True. So what you making this time?” “Cranberry flapjacks. The way your mum always made them.” Jared smiled. “Those will go down a storm. Next to Mum you're the only person who got them right.” “That’s because I follow her recipe and don’t try doing it off the cuff like some people.” He looked down at the card and read the ingredients out to her. “4oz oats, 3 tablespoons honey, 2oz self-raising flour, 1 egg, 4 tablespoons dried cranberries.” He looked up. “Would probably be nice with fresh cranberries too.” She nodded. “I bet they would. Okay now what do I do?” “Mix together the oats, honey, self-raising flour, egg and dried cranberries. This should form a thick batter.” Jared watched as she did what he said. “You know she used to sing when she did these when we were kids,” he said. He moved ...

From another WIP - Piece of Sky Sara gasped. Filling the bay window was a huge pine Christmas tree. “It’s beautiful.” She moved over to it and touched it. “It’s real. I never had a real tree before.” Luke chuckled. “Of course it’s real. You like it?” “I love it. Thank you.” She turned and threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. She’d been so awful to him, and he went and got her a tree. Luke returned the hug and kissed her cheek. “You’re welcome, Sara. I got a selection of lights and decorations as well. I thought we could decorate it this afternoon.” “I’d like that a lot. Aunt Mary and I always decorated the tree together.” Sara pulled back, embarrassed at what she'd done. She'd kissed him. Again. What was she thinking? And he kissed her back. Her cheek was aflame where his lips had touched it. She turned around. “All we need is some Christmassy music.” “That’s in there, too.” Luke pulled out three CD’s and handed them to her. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I got...

short piece taken from Saving Christmas Matt stood at the front. “Most of you know I work in a Christmas shop. And yes I know it’s only July, but Christmas isn’t just for December. And it’s not just about the shopping, trees and decorations either. It’s about the gift God gave. The greatest gift of all—the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. Without Christmas, there would be no Easter. No Christmas, no salvation. Mary and Joseph began the miracle by saying yes to God. We too can say yes to God and make sure the miracle continues as He gives us His great gift of salvation through His Son. No matter what else we think we may need in life, more than anything we need God’s love.”

Nov 14th Sitting looking at the piece of card in front of her, Sophie had no idea what she was going to draw. Everyone else in her class was busy drawing Christmas cards for their parents on the front lines. Sophie had tried to do a reindeer, but it looked more like a cow and George laughed at her. Then she tried drawing Santa only it looked stupid, so she screwed it up. He wouldn’t grant her wish if she didn’t draw him right and Daddy wouldn't be home for Christmas. Tears filled her eyes. The teacher came over and sat down next to her. “What’s wrong?” “I can’t do it,” she managed. “It has to be special cos it’s for Daddy.” “How about a snowman? That’s just two circles with stick arms. Could you manage that?” “Can try,” she whispered. She took the new piece of card and picked up her pencil. As she drew, her tongue poked out from between her lips. Finally she drew something she was happy with but most importantly, something she knew Daddy would like. It was hot where he was, and the...

Day 10 - and today you get a missing scene with Holly. The MC from Season for Miracles. The letter was waiting for her when she got home from work. The postmark gave it away, even if she hadn't recognised her brother's handwriting. It was from Drew. Dropping her bag and coat to the floor, Holly ripped open the envelope, sinking down on the chair at the kitchen table to read. The card showed her brother, his wife and boys sitting on the beach, in swimsuits, wearing Santa hats. Inside was a letter. Dear Holly, Merry Christmas, sis. I know we speak on MSN and web cam and email, but you can't have a Christmas card without the boring family letter, can you? Only I ran out of them and can’t be bothered to print another one off. So (waves fingers and pokes out tongue) tough, you get me rambling on instead. As I write this the kids are creating havoc. Something to do with the fact that Danny wants to put the Santa on the tree and Petie won’t let him. Still Karen can deal with that,...

Rose looked up. “Is this right?” she asked. Her hands were covered with cuts from the holly prickles but she wasn’t going to complain. She had never made one of these before and was having fun. Her mother looked at her. “Yes it is.” She pulled the five candles out of the bag. It had taken some searching to find them at all, never mind in the correct colours. “Ohhh pretty,” Rose whispered. She reached out a hand and touched them gently. Her father leaned in the doorway watching them. “Each one means something different,” Mother said. “The first violet one stands for hope, the second violet one for peace, then the rose one for joy, the last violet one for love and the white one is the arrival of the light of the world.” “Can we light them now?” Rose asked. Father moved into the room. “Not yet, one a week for the four weeks of advent,” he told her. “But you can carry it out into the main room for me.” Rose beamed and picked up the advent crown carrying it carefully out of the room. Father...

Elspeth looked up as her husband Phil came in from work. “Hey handsome,” she said, glancing over her shoulder. She shivered as he stood behind her and wrapped his cold arms around her. Then she shuddered as his cold lips brushed against her neck. “You’re cold.” “Of course. It’s cold out there.” He pulled her closer to him and looked over her shoulder. “What are you making?” “Wreath biscuits,” she said stirring the pan. “Sounds yummy. So tell me while I warm up by putting my freezing cold self all over this nice warm person in front of me.” She shook her head. “Fine. To make sixteen wreaths you take a large saucepan. In said large saucepan, you melt half a cup of margarine over a low heat. Then add 10 ounces of marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the green food colouring.” He grinned as she recited the recipe to him. He liked her doing this, standing behind her as she baked and taught him at the same time. “Then what?” “You add 6 cups of cornflake...

Today you get an unedited extract from the WIP - Tuesday's Child. In this scene Niamh and her husband Jared enjoy the snow. Four thirty am. Niamh got out of bed and crept to the window. Peeping past the thick curtains, she saw the snow lying thick and pristine across the dark garden. Smiling she slid on her coat and gloves and boots and went outside. She slowly made tracks all round the garden then busied herself building a snowman. She gave it twigs for arms, stones for eyes and buttons and another twig for a mouth. Going indoors she got a carrot for a nose and Jared’s spare cap for a hat. Setting it on the snowmanm, she stood back, surveying her handiwork and smiled. A tapping on the window made her look up. Jared stood silhouetted against the window shaking his head at her. She waved him to come down and join her but he shook his head harder and mimed it being too cold. She pulled a face and turned away lowering her shoulders to make it look as if she were sad. Less than a minut...

Nativity play Rosie looked at her brother. “Is Daddy here yet?” she asked. Darren shook his head. “Course he isn’t. He never is. It’ll be work or the traffic or some other excuse. When will you realise he just doesn’t care enough to be here?” he told her sharply. “But he promised he’d be here,” Rosie said, her bottom lip trembling. “I get to be Mary and he promised he’d be here to see.” Darren put his arms round his little sister. “Don’t cry Rosie,” he said. “I’m here. I’ll sit in the audience with Mum and watch you.” “Want Daddy,” she said, pushing the white cloth off her head. She started to cry. “Don’t want do it if he’s not here.” Her teacher, Mrs Edwards, looked at her and then went and found Lou. “I’m sorry Mrs Williams, but Rosie is rather upset. She’s refusing to do this. Perhaps if you had a word?” Lou nodded and left her coat on the chair. She followed the teacher to the back of the stage. Darren looked at her. “Mum… I tried but…” Lou smiled, gathering her sobbing daughter i...