One Day I’ll Write a Christmas Letter
by Stephanie Beck
Now, I’m not one who actually gets my stuff in order enough to put together a thoughtful, cutesy Christmas letter in my Christmas cards. In fact, the season usually gets away from me and I end up sending Valentines after the loving chaos of the holiday season finishes. I appreciate a nice letter, but I fear I read between the lines, especially when I get one from one of the members of my extended family. One year my grandma wrote of my husband and me: “Stephanie and Tanner had a small, quick wedding and are happy.” (In other words, expect a birth announcement sometime this spring). Ha, we fooled her, our daughter was born the week of our first anniversary.
Sometimes I joke with my husband about what I’d put in our Christmas letter. It would go a little something like this:
Dear Family and Friends,
If you stopped by or called once in a while, I wouldn’t have to write you a stinking letter about how our year was. But since I’m writing—and it’s not the smut you wouldn’t be caught dead reading—I hope you’ll enjoy sharing our year’s events.
Our eldest started first grade this fall. She’s gorgeous and brilliant and loving learning and life. She would like me to remind you all not to tease her about boys when you see her. It embarrasses her, and really, how backwoods is it to imply that a seven-year-old girl needs a boy in her life to be happy?
Our newly middle child has no idea she’s a middle child and is as happy as ever. She loves to play and paint and likes to celebrate with random bouts of fist-pumping when she writes a letter correctly. In a happy addition, we now have three imaginary friends in our household, courtesy of her brilliant mind. They all like peanut butter sandwiches, which works for me since I stink at making imaginary filet mignon.
This past winter we were blessed with the birth of our son. You may have received a text at four o’clock in the morning that woke you up—and no, I’m not sorry about that. He’s freaking gorgeous and you know it was worth it to wake up to look. Like his sisters, he’s incredibly smart and engaging and sweet—and completely adored by his mother and father. Oh, and like a good boy, he said “mama” first.
As for me and my husband, we celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary in October—defying most of the family bets out there. Work situations have changed and life with three kids is busy, but I gotta say, the man is as hot as ever. My writing world continues to grow and two of my books are now in print (yes, you can get them at ‘real’ bookstores) and I’m really happy to have found a career that works for me and my family.
That sums up our year, oh so briefly. We’re healthy, happy and in the hands of God. Here’s wishing your family a blessed Christmas and happy holiday season. And, hey, stop by when you’re on your way through town—or even give me a call and plan a day with us. My cookie jar is always full!
Lots of Love,
Stephanie Beck and Family J
Are you a holiday letter writer? Share a Christmas-letter worthy memory and be entered to win an eBook (details below).
Merry Christmas!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Even before she understood what all the thrusting meant, Stephanie Beck loved reading romance. When the stories didn’t end the way she wanted, writing her own was the perfect solution. From ridiculous humor to erotica, Stephanie loves being transported within a story. When she’s not elbow deep in words, her husband and three children command her attention. After they are sleeping she knits or bakes cookies…or squeezes in more writing.
You can find Stephanie on the web at the following places:
Website: http://www.stephaniebeck.net/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/StephBeck123
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BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY:
Beachwalk Press will be sponsoring giveaways at the end of this blog tour. Everyone who comments on a post will have their name placed in a drawing (be sure to include an email address so we have a way to contact you). On Monday, December 19th we will randomly choose four people who will win a Beachwalk Press eBook of their choice from any of the authors who participated on the tour. The more blogs you comment on, the more times you are entered to win! For a list of all the blogs we will be visiting on this tour, click here: http://beachwalkpress.com/2011/11/beachwalk-press-holiday-blog-tour/
BEACHWALK PRESS HOLIDAY SCAVENGER HUNT:
During the month of December, Beachwalk Press will be hosting a Holiday Scavenger Hunt. There will be multiple winners, and the prizes will include gift certificates, Godiva chocolates, and a Kindle Fire! Visit our website for more information. http://beachwalkpress.com/
