I feature magic realism in my Christmas books. Magical Realism is a genre of literature that depicts the real world as having an undercurrent of magic- magic that is accepted as the norm.
In Home for Christmas, an enchanted compass takes Piper back to 1945, where she meets and befriends her grandmother when she was Piper's age.
In The Christmas Dress, an enchanted dress fits anyone who wears it, and can make Christmas magic happen. The dress is timeless, sophisticated, and fits into every era it finds itself in. It also inspires an entire clothing line...
In A Wish for Christmas, an enchanted snowglobe gives an unhappily married couple a second chance at love.
Working with these magical elements made me think about the real magic of Christmas.
The Christmases of youth are made possible by parents who love their kids enough to do anything to give them the best Christmas mornings ever. They scrimp, save, stay up late to assemble toys, decorate the house, trim the tree. That kind of love is magic in itself, real magic.
I think that kind of love is a powerful energy, and that's why the holidays feel so magical. So much love is flowing as we prepare for the holidays- thinking of all the folks we love, what they would love to have, what we can do for them, what we are grateful for. We bake cookies for the neighbors, and send gifts to our kids' teachers to show our appreciation. Kindness and love are so powerful.
One of my own traditions is to write a Christmas letter to every one in my family and to my closest friends-- telling everyone how much I love them, and why I'm grateful for them. The tradition started back when my husband and I were first married and didn't have any money for gifts- we continue it to this day.
I think that Love is the true magic of Christmas-- and Love can accomplish great, wonderful things.
What say you?
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