Christmas Love by Christine Bush

 

The holidays can be a rough time for many people. 

In our culture, there is an image of large families sitting around a fireplace with a roaring fire at Christmas time.  The table is laden with a giant feast.  The giant tree is surrounded by piles of colorful gifts.

But for many, it can be a lonely, difficult path to travel.  Grief and loneliness can take their toll.

Some would rather just forget the holiday. That’s ok

But some search some way to redefine their celebrations.  They celebrate by giving to others who are struggling, too. I find this truly inspirational.

The other day, at the local post office, an elderly gentleman reached the counter after a long wait. He needed to buy stamps.  But when the stamps were handed to him, he discovered he had forgotten his wallet.  The dismay showed in his face.  “I’ll have to come back,” he said sadly.

There was a kindly woman behind him.  “Never mind, sir,” she said. “I’ve got this for you.  Merry Christmas.”  The look on his face was wondrous.

 “I’ll pay you back,” he said.

“No”, she said, “Pay it forward. Just help somebody else.” 

Beautiful.

The piles for Christmas Child and  Toys For Tots are growing.  People donate to loving causes.  Some even adopt whole families to fulfil their Christmas dreams when life has been a challenge.

Friends who don’t have a family to share their holiday meal gather together for a “Friends Christmas”.

And others  volunteer at shelters and community centers to help cook and distribute Christmas dinner to the homeless, elderly and financially struggling.

Some volunteer at an animal shelter to give other volunteers family time.

We’re just not lonely when we love and help others.  I love this.

My sweet romance novella that will be available next month, called “Lucy’s Laugh” faces this issue.  My hero and heroine are both without family, and end up volunteering at the local shelter for the holiday. Stay tuned for more details!

Here's an available one!

Christmas Holly - Kindle edition by Bush, Christine. Contemporary Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.  (Available in print, ebook or on Audible! Check it out!)

In another novella, “Christmas Holly,” Holly travels many miles to help out at her sister’s home when she gets deployed, facing the sad idea of Christmas alon e on an island off the coast of South Caroline.  But doing service to help the people there changes her life.  Giving love is never a bad idea!

 Do you do any loving service at this time of year?  I’d love to hear.

And however you spend the holiday, I wish you a peaceful one.

Christine Bush is a USA Today Bestselling author of romance, romantic mystery, and suspense.  She can be found living in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania with her husband and 2 lazy cats, and spending time with her 14 grandchildren.   When she’s not writing, she’s teaching Psychology at a local college, and working with clients in her private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She loves to hear from readers and writers!

 www.ChristineBush.com

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