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Gifts of Christmas

— Jan Goldyn —

Downy white on rooftops,

little children gaze

at streets and yards that sparkle

setting magic ablaze.

Bright foil wrappings,

velvet ribbons and coats,

tenderness that stretches

beyond the common threads we know.

Grandfathers’ hearts made young

by gifts from a chubby small hand,

Ordinary places

For a moment in time made grand.

Love incarnate whispers

through city, forest and field

‘kindness can reign this day

Pieces of all hearts may heal.’

^{_{December Update}}

Christmas is my favorite time of year! I’m guessing it may be yours too.

What is it that gives us such magic? Obviously, it is the sharing of God’s gift of Love.

And it’s shared in so many ways!

Angelic music is enchanting at Christmas chorales and in the sound of carolers. Although it isn’t nearly as as common as in years past, we still see carolers — many times children at nursing homes which is such a tremendous sight!

Growing up, I remember groups from the Russian Orthodox faith visiting our doorstep, knowing that my grandmother was staying with us. She was part Russian and sang along with many of the melodies.

Christmas trees are a wonder in themselves! Whether real or not, they stand out as something not in our day-to-day lives. Families have such varied ways of decorating them. Ours is filled with many home made ornaments from cards, scraps of pretty paper and ribbons.

In my youth, my grandma and I made so many paper snowflakes. My older sister took charge of making sure we strung enough popcorn garland!

Cookie-making brings smiles at our place! Sugar cookie santa’s, buttery teacakes, peanut butter blossoms and rich nutrolls are always part of the festivities.

Seasons greeting from friends and family warm my heart. Even those we haven’t seen in years due to distance are brought close again.

Gingerbread houses are so homey! Kids, especially, enjoy sticking pieces of candy to their miniature roofs and doors. This year I opted to decorate a little doll house ♥

Special decorations spark something in our souls. Maybe just the sight of a tiny reindeer, snowman or angel can bring us to fond memories of past holidays.

From our house to your house, Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

December Sneak Peek

-Excerpt from Julia Prequel to Coal Town Girls--

“Her older brother, Phil, had taken it upon himself to keep any ‘ne’er-do-wells’ at bay. His parents were, after all, old-world and Julia needed someone immersed in the culture to see her through the ropes of American life.

Even though their father had navigated this new world well enough to pull himself out of the realm of coal mining into that of landowner – eventually providing a comfortable existence for his family – he stayed tied to his slavic friends, his Polish newspapers, his vodka.

His mother preferred her garden, her kitchen and simple ways to the hustle and bustle about her.

Julia and Phil had formed a strong friendship during childhood, his down-to-earth ways rubbing off on her. This had never concerned Phil the way it had concerned his high-society brother, John. If anything, Phil thought it likely to serve Julia well – help her to show a strong front to the world.”

* * * * * * *

I am so excited to be working on my Prequel — Julia. You’ve all given me such super feedback on Coal Town Girls! Those of you who have grown up locally have been sharing your excitement at seeing the landmarks of your youth (or your present!) showcased within its pages.

Coal Town Girls started with a seed planted in a young girl’s mind by two remarkably strong, funny, witty friends who shared their stories of growing up in Hollsopple, Pennsylvania. The little girl was me and the women were my Mother Joan and her best friend Mary — friends from the ages of five to ninety-two!

Now, with Julia, I’m taking a journey further back in time to the people, places, struggles, triumphs and dreams of those who came before Joan and Mary. I can’t wait for you to join me.

Jan’s Reading Nook

Throughout history, our ancestors gathered around fires telling and soaking in the magic that is “story.” This primal need continues and has not left us! I love to share thoughts on nuggets of literature I’ve been enjoying and exploring. For me, a main focus has been historical fiction, literary fiction, family sagas. Although all genres have their own jewels.

Clement C. Moore’s Night Before Christmas, illustrated by Cindy Szekeres was a staple at our house on Christmas Eve when the children were small! When our first daughter was born, we had our two-year-old son present it to her as a gift ♥

Little did we know it would become one of their very favorite stories that absolutely had to be read each Christmas Eve, our youngest daughter eventually joining in the fun as well!

The story itself, so well known, incites mystery into every heart — the wonder of the thought of hearing hoofs on the roof, spying a red clad Santa under the tree, the visual of the new-fallen snow.

But Cindy Szekeres’ depictions of the little mouse family residing in the tree are true treasures.

Haven’t we all imagined little doors in the trunks of trees, mysterious woodsy creatures making their cozy homes inside? If you haven’t I recommend you give this book a read and be swept into the fascination of an enchanted Christmas Eve!

Coal Town Girls

Coal Town girls was an idea that bubbled up over the years and finally found its way to paper. My mother, Joan, and her best friend, Mary, were often found on our back porch, telling stories of their youth -- the town, the river, the people, the adventures, the sadness's, the joys. 

Each month I’ll try to highlight a tidbit of history from Coal Town Girls!

Enjoy this pic of Bethel Church, Hollsopple Pa

—-Excerpt from Coal Town Girls—-

“Bethel Church stood by the bridge between Holsopple and Benson, its quaint bell tower silhouetted against the deep blue sky which had begun to fill with tiny stars. Joan and Mary quietly entered the wooden doors and stood at the back.

Women were in Sunday dress wearing hats that, although quite worn, were festively pretty. Little bells, wreaths and Christmas trees were pinned to some of their lapels. Men wore suit coats. Children had been “tidied up” with scrubbed faces. Many a girl wore a brightly-colored flour sack which had been tucked in here and there and made beautiful by an industrious mother’s seamstress.”

Guest Authors

Each month, I plan to bring to you a wonderful guest author. Published, unpublished, aspiring authors will share their journeys, goals and snippets of their work.

This month with the busyness of the holiday season I’m taking a break from interviewing upcoming authors. Check back in the January Newsletter for some great content!