First published 2018
A man returns to his childhood home for Christmas and finds himself swept into vivid recollections of holidays past. As he moves through familiar rooms and rituals, memories surface of treasured toys from his youth, family customs passed down through generations, and the particular magic that comes with adorning the Christmas tree each year. The simple act of hanging ornaments and arranging branches becomes a journey through time, connecting him to the joy and celebration that defined his earliest understanding of the season. Each decoration holds its own story, each tradition carries the weight of years spent in the warmth of family gatherings. The man discovers that coming home for Christmas means more than just returning to a place. It means reconnecting with the pure delight and festive spirit that made those childhood celebrations so meaningful.
Genres: fiction, christmas, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, lyrical
Tropes: coming-home, found-family
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
24 pages · Paperback · Independently published