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| Mary Manners |
Christmas Lights
By
Mary Manners
When the subject of Christmas gifts
comes up, most people think of packages wrapped in colorful paper and shimmery
bows, sitting under the Christmas tree, just waiting to be opened.
When I think of Christmas gifts, I think
of my dad, who passed away sixteen years ago this holiday season. He was a man
of many gifts, including the joy he shared for the traditions of Christmas.
Dad loved light—especially the light
that brightened a fresh-cut pine tree in honor of the birth of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ. Each December first, like clockwork, Dad piled his
family—all seven of us—into our Chevy station wagon and drove us to the tree
lot where, shivering in the Chicago-winter cold, we oohed and aahed
over every single tree until we found the perfect one.
Once home, with the tree safely
arranged in a metal stand and watered, Dad climbed the ladder to our attic (a
mysterious place, indeed) where the Christmas lights were stored. He’d lower
the battered cardboard box (re-used, season after season) to the floor below
and dusted it off.
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| Ceramic Christmas tree |
Then my brother and sisters—five of
us—gathered ’round him in the living room and waited, eyes huge with wonder, as
he carefully unraveled the strands of lights and tested each one. No matter how
stubborn the bulbs, dad always managed to get them working.
Beautiful, vibrant colors turned the
room to a kaleidoscope, dancing over walls and windows with the feel of winter
magic. One by one, my siblings and I each took the place of honor beside Dad,
helping him to adorn the tree with light. Pine sap clung to our fingers, but we
didn’t care. All the while, our hearts soared with happiness and child-like
wonder.
Finally, dad gently gathered the
Christmas star from the box. Hushed with awe, we waited while Dad chose one of
us to hoist to his shoulders for the greatest thrill—placing the treasured
beacon of light—the Baby Jesus Star—atop the highest limb. Somehow, Dad always
sensed who needed that extra touch of attention, and there was never any argument.
With the lights in place (just in
time for nightfall—always) we circled the tree and held hands to sing Silent
Night. In the earliest years, the tune didn’t always carry and the words were
sometimes off, but Dad didn’t care. He knew we understood what the tree—and
especially the lights—symbolized…the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The
most wonderful gift of all!
~~~~~
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| Crystal Wishes by Mary Manners |
As a
clothing-buyer-turned-seamstress with an eye for fashion, Skylar Lannigan’s
hands whisper tender ballads over fabric. She fills a sketchbook with flowing
and whimsical designs—including versions of a to-die-for wedding dress for her
own wedding day—if she’d only find Mr. Right. She’d once imagined a bright
future with Adam Caldwell, until he took off with no explanation.
Adam Caldwell’s life has
been a series of hairpin curves since the night a tragic accident claimed
both his parents and nearly the life of his sister, Faith, as well. When Faith,
who's still recovering from her injuries, asks for help selecting a
wedding dress, Adam accompanies her to Diamond Knot Dreams. He's soon reunited
with beautiful and lively Skylar Lannigan.
Adam would love to
rekindle a romance with Skylar, but will events from their past rise up to
destroy any hope for a future?
~~~~~
Mary Manners is a country girl at heart who has
spent a lifetime exploring her joy of writing. She has two sons, a daughter,
and three beautiful grandchildren. She currently lives along the sunny shores
of Jacksonville Beach with her husband Tim.
A former teacher and intermediate
school principal, Mary spent three decades sharing her love of learning. While
growing up in Chicago, Mary worked her way to college through a variety of odd
jobs including paper girl, hot dog vendor, grocery store cashier, lifeguard,
swim instructor, pizza chef, and nanny. Many of these experiences led to
adventures that bring a touch of humor to her stories.
Mary’s writing has earned her
multiple awards including a two-time Inspirational Reader’s Choice award, the
Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold, the Heart of Excellence, and
the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.
Mary loves long sunrise runs, ocean
sunsets, and flavored coffee. She recently conquered her fear of heights (sort
of) by completing the Gate River Run over downtown Jacksonville’s bridges last
spring.
Connect with Mary at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.
