Join me in welcoming Kathy Nickerson, Eternal Optimist, to my website today as she

shares a special childhood Christmas memory. Kathy is giving away one signed copy of

Thirty Days to Glory. Enter to win at the bottom of the post.

I think my mother first made this statement the year our tree had a hole in the back. You may think a tree can’t have a hole. If so, you have never trekked to the backside of the north forty to actually cut a wild Christmas tree. The perfect tree always grows on the farthest corner of the farm.

That year, our dad had been watching this little fir tree through the summer and fall. He knew it was exactly the right size to fit into the front room of our small farmhouse. He did not allow for the fence post crowding too close as the tree grew. But, when the perfect tree dropped into the snow with the final swing of the axe, we all saw it. A huge, gaping hole where the fence post had stood. The back of the beautiful tree was completely deformed.

It was nearly dark by then, and we were a long way from the house. And shivering. I don’t know what went through my dad’s head then. Except that it was late on Sunday afternoon, the second week in December, and he had to go back to work at the factory before daylight tomorrow. We loaded the tree on the sled and shuffled back to the house.

My mom didn’t say much when we pulled the tree through the door. Nor when we set it up in the corner. She discussed lights that didn’t work and ornaments that were fragile. She reminded us the tinsel had to go on one crinkly, little piece at a time.

Finally, we all stood back and looked at the poor tree standing in the corner, slightly ashamed, I thought. Then, my dad plugged in the lights. And you, Dear Reader, know exactly what happened. It is the same magical thing that happens everywhere all over the world when the lights go on. My mother said, “Oh, it is the prettiest tree we’ve ever had.”

And, it was.

Every year, no matter how many holes we felt in our life, no matter how many hardships we would face on Monday morning, when we plugged in the lights, it was the prettiest tree ever.

I think it is more than holiday spirit. I think it is a life attitude our family inherited. I think it is faith in the God who made Light to shine from darkness. I think it is Hope. And I pray you find some this season. If you can’t, feel free to email me. I’ll share some of mine. 

This is a beautiful story and a great reminder! Thank you for sharing Kathy.

And thank you for giving away a copy of your book, Thirty Days to Glory. 

Readers, what is your favorite (type) of Christmas decoration? Tell us in the comments below.

And before you go, enter to win a signed copy of Thirty Days to Glory using the Rafflecopter below. 

Kathy Nickerson is the author of three novels including Thirty Days to Glory, winner of the Fiction Book of the Year Award from the Christian Small Publishers Association. She writes from her home in rural Missouri, where she lives with her husband of more than forty years. They are the parents of four children who grew up to become their best friends and who have given them fourteen grandchildren, so far. You can learn more about her writing and her reputation as an Eternal Optimist at her website. Sign up for her free newsletter and get a copy of Three Secrets to a Happy Life at www.kathynick.com

Connect with Kathy:  Website   Facebook   Twitter   Amazon 

Thirty Days to Glory Catherine Benson longs to do One Great Thing before she dies and Elmer Grigsby hopes to stay seriously drunk until he slips out of the world unnoticed. When their destinies intersect one Tuesday in December, they both discover it is only Thirty Days to Glory.

Against a Christmas backdrop, Catherine searches for purpose while fighting the infirmities of age and the best intentions of her children. She gains support in the battle from her faithful housekeeper and her quirky friends known as the Glory Circle Sisters.

Elmer isn’t supported by anyone, except maybe his cat. When he opens the last whiskey bottle of the month, he knows it is time to shuffle down to the post office and pick up his government check. Somewhere in his fog, Elmer knows he was once a better man. That is why he stays in the fog.

Thirty Days to Glory is dedicated to my mother, because she taught us

that every Christmas tree is the best one ever. You can enter via the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a signed copy from the author. Your information will not be used for anything beyond contacting you if you win. 

This giveaway will run through Friday, December 9th. You are not required to sign up for a newsletter or follow Kathy on her social media to enter, but I know she would love to connect with you! Stop by and say hello to Kathy on one of her spots:  Website   Facebook   Twitter   Amazon Give her a follow if you like what you see! (I think you will.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway rules: Open to residents of the continental USA. Must be 18 years old to enter.

Winners will be chosen at random. Winner will be notified by email and have 3 days to respond

with a mailing address or book will be awarded to another entrant.

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