Keeping Christmas
by
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Steven had a problem. Tomorrow was the day. He had asked and pleaded, but his parents would not change their minds. Tomorrow was definitely the day the Christmas tree would be taken down.
How could they do this?! Why do adults want Christmas to end, anyway?
After all, what was more magical than a Christmas tree?
Months before the holiday people talked about Christmas and shopped for Christmas and even hung up other Christmas decorations. But you never really felt Christmas until the tree was up. And in that wondrous moment when his Dad stood on a chair to put the star on top of the tree and his Mom plugged in the lights and whole tree lit up - well, for Steven, that was when Christmas was really here.
He had always felt it was the same for everybody else, too.
Even his parents got all excited when the tree was lit up.
It wasn't the presents under the tree -- no, it was the tree.
Even when Christmas morning was over and all the presents had been opened and there were no more surprises, you could still feel the magic each evening when the tree lights were turned on. It was like Christmas all over again.
Tomorrow, that would all end.
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About the Book
"Keeping Christmas" was inspired by Jeanne's son, Steven, when he was 8 years old. The original illustrations were done by her older son, Barry, when he was 11. Of those drawings, only the cover of the book remains as his. In what turns out to be a universal theme, Steven did not want to let go of the Christmas season and when the tree was taken down, it symbolized the definitive end of Christmas. From Steven's actual despondency, the author contrived the young boy's imagination for a way to keep the Christmas tree with the family all year long. Ultimately, his mother offers a more practical solution and what is actually the essence of Christmas. The theme does not relate to presents, Santa Claus or religion. It is all about heart.
About the Author
Jeanne La Rose, B.A., Emory University, has been writing since she was 12 years old. She has been published locally numerous times, including editorials, stage performances and historical accounts.
Growing up on L.I., NY provided many stories, which we hope will be shared, now that she is retired from medical management.
Jeanne La Rose was raised on Long Island, N.Y., the youngest of 5 children. Throughout the 50's and 60's there were no shortage of subjects to write about and she has been writing poetry, journals and stories since her youth. As an adult, her audience has been limited to local publications, editorials, community theatre and her many wonderful supportive friends and family. "Keeping Christmas" is her first serious attempt to go from spectator to participant. Jeanne graduated from Emory University in Atlanta with a degree in Psychology. English was her minor. She ultimately settled in Connecticut where she spent most of her 30+ year career in insurance and the medical field. She lives with her husband and two cats and their most treasured time is when their two sons are home, especially for the holidays.