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    Keeping Christmas: A Novel
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    Keeping Christmas: A Novel
    Unavailable
    Keeping Christmas: A Novel
    Ebook223 pages3 hours

    Keeping Christmas: A Novel

    By Dan Walsh

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    For the first time since their children were born, empty nesters Judith and Stan Winters spent Thanksgiving without the kids, and it's looking like Christmas will be the same. Judith can't bring herself to even start decorating for the holiday; her kids always hung the first ornaments on the tree, ornaments they had made each year since they were toddlers. Sure they were strange-looking--some could be called downright ugly--but they were tradition. A tradition she's heartbroken to miss this year.

    With Judith refusing to decorate the bare spruce tree in their living room, Stan knows something must be done. And his only hope for saving the holiday is found in a box of handmade ornaments.

    Fan-favorite Dan Walsh invites readers to enjoy this nostalgic Christmas story that celebrates all of our most cherished seasonal traditions, especially the importance of family. Readers will join in remembering the things that make their own Christmas season so special.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBaker Publishing Group
    Release dateAug 25, 2015
    ISBN9781441228215
    Unavailable
    Keeping Christmas: A Novel
    Author

    Dan Walsh

    Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift, The Deepest Waters, and The Discovery. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.

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    Reviews for Keeping Christmas

    4/5

    21 ratings14 reviews

    What did you think?

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    • 3/5
      Experiencing an empty nest for the first time at Thanksgiving and soon to be at Christmas makes Judith gloomy. Her husband Stan and friend Betty try to find ways to lift her spirits. Will they be able to help her overcome the depression this holiday season brings? This book is certain to resonate with many readers who are experiencing Christmas without a family gathering. I love the parts that showed how Judith and her children created ornaments each year and how much that meant to both Judith and her children. While I never contemplated putting the book down, the story itself did not flow flawlessly. I can't quite put my finger on the reason. I do, however, believe this is a worthwhile Christmas read that may even help a few persons struggling with the holidays. This review is based on an advance review copy which clearly states that it is not the final text received through NetGalley for review purposes.
    • 4/5
      This is my first book of Dan Walsh's and judging by this book, it won't be my last. With 215 pages, this was an easy and quick read. I thought the premise was refreshing, focusing on empty nesters and their emotions, especially during the holidays, widely known as "time for families." Depression among elders and especially during their early years of "empty-nesting" are quite common and I do understand where the main character, Judith is coming from. However, it was hard to empathize with her and even like her. She reminds me of someone I know whom I always find annoying. (Sorry, I really can't help it. This person's nuances just doesn't sit well with me.) I think it's this mediocre (at best) thoughts about Judith that pulls me from really loving this book straight out.Even for that, I can honestly say I did enjoy it. Stan was it. From early on, a reader can probably figure out the outcome or what Stan will do to cheer Judith up. Yet, reading it when it was first revealed still put a smile on my face and when the plans finally unfold, I had tears in my eyes! That's when I realize that even though I say I'm not too fond of Judith, it is the combination of both characters' interactions and actions that brings this story to a level of warmth and the meaning of Christmas. Yes, Christmas is about family and by the end of Keeping Christmas, we see it, we feel it and we loved it. With Keeping Christmas, I felt the true theme was not family time during Christmas, but a sacrificial love. And then it hits me with the analogy of the ultimate sacrificial love we've all encountered, the love of our Lord Jesus. What better way than a story set during His birth to bring parallels to His gift to us. And with that, I end with the recommendation for you to pick this up, enjoy and while you're at it, give your parents a hug or a call.NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Revell for an honest review.
    • 4/5
      A heartening tale of a couple who do not feel like celebrating and decorating for Christmas. The wife is very depressed since all the children have left home and just can't find it in her to decorate. The husband tries to help her out by bring up some of the more memorable handmade ornaments, but she keeps resiting. What takes place to change things is a sacrifice on the husband's part. While I can sympathize with the wife, not wanting to just decorated for the two of them, I felt like she should have given in some when the husband want to help. It can be hard to want to carry on traditions when you feel like the people you normally celebrate with are not around to celebrate with. I was given a copy of this book to read for free from the publisher.
    • 3/5
      Dan Walsh's new (and timely) book is Keeping Christmas.I love reading Christmas fiction in the weeks leading up to December 25th. Keeping Christmas was especially timely for me.Judith and Stan Winters are empty nesters. But, for the first time, none of their three children can make it home for the holidays - Thanksgiving or Christmas. This affects Judith greatly - she has no interest in putting up a tree, listening to Christmas music or any of their usual traditions. Stan is not as affected - but he is worried about Judith as weeks go by and she is still uninspired - and depressed. Supportive friends Betty and Barney are also concerned.Walsh has penned a story with it's roots in reality. It is incredibly hard to celebrate when family is scattered across the country. (Personally I thank goodness for Facetime!)Through Judith's story, Walsh explores finding your Christmas spirit despite disappointments, finding new ways to celebrate and connect and thinking of others."What he did say was for those who loved the holidays to be mindful of those who found it harder to celebrate, and to do what they could to cheer them up. And he urged those who struggle to try to keep their minds on the 'reason for the season' rather than focusing on all the things that tend to bring them down during the holidays." Good words to take to heart.Without giving much away, Keeping Christmas is also a love story and an exploration of friendship and family.Keeping Christmas won't overly surprise you - the plot is somewhat telegraphed. What it will provide is food for thought, perfect for contemplating the coming holidays and how each of us can reach out and share the Christmas spirit.It's a quick, easy read, at just over 200 pages. A heartfelt, heart-warming read, with a bit of a fairy tale ending.
    • 5/5
      This is a sweet Christmas story. Judith and Stan are now empty nesters and none of their children are able to make it home for Thanksgiving or for Christmas. This puts Judith in a bad funk. She doesn't know how to handle having no children at home any more. Stan doesn't know what to do. Stan and Judith's friends try to cheer her up with different ideas to do. I really enjoyed this story. I received this book from Revell reads for a fair and honest opinion.
    • 4/5
      In this Christmas story we meet Stan and Judith, empty nesters. The story starts with Thanksgiving and the fact that none of the children and grandchildren are able to make it home for the holidays and they will not be able to get there for Christmas either. Judith takes this very hard. She does not want to decorate the house or do any Christmas type activities. Stan, on the other hand, goes about business as usual and is puzzled with the way Judith is acting. Being in that same age bracket, I can really understand what Judith is going through, but I did not like the way she responded. This story shows how love will help you make the decisions necessary for those you care about. There is also mention of church and the true reason for the season but it is not overly preachy. There are some solutions at the end of the story about overcoming empty nest syndrome but I wish there had been more. I did enjoy the story and the happy ending certainly saved the book for me. It was a quick read that really showed how families are becoming strangers to one another (electronics, other interests etc.) and that we need to make an effort if we want those family bonds to remain and become stronger.I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      I really enjoy reading books from Dan Walsh. They are always filled with laughter, tears, joy, love and faith. This cute little book is no exception. It is very relatable to those of us who have experienced the empty nest syndrome . The kids move away and start their own lives with their families , while the parents are left with an empty house and memories. Stan and Judith are feeling the heartache this holiday when the kids aren't able to cone home for Thanksgiving. Judith sinks into a real depression when she finds out that the kids won't be home for Christmas either. The author writes with such emotion and tells their story with grace and charm. Stan does a great job of trying to get his wife out of her depression, but nothing seems to work. It is a story much like you would see on a HALLMARK movie with families trying to make the most of a sad Christmas. For some it may be a predictable story, but for others it will show them what sacrifice a husband will do to make his wife happy and see her smile again. Overall I enjoyed the book. I suggest you get your tissues ready, settle down in a comfy place, and get ready for a story that gives you hope and shows what unconditional love is. KEEPING CHRISTMAS is a story that is great for anyone looking for a book about families , traditions and faith. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
    • 3/5
      A solemn story about two empty nesters who celebrate Thanksgiving for the first time without their kids and face spending Christmas without them as well. Stan isn't much bothered by the upcoming holiday until his wife, Judith, shows signs of serious depression - won't decorate the house, etc. The story comes to an obvious if somewhat unrealistic resolution but at least it makes the effort of portraying the grief of empty nest syndrome, especially around the holidays.
    • 5/5
      Title: Keeping ChristmasAuthor: Dan WlashPages: 224Year: 2015Publisher: RevellMy rating is 5 stars.What are some holiday traditions you grew up with or do now with your family? For me, when I was little we would have dinner, choose one present to open and then go to midnight Mass, return home and then in the morning open gifts. Our family at one time was big with lots of extended members and friends who would gather in my parents? home and what fun we would have! What great memories! Now many of them are gone and sometimes the holidays are bittersweet, remembering the best of times and yet a smaller family unit.Life changes for all of us and in the book Dan Walsh shares a tale of parents who are not only empty nesters, but unlike previous holidays their kids cannot travel to be with them this year. Judith, who is their mom, enters a time of depression and cannot seem to shake it though she prays for God to help her move forward. Her husband Stan doesn?t seem to be as affected because he likes the quiet to watch football or just put his feet up.Yet was Judith seems so different than the woman Stan has been married to for decades plus noticing that nothing he has done helps, Stan makes a bold decision. Stan?s plan is an example as to how to touch the heart of your soul mate, and he touched his grown children?s lives too! Above all, Stan is changed as he is convicted about choices he has made for years that need to be changed in the present if he is going to have a happy spouse.I don?t want to ruin the book for you by telling you all that occurs. I would love for you to discover the joy for yourself when you read the novel. Make special memories now and be open to making new memories as time goes by and life brings changes that sometimes are hard. Look around you and see if there isn?t someone you can touch with the love of God, both inside your home and outside. Pray and see if God doesn?t show you who He wants you to reach out to during the holidays.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission?s 16 CFR, Part 255. ?Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.?
    • 5/5
      The empty nest syndrome hits Judith Winters hard this years, Stan and her first Thanksgiving that they have been alone since they had children. Now a call of all three of her children informs her that they cannot make it home for Christmas.The story revolves around the reminiscing of past holiday season moments, remembering how each year she helped the children make new ornaments for their tree, and how they are in a box marked Ugly Ornaments. The story tells about the ornaments and how the family jokes and cherishes these, to the point that Judith can’t stop mourning and put them on the tree.A fun Christmas read and one that makes you keep turning to find out all that is happening here. It almost felt like I was reading an O. Henry, and hoping it wouldn’t end up like that one did. This one would make a great holiday movie, and I recommend this sweet read.I received this book through Revell Reads Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review
    • 3/5
      Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh is his Christmas book for 2015. Judith Winters is in a funk. She just experienced her first Thanksgiving without her children or grandchildren. She is used to having them around, but now they have all moved away. Judith just found out that none of them will be coming for Christmas. Her normal tradition for Black Friday is to decorate the house in the morning and the tree in the afternoon (with the help of her children and grandkids). This year she just does not want to do it. Her husband spends the day after Thanksgiving fishing for bass with his friend, Barney and then he comes home to a lunch of leftover turkey. He puts the tree up and gets out the decorations for the tree. Stan (her husband) then heads to Big Bass Pro to take advantage of the deals (so helpful). He arrives home at lunch to find none of the decorations up. He does not understand his wife’s attitude (he actually enjoyed the quiet Thanksgiving). He proceeds with his plans completely oblivious excited to check out some great equipment that he and Barney would like to get for the new boat they are planning to get. Judith’s funk is just getting worse. She feels like her life is meaningless without her family around. She said that she is not a mother or grandmother anymore (that did not make sense). Her friend, Betty (Barney’s wife) tries to cheer her up. Slowly Stan notices that his wife is not improving. He tries to get her interested in a new hobby, helps her decorate for Christmas, and takes her out to eat. Betty gets Judith involved in starting a create-an-ornament class for mother and daughters at the local craft store (they sell ornaments and materials). Stan talks to each of his children to see if they can come home. None of them have the extra money to pay for airfare. Stan knows he is going to have to do something drastic to help his wife.I found Keeping Christmas to be extremely depressing. This book put me in a funk! Dan Walsh has a great writing style, but I just did not enjoy the book. I was hoping there would be a good lesson on getting pasty empty nest syndrome and not relying on your children to define you as a person. There is a little at the end as Judith tries some techniques she read about in a magazine, but overall I was disappointed with Keeping Christmas. This book definitely did not put me in the mood for Christmas (I am actually glad Christmas is still a few months away). The ending was predictable. You know what is going to happen from early in the book.I received a complimentary copy of Keeping Christmas from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my won.
    • 4/5
      Dan Walsh has rocketed to the top of my book club’s favorite authors list with his books The Discovery, The Reunion and The Deepest Waters. We chose Keeping Christmas for our December discussion and I am so glad. This book hit me where I live. But although it focuses on empty-nesters Judith and Stan, there is something in this novella for all ages. This book gets a recommended read designation.Judith and Stan’s grown children are flung far and wide and unable to make it home for Christmas this year. All of Judith’s memories seem to be tied to her kids and grands and it’s taking a toll on her. Depression has sunk in and no amount of Christmas cheerleading by Stan and her friend Betty seems to make an impression. Can Judith’s Christmas joy be restored?All of my children are grown, but do not have families of there own (yet). And while I have never had to spend a Christmas without them, the last two Thanksgivings have found us minus one kid or another. I can see the writing on the wall and can remember the times my own family had to miss spending time with my parents or in-laws. Keeping Christmas was a good reminder of just where we get our Christmas joy. Judith’s struggles were very real. She didn’t want to be depressed, but all the same she was. I loved the steps she took to rekindle her spirit by focusing on others. It wasn’t an overnight process, but then it wouldn’t have been realistic if it was. Stan’s attempts to get Judith in the Christmas mood ranged from clueless, to sweet, to awesome. He gets a big A+ in the husband department. Other characters, such as Judith’s friend Betty and young mother Taryn, are an added treat in this quick read that will get you in the Christmas spirit too!Another winner from Dan Walsh!Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Revell for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 5/5
      The subject of this book is one that is very unique and that I have not seen addressed before: the empty nest and holiday traditions. Judith Winter is very disappointed. Her whole life has been her family, and holidays are especially meaningful since the have all married and moved away. Due to finances none were able to be there for Thanksgiving and called to say they won’t make it Christmas either.Judith falls into a deep depression and feels there is no reason to keep any of the family traditions with no children or grandchildren coming. Her husband Stan does everything he can think of to cheer her up. He even enlists her best friend to help. Nothing works. He tries to recreate their old traditions together, but that just seems to stir more pain in seeing other families together.I know holidays can be a painful time for many. At first I got really aggravated with Judith for being so selfish and having a pity party. Then as I continued to read, I realized we don’t always choose depression and sometimes it is hard to find our way out. I guess I was aggravated because she had her husband with her still, and mine died 2 years ago. When the kids couldn’t always be there, we had each other.Stan is a jewel of a husband. He doesn’t become irritated with her for her attitude. Quite the contrary he is very concerned and wants to help but not in a pushy, “snap out of it” way. You will be surprised at the courage he shows and the sacrifice he makes to make his wife happy. Have Kleenexes on hand! A remarkable book! It will bring a smile to those facing the changes that come with an empty nest, and give insight and understanding to children who have not yet experienced. This book stays in my personal library!I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publishers . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
    • 5/5
      Title: Keeping ChristmasAuthor: Dan WlashPages: 224Year: 2015Publisher: RevellMy rating is 5 stars.What are some holiday traditions you grew up with or do now with your family? For me, when I was little we would have dinner, choose one present to open and then go to midnight Mass, return home and then in the morning open gifts. Our family at one time was big with lots of extended members and friends who would gather in my parents’ home and what fun we would have! What great memories! Now many of them are gone and sometimes the holidays are bittersweet, remembering the best of times and yet a smaller family unit.Life changes for all of us and in the book Dan Walsh shares a tale of parents who are not only empty nesters, but unlike previous holidays their kids cannot travel to be with them this year. Judith, who is their mom, enters a time of depression and cannot seem to shake it though she prays for God to help her move forward. Her husband Stan doesn’t seem to be as affected because he likes the quiet to watch football or just put his feet up.Yet was Judith seems so different than the woman Stan has been married to for decades plus noticing that nothing he has done helps, Stan makes a bold decision. Stan’s plan is an example as to how to touch the heart of your soul mate, and he touched his grown children’s lives too! Above all, Stan is changed as he is convicted about choices he has made for years that need to be changed in the present if he is going to have a happy spouse.I don’t want to ruin the book for you by telling you all that occurs. I would love for you to discover the joy for yourself when you read the novel. Make special memories now and be open to making new memories as time goes by and life brings changes that sometimes are hard. Look around you and see if there isn’t someone you can touch with the love of God, both inside your home and outside. Pray and see if God doesn’t show you who He wants you to reach out to during the holidays.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”