This week Dianne Hartsock visits the blog. I met Dianne on Snippet Sunday back when she was posting snippets of Sheldon's stories. Dianne writes contemporary, paranormal, and suspenseful m/m romance, and she has a new release coming this week, NICOLAS, a paranormal Yule tale. Her tagline is Stories from the Heart. Today I asked Dianne one question about what her favorite holiday tradition is.
BBTF: With the holidays looming, what is your favorite holiday tradition you do for just yourself?
Dianne: I love the holidays, starting with the Christmas lights going up around town, decorations and holiday music in the stores. I love the little traditions each family has and shares. But there’s one tradition I do that I especially enjoy. My Birthday is December 12th, and this is the day that I set up our Christmas tree. Sometimes I get help, but mostly I do it by myself, which is just fine.
I put on a pot of coffee, slip an old movie into the DVD player, usually something with Bing Crosby or Cary Grant in it. My husband pulls out the tote with the Christmas decorations in it, and I begin. Most of the ornaments have come from my husband’s grandmother, some as gifts to us, some for our children, and others from when her own kids were young. And we’ve added some of our own each year, keepsakes of our children growing up.
Each ornament I take from its tissue is a tiny memory, a moment in time dangling from the green branches of the tree. When the last glittering bauble and delicate glass snowflake and laughing Santa is placed, I cover the tree in silver tinsel and turn on the lights. From a few paces away, I look at my shiny glimpse of Christmases past, take a deep breath, and smile. Happy Holidays!
What a sweet tradition, Dianne. You can find out more about Dianne Hartsock's books on her website. Be sure to buy a book and tell a friend. Happy reading!