Santa the Tooth Fairy

I shared this story I wrote last Christmas, but I think the message is worth repeating. I hope you enjoy it. - Ginger



Little Kayla sat near the Christmas tree and wiggled her lose tooth. She stopped and turned her attention from the crackling fire beyond the hearth. “Mommy, if I pull my tooth, do you think Santa will leave me a dollar.”

Her mother laughed. “I think you have things mixed up, honey. It’s the tooth fairy who leaves money.”

Kayla cocked her head and flashed that familiar look of independence. “I know that, Mommy! But if my tooth falls out at tonight, maybe Santa will reward me, too. I’m not sure if the Tooth Fairy works on Christmas Eve.”

Although only four, the child had a penchant for being creative. Margaret Tanner put her knitting aside and walked past her daughter to the fireplace. She poked at the logs and sent flaming fingers stretching up the chimney. “I don’t think Santa will have time to look under your pillow. You know, he’s very busy this time of year.” She walked back to her chair.

The front door opened, and a blast of cold air flickered the fire. “Daddy, daddy,” Kayla called, rushing over and grabbing him around the knees.

He ruffled her hair with his gloved hand. “Hi, Sweetheart. Let me get out of my coat and I’ll give you a hug. It’s cold outside.” He shrugged off his outerwear, sending snow flaking to the marbled entry hall floor. After hanging his coat in a nearby closet, he scooped Kayla into his arms and nuzzled her neck until she giggled. Stopping, he leaned his head back and studied her face. “Have you been a good girl today?”

“Oh yes, Daddy, and I’ve decided you can pull my loose tooth.”

He flashed a puzzled look at his wife.

She smiled. “We’ve already discussed the tooth fairy, but Kayla seems to think Santa should play a part.”

Her father placed Kayla on the ground, took her hand, and walked to his plaid recliner. Sitting, with her perched on his knee, he scratched his brow. “Why don’t we just wait until that tooth falls out on its own? There’s no rush.”

“But, I want you to pull it.” Her eyes clouded with tears and her little bow lips pulled into a pout.

“Then, let me see.” He took hold of the loose tooth and wiggled it. “You’re right. I think it could come out.” Russell Tanner ruffled her hair again.

“Then pull it, Daddy.” She scrunched her eyes closed and hunched her shoulders.

“I already did.” He held up a tiny, white enamel pearl.

Her eyes widened. She smacked her lips, then made a face. A wee bit of blood dotted her bottom lip.

“Come on, Kayla, let’s rinse out your mouth and get you ready for bed," her mother said. "Santa comes tonight and if you aren’t asleep, he’ll just pass us by.”

Kayla slid off her father’s knee and flashed a smile. She looked adorable with a space where her tooth was just minutes ago. “Thank you, Daddy. I wanted to see if Santa will leave me a dollar so I can put it in the offering plate at church tomorrow. It’s Jesus’ birthday and I want to leave him a gift.”

Christmas Traditions

Christmas. What a cool time of year. And this year, I have an extra reason to celebrate. My book, ‘Hearts of Compassion’ released yesterday with Red Rose Publishing! If you want an inspirational story that takes place at Christmas, this would be a cool present for someone.

When we first moved up here to the great white north called Wisconsin, my children were angry with me around December 6th. Why, you ask? Because this area of the country is laden with people whose ancestry is Polish, Norwegian, and other colder European descent, they celebrate this odd holiday called ‘St. Nick’s Day.’ That means on the evening of December 5th, children in this area of Wisconsin get an early Christmas present. I looked it up online, and sure enough, there’s a website about Wisconsin that describes this: http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=391. A woman tells exactly what we’re going through, because Santa didn’t stop at her house on December 5th and her son was upset. For the holiday, children leave out their stockings or shoes, and in the morning, a present is inside. How would someone who doesn’t know this fit into this area? It wasn’t easy, and still isn’t, even though our kids are older.

It made me wonder if there are other traditions I should concern myself with this time of year, in the event that I move away to a warmer area of the country and don’t have to worry about wind chill so cold, we eat ice cream to warm up.

I went to http://www.santas.net/americanchristmas.htm and checked out a few strange things that might make its way to various ethnic pockets in the United States. If I move to Hawaii (I wish to move someplace warm like that), there would be fireworks and Santa would arrive by boat. In California, Santa arrives on a surfboard. In Boston, carolers would be everywhere, playing hand bells. In New Orleans, a huge decorated ox is paraded around downtown.

What are your town’s unusual traditions you wouldn’t find anywhere else? Or do you even know if they’re considered ‘unusual’? What traditions does your family follow at Christmas?

Make this Christmas something special and enjoy however you celebrate! Merry Christmas!
Eryn Grace (www.eryngrace.com)

Christmas Memories

First of all, let me apologize to everyone for the delay of this post.  Don't hold it against Ginger, it's entirely my fault.  My internet connection has been down since Friday and I just got it back. 

One of my favorite Holiday traditions is putting up my Christmas tree.  It's old, missing needles and branches, but its the first tree my husband and I had when we moved out on our own.  We have three children and every year we all go out and choose a new ornament for the tree.  It started out sort of  bare that first year.  We didn't have a lot of money for presents or decorations, but now there is barely a spot untouched on the tree or under it.  A testament to our good forturne, I suppose.

My son (he cooks better than I do) and I make homemade sugar cookies and candies to give as gifts, something we've done whether or not we could afford expensive gifts.  I think that's the best part of the season, spending time with family.  From me and mine to you and yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  May you spend them in good health with those you love.

Bethany Cagle

Bethany is the author of  Earth Enchanted book one in the Elemental Magic Series under the pen name Brynna Curry and Gypsy Moon under the pen name Brianna Roarke.
http://brynnacurrybriannaroarkebooks.webs.com/.

Sexy Men and a Little Christmas Magic

I really enjoyed this morning. The first thing upon waking, a sexy and very naked husband brought me a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee. I can't say for certain his nakedness had anything to do with how good that coffee tasted but it was the best I've had in a long time. Perhaps the cold morning air conjuring goosebumps on his chest and arms added to it. I had to touch!

But wait...that's not all. A little bit later, I rose from the bed, dressed and headed into the living room. This is what I saw : the very same naked and sexy man standing in the center of the room cuddling our new kitten. What woman could resist such a display of masculinity and his soft side at the same time? See? You said, "Awww..." just like I did. Didn't you? What a way to start the weekend!

This time of year has a special bit of magic for me. Maybe I'm more open to the expectation of love and friendship. I'm not much of a winter person so cuddling in front of the fireplace or Christmas Tree is my idea of a wonderful evening. I get snuggly and hug a lot. I'm pretty sure my husband doesn't mind much.

Speaking of Christmas Magic, let me tell you about my holiday erotica, Paper Chains. It has bits of magic. Not just the kind I mentioned above but a touch of 'real' magic where the paper chains on the Christmas Tree turn into real chains for a wonderful night of bondage for Evelyn and Cole.

I really enjoyed writing it. Shhh...don't tell anyone but a certain man I know enjoyed me reading it to him. He would never admit it though. Aren't guys funny that way?

I hope you'll buy a copy of Paper Chains for yourself. It's a short story so you can get it without breaking the bank and can read it on the sly if you want to. The cover is pretty nice to look at as well.

Oh, time for me to go. My man just asked me if I want anything for lunch. Of course I do! Evil Grin. Have a very sexy Christmas everyone!

Sharie Silva

http://www.shariesilva.com/

Here comes Santa Clause

I know some of you out there are already sick of hearing Christmas carols but I love it. While you guys are groaning when you walk into stores, I'm dancing and singing. Christmas is my favorite time of year. Why? I love the smell of pine, gingerbread, and cookies. I love the feeling carols inspire and the lights. And I LOVE giving presents. Yes, I know the holidays aren't JUST about giving and getting presents, its the love behind the giving. Times are tight for everyone this year so to remember the true meaning is even more important. Kids, don't stamp your feet and cry, because Mommy and Daddy can't get you that WiiFit. Parents, don't worry yourself that you don't have the money for it either. Take some time to do some fun stuff together instead. Drag out that dusty old Monopoly board, or a deck of cards, go take a drive through the neighborhoods and look at all the decorations. That's what the holidays are really about.

Here's a peek at my Christmas release.

“I had everything under control, Sebastian.”

He took a step towards her, she retreated but he followed. “But you didn't really want to be, did you Lily?”

“What are you talking about?” Lily swallowed around the sudden lump in her throat, watching his eyes travel to her throat. The way he was looking at her made heat collect in her belly.

“You don't want to be in control,” he replied, his voice a low seductive growl.

“Yes I do,” she protested weakly.

“No, you don't. You want to let go, to hand someone else the reins.”

“I can take care of myself.” Lily straightened her shoulders, trying to ignore her body that longed to throw itself at this man's feet.

“Of course you can,” Sebastian conceded, “But you want someone to take care of you. I know why you weren't happy with Philip,” he said.

“Oh?” For every step she took away from him, he took one forward. Her heels touched the wall at the same time her hip hit the counter. She had backed herself into a corner and he placed his hands on the wall on either side of her head, trapping her. Her breath was coming in quick gasps now. She couldn't look at him. She kept her eyes on his shoulder but that turned out to be a bad idea as she noticed now that the black turtle neck hugged his form in a sinful way. “And why is that?” she somehow managed to ask

Sebastian bent his head, catching her gaze with his own. “You want a man who won't let you control him.”

“And you could?” she countered, her cheeks flushing.

She held her breath, thinking he was going to kiss her again but he took a step back. “Come, we're leaving.” His tone left no room for debate and she really didn't feel any desire to refuse the command. Still it was her brother's party and she always stayed here to spend Christmas morning with him and Kate.

“But--“

“I said, come.”




A Dom For Christmas released on December 3rd from Red Rose Publishing!