When Christmas Gets Scary
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but it can sometimes get scary with the eerie Alpine tradition of Krampusnacht. It’s the night when Krampus—a horned, fearsome creature—emerges to punish misbehaving children.
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A Dark, Dark Day and Night
The longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice, begins tonight. And for centuries, people have celebrated and hoped for an early spring and a return of the light.
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A Very Bookish Christmas Party
Tonight we’re having a Christmas Party in the Bourbon, Book Boyfriends, and Bad Decisions Facebook Group. There will be fun, games, and free books, and I hope you can join us.
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The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Eggnog Cinnamon Casserole
This Eggnog Cinnamon Casserole is one of my favorite things to serve on Christmas morning. It bakes while we open presents and can even be put together the night before and baked in the morning. And it’s a recipe straight out of my new Kingsmill Courtships novella Mistletoe for Holly.
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December Book Fairs and Reading Events Part 2
Today is the last Book Event post of the year! And it’s full of free reading events and lots of romances, including holiday love stories guaranteed to fill your heart with joy.
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The Legend of Baboushka: Russia’s Lonely Christmas Wanderer
I’ve always loved the haunting Russian Christmas legend of Baboushka, the lonely wanderer who searches for the Christ Child and brings gifts to children each winter. It reminds me of what’s important this time of year… and it’s not my to-do list.
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Prepping for Winter Storms
Although it’s not snowing here yet, it’s freezing and I still have so much to do to get ready for Christmas. But it’s never too late to prepare for more storms coming later this winter. Here’s a list to help you get started.
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How Mistletoe Sparked a Kissing Tradition
Mistletoe, and all of its romantic traditions, has a fascinating history from starting out as a parasitic plant to its current state as a symbol of love and romance… and even an inspiration for Christmas romance novella.
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The History of Christmas Bells
Today I’m writing about the history of Christmas bells—from ancient winter rituals to church traditions and modern carols—and why their joyful ringing became a holiday symbol.
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Ancient Roots of the Yule Log
The rich history of Europe’s Yule Log tradition—from ancient solstice rituals to modern Christmas desserts—has evolved over centuries and cultures… until becoming a yummy dessert.
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The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Winter White Cosmopolitan
Winter White Cosmopolitans are my new favorite holiday cocktail. I rarely drink, but this cocktail is both pretty and delicious and it’s a recipe from my newest Christmas novella Mistletoe for Holly.
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Traveling in Winter: An Emergency Plan
Today’s post is another update on how to prepare for winter travel emergencies, including getting stuck in a snowstorm on a highway for hours or overnight. This list includes information about how to how survive a winter car emergency. And it includes snacks.
