"Miracle and Other Christmas Stories" ~ Connie Willis

"Miracle and Other Christmas Stories" is one of my favorite books of all time.  I reread it every December.  Connie Willis is a multiple Hugo and Nebula award winning author of science fiction.  I'd say science fantasy, if that's a category, which I say yes, it is because it's my blog.  There are so many things I love about the Christmas season.  Trees and lights and cookies and fresh snow on the trees.  Christmas songs I know all the words to and can bellow at the top of my lungs.  Watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "A Christmas Story".

I'd been reading Connie Willis for a while when "Miracle" was published in 1999.  The idea was just so intriguing, a book of Christmas themed short stories that also had a sci fi / fantasy slant. As she says in the introduction.

"Here they are-an assortment of stories about church choirs and Christmas presents and pod people from outer space, about wishes that come true in ways you don't expect and wishes that don't come true and wishes you didn't know you had."
 

 How could I NOT buy this book?

There are eight short stories and each has it's own style and feel.  "Miracle" is about an office worker who wants nothing so much as to go the office Christmas party, where this year she hopes to catch the attention of her handsome co-worker.  Her cards are addressed, the dress is bought, the presents are wrapped and along comes Chris, to give her heart's desire.  This story makes me laugh and smile every year.

"Inn" takes place during a Christmas Eve choir rehearsal as one member tries to help a homeless man and his pregnant wife.

"Adaptation"  takes on Dickens's "A Christmas Carol"

"Newsletter"  makes me smile and want to try writing my own.

Do I love all the stories? No, there are a couple I don't get, but that's ok, because I get so much enjoyment out of the others.  I'm not usually a fan of short stories.  I'm a long haul epic series kind of reader.  Willis's writing draws you in and makes you care, which is amazing given the format . A wonderful addition to your Christmas traditions.