Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh



If I had missed reading "Keeping Christmas" by Dan Walsh, I would have felt so sad. The novel is totally down to earth. It's mainly about Judith and Stan Winters. There adult children and grandchildren can't make it home for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Judith is really missing the family. It's a holiday book about real feelings, friendship and memories.

Isn't it funny how men can just go on with their hobbies and accept what's going on? I suppose men have to pretend to be strong. While women openly fret more and are more aware of what's missing from the present moment in their lives? Judith symbolizes reality. She's doesn't feel like eating holiday foods or hearing Christmas music. She's aware that Scrooge could become her middle name.

I felt sad for Judith, but her sadness didn't make me feel depressed. Her feelings made me realize everything is still okay if you can put one foot in the front of the other and keep going. So, she gets Thanksgiving dinner ready for her husband. Then, she gets a luncheon ready for her friend, Betty. Judith is able to barely able to state a complete feeling. Still, Betty knows her friend well and knows just what is needed. First, get Judith out of the house and get her to shop.

By now I've almost decided that without a friend it's impossible to get over the hump of depression. What would have happened to Judith without Betty calling and coming over at the right time.

One thing for sure is no Christmas is an exact repeat from year to year for any one family. I also think it's a time to keep feelings of jealousy in check because a friend might have everyone and everything while you have nothing. Because while Judith moans over her family's distance and not coming to Thanksgiving dinner Betty's whole family comes home. 

I'm beginning to think Thanksgiving and Christmas are adventures. The Same carols are sung. The same ornaments hung on the Christmas tree, but there is a different meaning or perspective each time. I really liked Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh. He writes simply and with deep feelings about realistic issues.danwalshbooks.com/books/
bakerpublishinggroup.com/revell



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