It's the Holidays!

by Kathryn Lye

I really enjoy this time of year!  I think this comes from my mom, and her mom, who absolutely loved Christmas and how it can inspire a special closeness between family and friends.  I love the decorating, I love the baking…mind you, I don’t do any of it.  The former my sister is in charge of and the baking I leave to my colleagues in the Toronto Harlequin office who could give that Cake Wars show a serious run for its money.

What I do do is gift giving.  I have donated to the company’s food drive, toy drive, and clothing drive, and I’ve spent a lot of time choosing or making presents for those on my list.  Since this is the part of the festivities I’m game for, I’m usually ahead of the curve and have these tasks completed by or before American Thanksgiving.

I don’t even mind when Loriana Sacilotto, Executive VP of Global Publishing, teases me about my organized efforts.  It’s always under the guise of awe and phrased as a compliment, but her tone, smile and raised eyebrow are all dead giveaways!  I look forward now every year to her cornering me in the kitchen on the 7th floor of Harlequin HQ and enquiring whether or not my 10-point plan for holiday shopping has been successfully executed!  Ho, ho, ho!  I love my job, I love my job, I love my job!

Loriana always reminds me though that it’s the meaning at this time of year that’s important.  And I agree.  Meaning is an important part of everything, including why readers enjoy Heartwarming romances.  Not just for the fun hooks, the solid characterization and engaging plots…but also for the romantic obstacle, the conflicts that engage your imagination and your emotions.

This month has four top-notch entries:
Amy Vastine’s Catch a Fallen Star, Amie Denman’s Meet Me on the Midway, Linda Hope Lee’s Silver River Secrets, and my personal favorite (uh-huh, I’m totally biased!) Carol Ross’s Christmas in the Cove—perfect for this holiday season.

I hope that you have a chance to relax and reflect about the season we’re in now and that the goodwill, friendship and sense of community we all share lasts until next December and beyond.




Comments

  1. You have your Christmas shopping done by American Thanksgiving, Kathryn?! I've always thought that I was a reasonably organized person, but obviously I need to reassess. I'm just starting my Christmas shopping!! :)

    I love that picture of you . . . including the cute reindeer antlers. Thanks for sharing.

    Last but by no means least, happy release month to Amy, Carol, Amie and Linda!

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  2. Oh my goodness that headband is too cute! And I need to know this 10 point plan. Congratulations to Amy, Carol, Amie and Linda for their releases this month. They look amazing. Can't wait to read :)

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  3. The people who get their shopping done before Thanksgiving amaze me. That's usually when I realize I need to buy something! Love your reindeer headband and hope you have a wonderful holiday season. (And next time I want some pics of those Cake Wars-worthy cakes!!)

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  4. A great picture, and I love the idea that we have different holiday skills. Now, if I just knew what mine was...

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  5. "I love the decorating, I love the baking…mind you, I don’t do any of it." LOL! I'm curious, do you wear that cute headband while you're out shopping?
    Congratulations to Amy, Carol, Amie and Linda!

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  6. Congrats to Amy, Carol, Amie and Linda. Looking forward to having time in this busy season (I'm so far behind this year) to read all of the books. Kathryn, love the headband and the red tree. I need one that size pre-decorated. I'm usually ahead of the game, but not this year. Think I'm running out of steam.

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  7. It's the best time of year!!! Merry Christmas, Kathryn! <3

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  8. Wow, Kathryn, you really are organized! I'm just starting to think about Christmas shopping. Thanks for the introduction to our books. Have a great holiday!

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  9. Kathryn, this is the cutest photo ever! I also get to enjoy holiday baking and decorations via others. Both my sisters bake like celebrity chefs. And one of them always has her house decorated the day after Thanksgiving, including a 10 foot tall tree with animated tree-topper. Christmas music plays 24/7, unless there's a holiday movie showing. Whenever I'm craving a dose of Holiday spirit I just pop on over there. It's the best. Also, I think a bit of bias is perfectly okay in this case(:

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  10. Kathryn, I love that photo! And your organization is exemplary. I wish I was there with you. Sadly, I'm just now making lists! You are right, the gift giving and the tingle of making someone else happy is what it's all about. And Carol, yes, it's a Christmas movie close to every day as I decorate and bake---for friends.

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  11. Wow, a ten-point shopping plan, including home-made gifts. You are my inspiration. Sounds like you could be organizing Santa's workshop singlehandedly. Merry Christmas, Kathryn!

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  12. Thanks everyone for your lovely comments! Victoria has suggested I use this photo for my official employee ID. Hmmm....? :) Hope you all have a great weekend. Happy hols!

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  13. Love the reindeer! Would you come down and organize me?? Merry Christmas!!

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  14. I usually have all my shopping down too :) Mostly because I don't like crowds. So, I want to know what kind of presents you make?

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  15. Hi Kathryn, I love this season also and have most of my shopping finished also. It gives me time to really enjoy the season. One thing though, I've discovered that when I buy or make presents early, I have to write a note in my calendar to remind me that I have them and where they are. Too funny.

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