Since I've already admitted to being a Christmas ornament snob, I might as well come clean on a few other topics. I'm also a Christmas music snob, a Christmas movie snob, and a Christmas book snob. I don't like just anything. I need to be convinced that something is worth my attention.
Which is why I am happy to recommend to you the novella* "Blue Christmas," by our friend Mary Kay Andrews, because it meets several of my key criteria:
1. It is not heartwarming. I hate heartwarming. Which is not to say it's mean-spirited, or depressing. It's delightful. Happy but not sugary. I hate sugary, too.
2. It has interesting characters, humor, intrigue, romance and a window-decorating contest.
3. Oh, and it also has recipes at the end. That's always a good thing, especially when the recipes have funny introductions. I'm not going to disclose too much, but there's a punch recipe that hints at scandal.
4. There's a Christmas music playlist that even a Christmas music snob can endorse.
5. This is the most important thing, at least to me: great descriptions of vintage Christmas objects. Really great. Like "I've been at that same auction" great. Like "I got exactly the same box lot for seven dollars" great. Like even if you were someone who didn't like a good plot and charming characters you would keep reading in hopes of another mention of Shiny Brites - that kind of great.
(*novella, for those of you who may not have majored in English, is a short novel, otherwise known as "a book I may actually finish.")
Anyway, here's the good part: I have a copy of "Blue Christmas" to give away. Here's the other good part: To that book I will add a small but tasteful box of vintage Christmas decorations that would make Weezie Foley (the main character in the book) squeal with delight. And all you have to do is write a 500-word essay in which you ... no, no, no. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post sometime before Thursday morning. One winner will be chosen at random. And then I'll let you know who that is.
We've picked a winner ... thanks to everyone who left a comment!
I just got done reading Deep Dish and would love to start on Blue Christmas. Please include me!
Posted by: Amy James | December 12, 2011 at 11:34 AM
I love that you tell it like it is, almost as much as I love vintage ornaments.
Posted by: Stephanie | December 12, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Just this morning I was wondering what I should read next. This sounds perfect! Please throw my name in the hat and thanks for the heads-up, either way!
Posted by: Kathy | December 12, 2011 at 11:58 AM
MKA left a comment on my blog once and I swooned! Throw me in the hat, please......gotta have a shot at this one. Thanks!
Posted by: Shara | December 12, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Sounds like a wonderful read. I will have to put in on my list.
Posted by: Debra | December 12, 2011 at 12:41 PM
First time commenter but this seems like the perfect time! I'm dying to know what punch recipe could hint at a scandal!! Thanks for throwing up all your giveaways, I'm so excited I could enter my name, finally. Not sure where I was the past few years, but after finding your blog last month, I couldn't get enough! Love love love your posts and I hope you have a happy holiday!!
Posted by: Caitlin G. | December 12, 2011 at 12:46 PM
I would love the chance to win your book. If I don't win, I'll have to go buy my own copy of it. It sounds like it's just up my alley. I don't like sappy movies or books. And for some reason, I'm really enjoying my shiney ornaments this year...it's addictive, reading your blog this year. Thank you for the fun. Michele
Posted by: Michele Gailey | December 12, 2011 at 01:17 PM
Oh a good read and vintage Christmas, be still my heart!
Dear giveaway gods: If I should win; I heartily promise not to ignore my children while I get lost in another book. I promise not to play apparently offensive heart warming Christmas movies repeatedly. (Sorry Hallmark channel). I promise to limit threatening my children with the much feared lump of coal to only once a day until Christmas eve. I promise not to force above stated children to sing Christmas carols immediately entering vehicle, unless ofcourse they start fighting in the back seat (then all bets are off). Most of all and regardless of the outcome: I'll promise to try and always remember that I am incredibly blessed this Christmas and all year even if I don't win this generous giveaway.
-brightest blessings this holiday-
Karina
Posted by: Karina | December 12, 2011 at 01:40 PM
Summer Rental was a great book. I would love to be included in the giveaway
chris
Posted by: chris mckinley | December 12, 2011 at 04:10 PM
I really love your blog! I always look forward to reading it. You have informed me, inspired me, gave me a laugh, and most of all made me feel a little less crazy when it comes to "making the rounds" at the local thrift stores or planning my day according to the start times of yard sales!
Please count me in the giveaway! I could use a good book to curl up with and ornaments there is still plenty of room on my aluminum tree!
Posted by: Tonya | December 12, 2011 at 04:51 PM
Please pick me!
Posted by: angie | December 12, 2011 at 06:31 PM
It looks lovely! I love giving and receiving books for Christmas. My husband--not so much.
So I've already bought a couple of books to read during the break. I haven't "opened" them yet--so they're still "new".
I'd love to add this to the reading list!
Posted by: Sharrieboberry | December 12, 2011 at 07:48 PM
You've got me interested - I've not read any of her books. I'm adding it to my reading list - sounds like a good read.
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Bonnie | December 12, 2011 at 08:19 PM
Oh perfect, I need something to read right now! ;)
Posted by: lorena | December 12, 2011 at 10:38 PM
A novella ... right up my alley since I still have a stack of books from last year's library book sale that I have yet to find time to read. Many of them are by Southern writers, but none by Mary Kay Andrews. This book sounds interesting, esp. if it mentions vintage ornaments and cooking!
Posted by: Joy | December 12, 2011 at 10:57 PM
What a cute giveaway. Wish you could have come and helped me decorate my tree today. It would have gone faster!
Merry Christmas
Posted by: Patti | December 12, 2011 at 11:06 PM
Sounds like I might like the book and I know I love the rest...count me in!
Posted by: julie | December 12, 2011 at 11:11 PM
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Mary Ellen | December 12, 2011 at 11:15 PM
I am trying to slowly pass on my non-vintage Christmas decorations to the charity shops and only decorate with vintage Christmas and snowmen now. There is something so happy about them even with the distress on some - like our wrinkles show we have been around awhile ourselves - a badge of endurance! Love all your photos of red white and jadite green! 8^)
Posted by: mary scott | December 12, 2011 at 11:19 PM
Sounds just like my kinda book B - and I am always appreciative of tasteful Christmas decs (LOL). J
Posted by: Julie | December 13, 2011 at 06:31 AM