'Twas Two Christmases
A Frazzled Tale and The Tree Ornament's Gift
by
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“Handle these with special care,” Mama whispered, so close to Thomas that her breath tickled his ear. “Remember, they were a gift from your Papa, and I outfitted each of them properly. Someday you’ll share these ornaments with your children.” It had been a year since Papa passed away, but Thomas could still hear the jagged edges of sadness in Mama’s frail voice. Thomas lined up the four ornaments atop the dresser, next to his most prized collections: • Jar of pennies (secretly saved to buy Mama’s Christmas gift) • Three colorful marbles • Papa’s old pocket watch • One sock (Where is its mate?) These carved animals were his absolute, most favorite Christmas decorations. Of course, the wooden red fox was most admired because he wore a snappy military jacket like Thomas’ Papa. His eyes seemed to have such deep compassion, almost as if he was ready to defend his country and home. Words were carved on the soles of his boots – his name, JOE, and Trust League. Sometimes Thomas imagined them to be real friends, standing at attention from across the bedroom. He had no brother or sister to play games with, whisper secrets to, nor share life’s sorrows and joys. Thomas grabbed the red fox, kicked off his shoes, sat across the bed and leaned his back against the wall. With his bedroom door shut, tears came. He spilled out everything to Joe. His hurt, grief, wishes – all mixed up with prayers, the words tumbled together in his grief. After his secrets and whispers were spent and his eyes cleared, the red fox named Joe, along with the rest of the secret-keeping ornaments, was carried to the Christmas tree and positioned on a branch so Thomas could easily spot them from the kitchen table. He ate his breakfast toast with jam while keeping a watchful eye. The boy seemed comforted by his nearby Trust League of friends.
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About the Book
Twas Two Christmases: A Frazzled Tale and The Tree Ornament's Gift is a whimsical two-part story for families to enjoy as they gather around the Christmas tree each season. Joe, the hand-carved red fox, and his animal ornament friends, are brought to life through the bond of an honorable soldier and his grieving son's Christmas wishes. Every Christmas season, generation after generation, the family is blessed with these helpful ornaments, called the Trust League by their maker.
The Trust League's Directives:
-Encourage Christmas Season traditions for the family.
- Initiate new traditions for future generations.
The delightful animal characters' busy antics, along with their determination to continue Christmas traditions, makes ‘Twas Two Christmases: A Frazzled Tale and The Tree Ornament’s Gift a heartwarming storybook. It will likely be unpacked every year from the storage box labeled CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.
About the Author
Diana Warren lives in Maui, HI. The ocean foam cools her feet when she and her husband, Sam, walk the beach. They spent many years designing and building custom homes and remodeling in WA State and built their home in Kihei. Diana’s grandchildren urged her to write the story she recited every Christmas Season. Joe and Hot Chocolate Charley became familiar names in the family. This story that simmered on the back burner for so many years is finally in print. Enjoy!
Mackenzie (Kenzie) Weiland was born in Spokane, WA, and fell in love with the fantastic creatures around her. She combined her passion for ecology with drawing and painting, winning a state art championship in high school. Kenzie previously published several watercolor animal images as a college student. Having recently graduated college, she now does campus ministry and creates whimsical watercolor illustrations whenever possible. She aspires to use her artistic talents to glorify God and effectuate stories that magnify Him.