A Write Christmas: A Yuletide Story Collection

by Steve Moretti

Four Yuletide stories from the Kanata Fiction Circle writer's group. Christmas might be the most joyous time of year, but that doesn't mean it's always a smooth sleigh ride.

Christmas On the Rocks
by Matt C. Sully
When Dan attempts to drown his sorrows at a local dive bar, an unexpected companion brings his life back into perspective. With help from the spirits, both Christmas and whisky, Dan discovers the wonder of life and the secret to finding miracles in the everyday.

Dear Melissa
by Kathi Bradley
Eva’s dreary life and dread of the upcoming Christmas season are further destroyed when she arrives home early to find her life turned upside down. With hope dwindling, she takes a drive to the one place where warm Christmas memories abound. Can hope and purpose be found again in the form of a forgotten letter abandoned in a used car?

Shifted for Christmas
by Steve Moretti How could my mother think that working every night at our stupid bakery during my Christmas break was not severe and unusual punishment? It’s 1973 for heaven’s sake – slavery was abolished a long time ago!

And how will I ever get the only thing I want for Christmas - the phone number of Marilyn in my algebra class, the girl who doesn’t realize how unhappy she is without me?

Habits
by Merja Tammi Cecelia's comfortable life, with her set routines and steady habits, is about to get complicated. She thought she’d closed the door on romance, friends, and even family, but life has other plans for Cecelia.

158 pages, ebook

Published December 10, 2025

About the author

I am drawn to creativity in whatever form it takes, fascinated by all we do still do not understand about the universe and continually surprised by the things human beings do or have done.

My writing journey started in broadcast journalism, public relations, and advertising, then continued into educational software development while running a company I founded and ran for twenty years.
I now concentrate my time on writing historical fantasy, with one series complete, Song for a Lost Kingdom and the first book in a follow-up trilogy, Michael Angelo & the Stone Mistress released earlier this year.

I also co-authored a biographical work on composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky entitled Pyotr which explores key moments in Tchaikovsky’s difficult life.

I grew up in London, Ontario and also lived in Pompano Beach, Florida as a teenager. I moved to Ottawa to attend Carleton University many years ago and now live just south of the city with my wife and a fountain pen full of words.

Please visit stevemorett.ca for information on all my books and audiobooks.

You can download a FREE copy of my novella prequel to the Song for a Lost Kingdom series and join my mailing list to keep updated on new and current projects.

Reviews

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Christmas Stories
This mix of 4 stories is Christmas-related, but separate stories, and they are Wonderful stories for all. I love that they bring in the spirits of some who have passed on, they are kind, and make a person feel good inside after reading them.
1) Christmas on the Rocks By: Matt C. Sully
Losing a baby is terrible, and getting on with life can be a huge hurdle. Sometimes someone from the past can help you out in ways you had no idea, and can start new traditions.
2) Dear Melissa By: Kathi Bradley
Being lost in life's tragedies, people can learn to have the best family with those who are family in the heart and mind, even if not blood & marriage.
3) Shifted for Christmas By: Steve Moretti
A little help from a good ghost never hurts.
4) Habits By: Merja Tammi
Learning to live again, move on in life to make yourself and others happy, can be the most difficult, especially when it concerns a man of the cloth.

Thank you, Matt C., Sully, Kathi Bradley, Steve Moretti, & Merja Tammi, for the truly kind and blessing stories!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Margaret Both · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed these authors stories.
They remind us that love and friendship are there but sometimes we just have to step outside our lives and actually look at and try to see those around us.
Thank you for believing and sharing.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A write Christmas four stories were wonderful early gift. I enjoyed the theme of compassion , hope and happy ending.
Yes, you will see miracles happen if you pay attention and watch for them, even in these stressful times. The writing style and pace are excellent and the youth story with humorous hints was fun to read.
Do not miss this collection, it’s worth the time! Excellent choice of authors. Thank you. I received the advanced copy and I’m grateful for it.Lida

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these four Christmas stories, from different authors with different styles but all essentially, full of Christmas spirit. If you want to enjoy a a delightful seasonal read, full of love & thoughtfulness, forgiveness & understanding, then I heartily recommend this Yuletide Story Collection.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

With some sweet, some nostalgic, and a few tense moments here and there, this collection is certain to have a story that will appeal to every reader. I liked all of them, and particularly liked the surprise endings on a couple of them. Endings that I didn't see coming! This is a fast, fun read and the bonus is that it's on KU.