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The Three Christmases of William Spencer
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Christmas is always special, but even more so if your birthday falls on the same day. As William Spencer celebrates his birthday each year on December 25--first as a child in rural America in the 1930s, and then as a World War II veteran, husband, and father--he learns that, no matter what his circumstances, happiness is an attitude, not a condition. But as a solitary old man living in a one-bedroom apartment, William Spencer expects this Christmas birthday to be his last. His holiday is one of solitude and reflection, dominated by the echoes of the past and by a single, simple wish. When an unexpected turn of events reminds William of a lesson learned many years ago, he's faced with a choice. Can he find the strength to imagine a new future?
Christmas is always special, but even more so if your birthday falls on the same day. As William Spencer celebrates his birthday each year on December 25--first as a child in rural America in the 1930s, and then as a World War II veteran, husband, and father--he learns that, no matter what his circumstances, happiness is an attitude, not a condition. But as a solitary old man living in a one-bedroom apartment, William Spencer expects this Christmas birthday to be his last. His holiday is one of solitude and reflection, dominated by the echoes of the past and by a single, simple wish. When an unexpected turn of events reminds William of a lesson learned many years ago, he's faced with a choice. Can he find the strength to imagine a new future?
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
137 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Derek Blount
6 books32 followersDerek Blount is an award-winning author who spent two decades in the world of corporate finance before fully engaging his career in writing.
Derek's pulse-pounding Hostile Takeover Thrillogy--including Hostile Takeover , Second Son and Final Reckoning has garnered critical praise including:
"Derek Blount knows how to build tension with the best of contemporary thriller authors." -- Anne Hillerman, NY Times Bestselling Novelist
"I could not put this book down. The plot is fabulous, the characters are fabulous, the writing is fabulous…and every detail of the New Mexico desert rings true to this former New Mexican." -- Anne Taintor, annetaintor.com
His first published work, The Three Christmases of William Spencer , reached #1 in Amazon's "holiday books" category. The work was hailed as "a truly beautiful book" and described by parenting author and Chicken Soup for the Soul editor Susan Heim as "a wonderful gift book for sharing the joy of the season and the meaning of life."
Derek resides in Texas with his wife, Bethany, and their two sons. He is a member of American MENSA and serves on the Board of Directors of a prominent not-for-profit medical research organization.
Learn more at derekblount.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 17, 2021
A quick Christmas read that's inspirational and poignant.
December 3, 2019
If you wish a simultaneously heartwrenching and heartwarming Christmas tale that will make you laugh and cry, take THE THREE CHRISTMASES OF WILLIAM SPENCER. A fast read at about 53 pages, it will give you a powerful emotional workout.
December 4, 2017
I have never read anything by this author before but really enjoyed this short but very inspirational piece of holiday cheer. The character was as real as anyone and actually made me want to get to know him better. This is broken up into three periods in his life where Christmas may have been the most meaningful for him. The background and peripheral character are a little fuzzy but that is alright because this is about the individual more than anything else.
We get to meet William Spencer in three stages of his life and development. In 1930 he is a seven year old boy who just knows that this is going to be the best Christmas/Birthday ever. All he really wants is the sled that he has seen in the window of the local store, but he does not understand that we do not always get what we want because life happens.
In 1963 William is a forty year old man who is anticipating a bad Christmas because everything seems to be going wrong. His in-laws are there and it appears that the world has turned against him. He can only try to keep the promises he has made and hope for the best. He goes back to words of his grandfather once again.
In 2010 is now an eighty-five year old who is hoping this will be his last Christmas. He has lost a lot and cannot see all the good that still remains for him. He has shut himself away and tells himself he is doing it for those around him, to make their lives easier so they do not have to deal with an old man. But he realizes the error in his logic before the day is over.
I really liked this book and maybe learned a bit of a lesson myself about life. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
We get to meet William Spencer in three stages of his life and development. In 1930 he is a seven year old boy who just knows that this is going to be the best Christmas/Birthday ever. All he really wants is the sled that he has seen in the window of the local store, but he does not understand that we do not always get what we want because life happens.
In 1963 William is a forty year old man who is anticipating a bad Christmas because everything seems to be going wrong. His in-laws are there and it appears that the world has turned against him. He can only try to keep the promises he has made and hope for the best. He goes back to words of his grandfather once again.
In 2010 is now an eighty-five year old who is hoping this will be his last Christmas. He has lost a lot and cannot see all the good that still remains for him. He has shut himself away and tells himself he is doing it for those around him, to make their lives easier so they do not have to deal with an old man. But he realizes the error in his logic before the day is over.
I really liked this book and maybe learned a bit of a lesson myself about life. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
June 7, 2019
On a childhood Christmas in the 1930s and a Christmas as a husband, father, and veteran after World War II, William has got something to learn and remember about happiness. But one Christmas as an old man living alone, William may have his most momentous holiday yet in The Three Christmases of William Spencer by author Derek Blount.
As is oftentimes the case with me, I'm quite glad I skipped the book blurb before I dove into this story. It was great to discover the crux of the matter on my own without basically knowing ahead of time what the moral of the story would be.
And, seriously, it's one of the best Christmas stories I've ever read. I started off thinking it to be a nice little holiday tale, then it started becoming a more serious and touching holiday tale, and by the time I got to the last third or so, the book was wringing my heart out.
I had to stop reading for maybe ten minutes, to weep and then to get myself together enough to finish it.
It's simple but wise and poignant at the same time, knowing what to explain or mention and what to leave unsaid. This wonderfully realized journey of joy, pain, faith, and hope is what Christmas classics are made of.
As is oftentimes the case with me, I'm quite glad I skipped the book blurb before I dove into this story. It was great to discover the crux of the matter on my own without basically knowing ahead of time what the moral of the story would be.
And, seriously, it's one of the best Christmas stories I've ever read. I started off thinking it to be a nice little holiday tale, then it started becoming a more serious and touching holiday tale, and by the time I got to the last third or so, the book was wringing my heart out.
I had to stop reading for maybe ten minutes, to weep and then to get myself together enough to finish it.
It's simple but wise and poignant at the same time, knowing what to explain or mention and what to leave unsaid. This wonderfully realized journey of joy, pain, faith, and hope is what Christmas classics are made of.
December 19, 2018
Meaningful and heartwarming stories!
This book was so beautiful I read it in one setting! It’s a short, sweet read that shares wonderful memories of the character, William Spencer in three different stages of his life. The point of all three stories is, “happiness is an attitude, not a condition.” And expresses the true meaning of Christmas and life in general. Please, read this book. You will not regret it.
This book was so beautiful I read it in one setting! It’s a short, sweet read that shares wonderful memories of the character, William Spencer in three different stages of his life. The point of all three stories is, “happiness is an attitude, not a condition.” And expresses the true meaning of Christmas and life in general. Please, read this book. You will not regret it.
December 15, 2018
Very good Christmas story
I really enjoyed this story. It was very moving. I like that it was divided in to three parts. I liked seeing what his Christmas was like as a child, adult and a old man.
I really enjoyed this story. It was very moving. I like that it was divided in to three parts. I liked seeing what his Christmas was like as a child, adult and a old man.
December 15, 2018
I have never read a book so moving and so full of emotion! I laughed, I cried I sobbed! The best Christmas book I've ever read! I just want to pass it on! Thank you, Derek Blount! My Christmas will be full of memories, thankfulness and A CHOICE OF HAPPINESS, because of your amazing book! 💖💖💖
December 15, 2018
Beautiful
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
A beautiful story of Christmas. Happy birthday Jesus!
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
A beautiful story of Christmas. Happy birthday Jesus!
December 17, 2019
4.5 stars
December 19, 2018
Beautiful!
I seem to have struck a rich vein in Christmas books this year. This is a simple story but it's a blessing, original and completely wonderful!
I seem to have struck a rich vein in Christmas books this year. This is a simple story but it's a blessing, original and completely wonderful!
December 29, 2018
I loved The Three Christmases of William Spencer. It was deep, spiritual and uplifting; all the things I need and want in a Christmas story. The only complaint I had was that it wasn't long enough. It could have gone on for several more chapters and I would have been just as happy. William Spencer is a character quite a few of us can relate to as far as the experiences in his life and while I would hope that I would not withdraw from life as he did after the death of his wife, I can pretty much relate to his experiences as a child and a young adult. I hope to make reading this a Christmas tradition and pass it along to my grandchildren; it's that good.
December 25, 2018
Beautiful and heartwarming stories! A perfect Christmas read! All the three stories tug at your heartstrings. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a warm Christmas story about family, love, loss, and hope.
December 25, 2018
Short and sweet
Not long enough but very poignant. Wonderful characters and very well written stories about the same person during different periods of his life.
Not long enough but very poignant. Wonderful characters and very well written stories about the same person during different periods of his life.
December 14, 2018
This little gem is free today on Amazon Kindle! I received a hard copy of The Three Christmases of William Spencer several years ago and it became my favorite Christmas read. It’s a story you can read in one sitting, it reminds you of what is important in life and you finish it feeling better about your circumstances because there is always a reason to be thankful. I’m so glad I was able to get it free on my kindle so I can read it whenever, wherever I want! Original review posted below:
I love this story; it definitely made me cry but in a good way. The message is such a good reminder amidst the whirling chaos of our lives. We can choose to be happy, we can choose to see our blessings; the bottom line - we choose. Going forward, I'm going to choose to see all of my many blessings.
I love this story; it definitely made me cry but in a good way. The message is such a good reminder amidst the whirling chaos of our lives. We can choose to be happy, we can choose to see our blessings; the bottom line - we choose. Going forward, I'm going to choose to see all of my many blessings.
December 20, 2016
I was searching for new books on Amazon and saw this one for free. I'm in love with Christmas stories so much! They are so good and this one wasn't different.
I saw some reviews about it and I got even more excited to start reading.
The Three Christmases of William Spencer is a short book, but with touching messages. It made me so happy while I was reading.
As the title says, the book is divide in three parts. It shows William's Christmas when he was a children, with his thirties and when he got old.
This was lovely! I loved to see all his life unfolded.
I also loved the quote that the author put in the book and it's now one of my favorites.
"Hapiness is an attitude, not a condition". How powerful is that? I simply loved it!
I saw some reviews about it and I got even more excited to start reading.
The Three Christmases of William Spencer is a short book, but with touching messages. It made me so happy while I was reading.
As the title says, the book is divide in three parts. It shows William's Christmas when he was a children, with his thirties and when he got old.
This was lovely! I loved to see all his life unfolded.
I also loved the quote that the author put in the book and it's now one of my favorites.
"Hapiness is an attitude, not a condition". How powerful is that? I simply loved it!
December 28, 2016
Short but wonderful
As I get older I realize how so very short life is. These three short stories of this man's life is a wonderful read to help you feel what Christmas should be like and to see it from very different angles in the lives of those around you.
As I get older I realize how so very short life is. These three short stories of this man's life is a wonderful read to help you feel what Christmas should be like and to see it from very different angles in the lives of those around you.
February 22, 2017
This is a short story. I really liked it and it was incredibly moving for being so short. I even cried at the end; I don't think I have ever cried reading a book.
November 21, 2019
My favorite Christmas book
December 18, 2018
We meet William, whose friends said he lacked getting presents because Jesus and him had the same day of birthday. With not having school and parents both home and they spend the whole day together, he thought that was the best present. The stories flowed of when he was a young boy, how the day was spent. The wisdom of a grandfather telling him “ happiness is an attitude not a condition”. When at forty he spent time to remember the day with things that happened, the war, words spoken too sharply, and of Christmases from the past. The treasure was sharing the wisdom of what his grandfather had said to him, and now sharing with his son. To the older William, that misses his wife, butter on toast, a cup of coffee. The tradegy to outlive one’s son. A Christmas tree he bought after Gracie died, because she would want to have one, but notices it is quite dusty now. A shoebox of Christmas cards from his grandson. A knock on the door, brought to him a surprise and a gift of seeing a new life had been born three weeks old, and a namesake to carry on. Emotional, tender story to enjoy, a glimpse of the treasures he had in his life.
February 3, 2019
This is a fast reading work. The main character was born on Christmas and this book highlights 3 of his Christmases/birthdays: one from his childhood, one as an adult and parent, and one as an old man. The overriding theme of all 3 is to choose happiness.
As a child, he is disappointed to not get the sled he coveted (though he does get a sled). Wise words from his grandfather help him get past his disappointment and take the sled to the sledding hill, where he realizes his is the only one that can hold two people (and apparently he takes his future wife sledding that day).
As an adult, he faces a day where it seems everything that can go wrong does. This time, I think it is his son who voices the same idea that the grandfather did years before.
And finally, as an old man planning to spend his day alone, he is surprised by family and once again realizes that he has a choice in how to view life.
A quick read and well worth the time.
As a child, he is disappointed to not get the sled he coveted (though he does get a sled). Wise words from his grandfather help him get past his disappointment and take the sled to the sledding hill, where he realizes his is the only one that can hold two people (and apparently he takes his future wife sledding that day).
As an adult, he faces a day where it seems everything that can go wrong does. This time, I think it is his son who voices the same idea that the grandfather did years before.
And finally, as an old man planning to spend his day alone, he is surprised by family and once again realizes that he has a choice in how to view life.
A quick read and well worth the time.
December 17, 2018
This is really 3 short stories about one man's life at different ages. It was mainly a reminder that we can choose to be happy even though our circumstances may not be perfect, and unexpected blessings can come to us when we are open to receive them. Although labeled as Christian, I didn't feel it was really a religious book. It mentioned that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but other than that I didn't find much in the message that couldn't also be found in a secular self-help type book. That's not to criticize the book, just a comment as some other reviewers called it "very religious." I thought it was a sweet and encouraging story, especially for those who find this holiday season to be difficult because of loss of or separation from loved ones.
December 28, 2019
Perfect read for Christmas spirit!
Each year I look for a book that will inspire Christmas spirit -- not a long tome, not a theological justification, not a schmaltzy pap; but a page-turner that pulls the heart strings but not too far from the faith in the babe born to Mary on that holy night ... a story that makes my heart ready to hear and receive the good news of the Nativity. And I gotta say: The Three Christmases of William Spencer was the Perfect read for me for Christmas spirit this year!!I
I relate! I recognized my short comings and my greatest desire for this stage in life and I was ready to read the Nativity in st Like chapter 2 after closing this book!
To be clear: this book is NOT a Nativity story (still a good read for those who avoid the original Christmas); but I was in a greater Christmas spirit for having read this book and definitely ready to hear again of the Nativity after reading this!
I recommend it for one and all!!
Each year I look for a book that will inspire Christmas spirit -- not a long tome, not a theological justification, not a schmaltzy pap; but a page-turner that pulls the heart strings but not too far from the faith in the babe born to Mary on that holy night ... a story that makes my heart ready to hear and receive the good news of the Nativity. And I gotta say: The Three Christmases of William Spencer was the Perfect read for me for Christmas spirit this year!!I
I relate! I recognized my short comings and my greatest desire for this stage in life and I was ready to read the Nativity in st Like chapter 2 after closing this book!
To be clear: this book is NOT a Nativity story (still a good read for those who avoid the original Christmas); but I was in a greater Christmas spirit for having read this book and definitely ready to hear again of the Nativity after reading this!
I recommend it for one and all!!
December 5, 2022
3,5 rounded up. A quick free read for Kindle from Amazon.
I don't know what it is, but there's something about those Christmas stories around the Depression where kids just asked for ONE toy, and maybe they got it and maybe they didn't. Oh boy! nuts and an orange in the stocking!
And who of us as adults realized how ungrateful we were as children then?
Anyway my favorite Christmas was the last story when William was 85. Blount should consider writing more fiction with older characters.
I don't know what it is, but there's something about those Christmas stories around the Depression where kids just asked for ONE toy, and maybe they got it and maybe they didn't. Oh boy! nuts and an orange in the stocking!
And who of us as adults realized how ungrateful we were as children then?
Anyway my favorite Christmas was the last story when William was 85. Blount should consider writing more fiction with older characters.
December 7, 2019
The Three Christmases of William Spencer by Derek Blount
Book has three main sections all on Christmas day throughout the lifetime of William Spencer.
First one is when he is very young and he hopes to get the red sled from the store down the street.
He realizes things by the end of the chapter about his father and how hard he works...
Second story is when he is in his forties. Nothing goes right, at all.
Third one is when he's by himself at the end of his life and he recalls his past.
Good read. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Book has three main sections all on Christmas day throughout the lifetime of William Spencer.
First one is when he is very young and he hopes to get the red sled from the store down the street.
He realizes things by the end of the chapter about his father and how hard he works...
Second story is when he is in his forties. Nothing goes right, at all.
Third one is when he's by himself at the end of his life and he recalls his past.
Good read. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
December 19, 2016
Three Blessed Christmases
This reflection on what true happiness means by illustrating three Christmases in a man's life is a truly meaningful addition to any library. The book takes the man through boyhood, to middle age, and the old age. It shows that Christmas is a celebration for people of any age and no one should be forgotten. The protagonist in this book finds himself to be truly blessed.
This reflection on what true happiness means by illustrating three Christmases in a man's life is a truly meaningful addition to any library. The book takes the man through boyhood, to middle age, and the old age. It shows that Christmas is a celebration for people of any age and no one should be forgotten. The protagonist in this book finds himself to be truly blessed.
February 12, 2019
This little book did a good job of conveying a sense of the brevity of life through 3 short stories in the life of William Spencer. Each gave a snapshot of his life through the experience of Christmas Day: one at age 7, one at age 40, and the final one at the age of 87. A theme throughout the book was the sentiment, "Happiness is an attitude, not a condition."
December 22, 2019
WONDERFUL !!!!!
I laughed . I cried. This was the most enjoyable experience. I am so glad I read this at this time of year. Being a widow it was very meaningful. I would love to share this message. You can always find something to be happy about.You just have to look for it with the right attitude. :--) Thank you for this beautiful message
I laughed . I cried. This was the most enjoyable experience. I am so glad I read this at this time of year. Being a widow it was very meaningful. I would love to share this message. You can always find something to be happy about.You just have to look for it with the right attitude. :--) Thank you for this beautiful message
December 30, 2019
Loved the purity of this book
Enjoyed the book really exhibited what Christmas is really about it has a child like innocence with adult burdens we sometimes go through. Wish it was long was sad when I came to the last chapter. Suggest this is you want a simple story to open your eyes and heart to what Christmas is really about. Family
Enjoyed the book really exhibited what Christmas is really about it has a child like innocence with adult burdens we sometimes go through. Wish it was long was sad when I came to the last chapter. Suggest this is you want a simple story to open your eyes and heart to what Christmas is really about. Family
December 11, 2021
It was a beautiful book and one in which I was able to read in one sitting. I must admit that it brought tears to my eyes. But I was able to relate to the timeframes in that this could’ve been the age and times of my own dad which made it more meaningful. It’s a short autobiography that was a touching account of a man’s life over 3 Christmases. I truly enjoyed it.
October 21, 2022
I was needing something to read to help my total sadness that was going on. Well, I found it! The Three Chastmas's of William Spencer. Author: Derek Blount. It was sad, I laughed, I cryed and it made me feel so much better. Life is good again!! This book is 3 stories about Wiliam Spencer at 3 different stages of his life. This is a must read. Enjoy!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews