Christmas Magic 1959

by Kathryn Meyer Griffith

Have you ever wondered what a writer’s early years were like and how it affected their future writing and the stories they would tell later in their lives? Have you ever wondered what their childhood Christmases, their early holidays, were like? Well, wonder no longer. This biographical memoir is about one of my most cherished childhood Christmases…in 1959 when I was nine years old. After my beloved musician/singer/songwriter brother Jim passed away in 2015 from cancer I felt an intense need to write this memoir about that special Christmas Eve I shared with him, my other siblings, mother, father and grandparents, and put it out there for everyone to read as a tribute to him and my family. This is my memory, part of my childhood, a childhood that strongly shaped me as an individual, and some of my fondest recollections. in the late 1970’s I did a series of illustrated (by me, because I’m an artist, too) short stories for my local newspaper and I’ve used one of my old article drawings from that newspaper from 1977 for the first page of this memoir. ( THIS IS NOT A SHORT STORY...but a memoir.)

Genres: Christmas, Short Stories, Holiday

26 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2016

About the author

About Kathryn Meyer Griffith 2023
Since childhood I’ve been an artist, and have worked as a graphic designer in the corporate world and for newspapers for twenty-three years before I quit to write full time. But I’d already begun writing novels at 21, over fifty-one years ago now, and have had thirty-five (romantic horror, horror novels, romantic SF horror, romantic suspense, romantic time travel, historical romance, thrillers, one non-fiction short story collection, dinosaur books, and murder mysteries) previous novels and thirteen short stories published from various traditional publishers since 1984. But I’ve gone into self-publishing in a big way since 2012; and upon getting all my previous books’ full rights back for the first time in 36 years, have self-published all of them. My seven Dinosaur Lake novels and Spookie Town Murder Mysteries (Scraps of Paper, All Things Slip Away, Ghosts Beneath Us, Witches Among Us, What Lies Beneath the Graves, All Those Who Came Before, When the Fireflies Returned, and Echoes of Other Times) are my best-sellers.
I was married to Russell for over forty-three years; have a son, two grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. I live in a small quaint town in Illinois. I have a quirky cat, Sasha, and we live happily in an old house in the heart of town. Though I’ve been an artist, and a folk/classic rock singer in my youth with my late brother Jim, writing has always been my greatest passion, my butterfly stage, and I’ll probably write stories until the day I die…or until my memory goes.
2012 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS *Finalist* for her horror novel The Last Vampire ~ 2014 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS * Finalist * for her thriller novel Dinosaur Lake.

*All Kathryn Meyer Griffith’s books can be found here:
http://tinyurl.com/ld4jlow
*All her Audible.com audio books here:
http://tinyurl.com/oz7c4or

Novels and short stories from Kathryn Meyer Griffith:
Evil Stalks the Night, The Heart of the Rose, Blood Forged, Vampire Blood, The Last Vampire (2012 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS*Finalist* in their Horror category), Witches, Witches II: Apocalypse, Witches plus Witches II: Apocalypse, The Nameless One erotic horror short story, The Calling, Scraps of Paper (The First Spookie Town Murder Mystery), All Things Slip Away (The Second Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Ghosts Beneath Us (The Third Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Witches Among Us (The Fourth Spookie Town Murder Mystery), What Lies Beneath the Graves (The Fifth Spookie Town Murder Mystery; sixth, All Who Came Before, When the Fireflies Returned (the seventh Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Echoes of Other Times (the eighth Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Egyptian Heart, Winter’s Journey, The Ice Bridge, Don’t Look Back, Agnes, A Time of Demons and Angels, The Woman in Crimson, Human No Longer, Six Spooky Short Stories Collection, Forever and Always Romantic Novella, Night Carnival Short Story, Dinosaur Lake (2014 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS*Finalist* in their Thriller/Adventure category), Dinosaur Lake II: Dinosaurs Arising, Dinosaur Lake III: Infestation and Dinosaur Lake IV: Dinosaur Wars, Dinosaur Lake V: Survivors, Dinosaur Lake VI: The Alien Connection, Dinosaur Lake VII: The Aliens Return, Memories of My Childhood, and Christmas Magic 1959.

Her Websites:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathrynG64
My Blog: https://kathrynmeyergriffith.wordpres...
My Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/KathrynMeyer...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Kathryn-M...
https://www.facebook.com/kathrynmeyer...
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https://www.pinterest.com/kathryn5139/
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Reviews

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable story of that one perfect Christmas that stands out in our childhood. All the people we love are around, we still kinda believe in Santa and we don't have to cook all the great food.
That was one of my rudest awakenings to grown up Christmas; Mom's do a lot of work! 👩🏼‍🍳 Cookies to bake, along with that special cake, pie, etc. The list grows every year. The home made ornaments and Christmas letter for each card, the ten trees to decorate, the little houses for all the book shelves...
Whew! I better get to work!
🏃🏼‍♀️um, Merry Christmas? 🏃🏼‍♀️

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A enchanted short read

Loved reading this short story beautiful of Christmas 1959 days this is what Christmas is all about so well writing

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know Kathryn Meyer Griffith’s memories and feelings run deep, because her first novel, Evil Stalks The Night, is the story’s setting inspired by her family home.

Christmas Magic brought to mind many memories of my own. As child, I too was fascinated when I would awake in the morning and the world is blanketed in snow. I too loved visiting my Grandmother’s house, which was just down the road. It was like a mini vacation. I remember making paper and popcorn chains for the Christmas tree.

It is no surprise to me that Kathryn Meyer Griffith became a prolific writer, with her smarts, photographic memory and love of reading.

She may not have had much money, but she had lots of love.

What a vision…all nine of the family piling into the car and to Grandma’s house we go. They actually drove over the river and through the woods.

A heartwarming short story, with the highest highs and the lowest lows, love, happiness, sadness, giving and sharing…the human cycle.

[O. D. Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Description: In this book an author shares precious childhood memories. It shows that what matters most at Christmas is quality time with family and the importance of supporting and encouraging your loved ones. Also, a great reminder with Christmas right around the corner that: the gifts themselves don’t matter as much as the thought.

In Short: Not your typical short story this is structured like someone reminiscing so it feels like you are experiencing their thoughts and memory with them. If you enjoy heartwarming biographical types of stories and are looking for a quick Christmas read, pick this book up.

“Holidays and going to grandma’s house was about the only time they could stuff their bellies until they were full, more than full, of so much delicious food.”

Pros: The story starts off by setting a beautiful holiday setting that puts you in the Christmas spirit. A sweet and nostalgic story about a loving family that isn’t wealthy but has lovely traditions that are worth more than any dollar amount. I think there are parts of this story that will resonate with many people. For me I was reminded of how I used to hope for snow on Christmas. There were some other details like that, that I could relate to and I’m sure others would as well. Because this story was a little ‘before my time’ it was nice to travel to the past and get a little glimpse of Christmas in 1959. I love how she shows examples of how the love and support she received from her grandma and her family affected her life and helped her in various ways. It is full of great messages like that, making it an inspiring book. Overall the story is very touching and I think the writing is lovely and shows a lot of potential even if I wasn’t too fond of the non-chronological style of this particular tale. So, I would recommend this book and checking out more by this author. This book is well written and edited.

“Christmas is special and having a family to love and be loved by is special.”

Cons: The story reads like a stream of consciousness that jumps from memory to memory (out of order) and even though these details are interesting it made the main Christmas story feel slow moving to me. Because it jumps around a lot a few details were repeated just with more/less detail than the previous pass. This was a tad redundant and not necessary within the short length of the book. However, judging by other reviews my opinion on this style is not shared by everyone.

[K. Dillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute memoire about Christmas, one of my favorite holidays, too. I didn't have a family like this, like we didn't sing holiday music or perform for our family. We also didn't grow up with carolers singing outside. I didn't grow up around snow and my grandmother lived half way across the country.

For a moment, I lived vicariously, through this Christmas memory of 1959.

Hopefully, you can share your great aunt's date cookie recipe, sounds fantastic. I would have loved that included at the end, too.

[Priscilla Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful family story

Writers story reminds me of my Christmases growing up on a farm in Missouri. I have wonderful memories of our family driving to Kansas City MO before Christmas. I rode the miniature train at the Jones Store. The store windows were decorated beautiful with Christmas. Kathryn wrote a beautiful book that brought back many wonderful memories of my childhood. I would definitely recommend reading this story.

[Janie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was right there in the story, I felt the frigid weather outside with the winds swaying the trees, the warmth and sense of love, joy, and security at the grandparents home. This is a wonderful book that I will read again as Christmas approaches, because it so puts one in the mood for Christmas, I loved it!

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Christmas short story/memoir. The author takes the reader to her favorite Christmas, 1959. She is from a poor family…her grandparents, her parents and their 7 children.

The picture at the beginning of the book was drawn by the author herself. I will at some point read her other works.

[Florence Lukac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved your story! I love Christmas storys. Keep it up!

Love your books. I start reading Christmas stories the first of December till jan. I will save your other till then. Keep writing as long as you can! Loved it!I read it on a hot July day helped cool me down.Thank You.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, descriptive memoire short story that kept my interest.

[Wen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much...I too have these memories in the same era. It is nice that you were able to mold your memories in your art and writing. Thank you for sharing.

[Deb Shank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

Enjoyable read. Brought back me of simpler times. Although our family was small. Memories of my grandparents are so special.

[Tricia Toney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author reminisces about her childhood Christmas memories. Her family had its share of hardships, but with the help of her grandparents, cherished memories were created.

[Catherine Steiner · Rating 2 out of 5]

not as good as her other books. quick read. too similar to my childhood in the 1950s. not really interested.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very short memoir, but not very well done. I think it would’ve read better in first person and with far fewer digressions and segues into the present.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Loved this story. The author makes you feel as though you are right there with her. Looking forward to reading more of her work.

[Chad Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming story

I really enjoyed reading this memoir. I personally experienced similar Christmas’s and holidays. I also had fantastic grandparents and this story caused me to reflect on past holidays and how they were precious gifts.

[Mareena · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Meyer family had gone through its fair share of difficulties - yet even as it struggled to make ends meet - the Meyer children always felt surrounded by the love and admiration of their parents, their grandparents, and their siblings. Although money was tight, the Meyers had never experienced any sort of deprivation or neediness during their childhood. Now Kathryn Meyer Griffith, a prolific author for over forty years, reminisces about one of her most cherished childhood memories.

Christmas had always been a special time for the whole Meyer household. However, it would be the Christmas Season of 1959 that would perhaps provide many of the sweetest memories for the Meyer children. Perhaps no family member felt the Christmas spirit more than nine-year-old Katie Meyer. She loved absolutely everything about the holiday, but that Christmas Season of 1959 seemed even more magical to her because Katie had recently survived a life-threatening medical emergency.

This story is about one of Ms. Griffith's most cherished childhood Christmases; a very special Christmas Eve spent with her brother Jimmy, their other siblings, their mother, father and grandparents. It is a story of family, tradition, and everlasting love. With the recent passing of Ms. Griffith's brother Jim in 2015, she felt compelled to write this short story as a tribute to his memory as well as in honor of her family. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this little vignette, and give it a solid A!

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many of Kathryn’s books. She writes horror, thrillers, and suspense, often adding a paranormal or supernatural element to them.

This book is quite different. There’s no horror. No evil beings stalking the characters. It’s a true story of Kathryn’s life as a young girl and a special Christmas.

The title intrigued me. And the cover enchanted me. It looks just like our back yard where I grew up. Christmas was a magical time for me too.

Kathryn leaves nothing out in her telling of life as a young girl. I come from a large family too, and while our circumstances were better that Kathryn’s, I related to so much from her life. Back then there weren’t computer’s and video games. You found your own way to entertain yourself. And, being a large family, you had to give and take in order to get along.

This was a step into the past for me. Memories sprang forth, so vivid and emotional. Many were bittersweet. Some so wonderful I teared up.

This is a beautiful story and one you should add to your Christmas reading list. Perhaps you’ll step into the past and long forgotten memories of a special Christmas will come forth.