Meghan M. Gorecki | Spread The Christmas Joy

Family. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. Especially at the holidays. There may be drama, tears, bickering—but the most precious of holiday memories are often centered around traditions, food—and family.

Being the oldest of four still living (independently) at home, let me tell you—our holidays are not quiet. But that’s the beauty of them. We have so very many foods we make through the six-ish weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years. Foods that are traditions in and of themselves honoring the memory of family members who’re no longer with us. And it is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season.

Recently we had a day where all six of us were home (a Christmas miracle!) and we took it to explore Downtown Pittsburgh all decked out to the hilt for the holidays. We sang along to a Broadway musical en route, got coffee straightaway, and coined a new family catchphrase (courtesy of my way-wittier than me sister Sara):
We roast because we care.

To my dear mother’s continual chagrin, (mostly) loving sarcasm and joking around is a love language around here. And movie and musical references of course. I swear we have our own literal language just in movie quotes. It’s awesome.

My amazing family saw me through quite a trying year between last Christmas and today, and in them being the hands and feet of Jesus to me—I am reminded afresh of the Greatest Love. Unconditional.

And so, I wrote about a lot of it. And shoved it into a romantic comedy complete with characters that greatly resemble my own dear family. There is power in truth, and in story. And because of my family who, in turn, drive me absolutely nuts, keep me (majorly) down to earth, and love me so well—I learned a lot more about the true meaning of Christmas.

It is not in ideal circumstances or times of plenty and prosperity that we must place our hope in. Because sometimes life just rips the rug right out from under you. But God. He is faithful to restore, revive and heal. And oftentimes this includes the constants in your life—family. Whether it be family members by blood or by heart. Stay close to them, dial back the busy hustle and bustle and tap into the truest Hope and deepest Love we have—Jesus. Who placed us exactly in the lives of our families for our good and His glory.

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Meghan M. Gorecki is an author of inspirational fiction, a blogger, book reviewer and voracious reader. Taking her life a day at a time as God leads, she is pursuing a career in the publishing industry as an editor in training and as a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. A hopeless romantic, history and Marvel nut, she's also a redhead (thanks to a box), who knows way too much trivia about movie musicals and the Civil War. Find her on social media and at her blog, A Northern Belle (http://www.northernbellemeg.com)
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*Giveaway* 

Megan has JUST released her Christmas novella Wrapped in Red. Enter to win a digital copy here (or hop on over and grab it now if you can't wait!).

All giveaways run until January 2nd and winners will be announced shortly after. Use the image to the left to share on social media and don't forget the hashtag: #SpreadTheChristmasJoy16

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