A Little Christmas Romance

Late last year a mystery illness, that had gone on for five years, came to a climax and was finally diagnosed but treatment left me in hospital for six loooong weeks. What has that got to do with romance at Christmas? I promise there’s a little romance to tell. 

I’d survived the worst and made it home for Christmas with ten days to spare but had missed all the parties leading up to the big day. It was agreed I would spend Christmas at my Sister’s house. As I sat on the bed in her guest bedroom on Christmas Eve, I checked my emails. A lovely man had responded to my, online, E Harmony smile, sent before I became critically ill. I felt nervous about starting a relationship when I was still recuperating, but with my sister’s encouragement I accepted an email from him.

He wanted to get to know me and asked if I’d like to have a coffee. Heart aflutter, I made my sister stay next to me as I replied. We emailed and back and forth and discovered we were both spending Christmas day at our sister’s houses. It was agreed that we’d meet for coffee soon and exchanged mobile phone numbers. Christmas morning he sent me a Merry Christmas email and wished me a lovely day.

Last year, Santa gave me a loving, kind and understanding new partner for Christmas. This year, the two of us will be celebrating Christmas together. My gorgeous man is having lunch with my family and then we’re going to his family for dinner. Romance at Christmas isn’t just something that happens in books, it’s happened to me.

Luckily we can all enjoy some Christmas romance through the novels set around this theme. Two novellas I recently read have let me relive the wonderful feelings of beginning a romance at Christmas. A Kirribilli Christmas by Louise Reynolds, warmed my heart. A woman who has been searching for the love she wants in another country returns home to find the love she deserves. The scene where Shelby and Dan are decorating the tree is my favourite. Her wounded heart is healed as she re-examines her childhood and falls for the young man who’d always loved her. Sigh. 

The other novella I read , Guarding Christmas: A Holiday Season Short Story by Jenny Schwatz was a reunion story also. Gray, a soldier who wants to settle down after active duty returns to woo the woman he’d left behind. But Yvie’s had enough of her quiet and settled life. She wants adventure and to realise a long held dream. Discovering that they belong together occurs during a thrilling, action packed lead up to Christmas day. It’s lovely.

Being a time of family coming together and, for me, a time of new beginnings, Christmas and romance seem go hand in glove together. The warm feelings of connection are strengthened at Christmas time. Reading about romantic love blossoming at Christmas is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope your Christmas wishes come true.
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