Winter Blogfest: NJ Walters

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win PDF copy of any one of the author’s books.

Happy Holidays
N.J. Walters

This time of year, we can all start to feel a little crazy and stressed out. In spite of it all, I absolutely love this time of year. I love everything about the holidays—the food, the music, the pretty lights, the decorations that have been in the family for years, and the time spent with family and friends.

So why is it that when the holidays arrive most of us are too tired to enjoy it?

Expectations! We all have such high expectations, encouraged by television advertising and all the glossy magazines we see at the supermarket checkout. We feel that everything has to be perfect or that the holidays are ruined.

Rubbish!

Some of the most memorable holidays I’ve had are the ones when I didn’t have that much. You remember what’s really important at a time like that. It’s your loved ones and friends, having a roof over your head and enough groceries in the cupboard. Not everyone has that.

The holidays are about the people you share it with, not the stuff. This is an economically challenging time for many, so start some new traditions this year to replace the expensive ones that have outlived their usefulness. Go back to basics when it comes to gift giving: a bottle of inexpensive wine (sometimes you can get mini-bottles of wine for under $5), some homemade cookies or cake, a gift certificate for the movies or the local coffee shop. If you’re crafty, you can knit socks or scarves or even a sweater. Lots of time thrift stores have bags of yarn, donated by someone who never finished their particular project. You get the idea.

If even that is financially challenging, maybe you can give someone the gift of time.

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And do something for charity. Pick up something and drop it in the food bank bin at the grocery store, volunteer somewhere, drop your coffee money for the week into the Salvation Army cup. You’ll be glad you did.

The holidays are meant to be a joyous time. Enjoy them!

Happy holidays.

Dying isn’t an option. I’ve survived a kidnapping, and now I’m on the run from the Knights of the Dragon who want my gift. There’s nothing a dragon loves more than treasure. I’m Abigail Owens, and I can sense gemstones. When I find myself drawn to a beautiful stone bracelet at a tiny shop in Moscow, I can’t help but have it — even though I can sense it’s power. But I didn’t realize with this one decision I’ve just put myself in the middle of a war between the Knights and a Drakon.

I guess I’m just lucky like that.

The only person I trust even a little is Vasili Zima, which is weird since I’m not sure if he wants to kill me or protect me. I’m drawn to him in a way I hadn’t thought possible, and he feels the same way, or he wouldn’t be risking his life to help me. He’s wanted by the bad guys just as much as I am, and staying with me, well, there’s a hundred percent chance I’m about to get us both killed. But I will not be going down without a fight.

About the author: N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

http://www.njwalters.com
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K6F5WC8/

Comments

  1. I couldn’t agree with you more. There are so many inexpensive and free ways to show someone you care, and that’s what really matters.

  2. Debra Guyette says

    What a great post. I agree so much. the best times are those present with family. Easy meals and easy times.

  3. I couldn’t agree with you more. No matter how crazy it gets, I always love the holiday season.

  4. Diane Sealy says

    This year was unique for me. I have never had children of my own, and now I am a foster mother. I had so much fun this year baking with my foster daughter and decorating gingerbread houses with her friends. I don’t know who giggled more, me or the girls!
    Everyone went home with their house, and Christmas eve, we delivered trays of baking to our friends and neighbours. It was not a fancy Christmas, but it was a lovely one, just like you described

  5. Great post and totally agree. Thanks for the giveaway.

  6. Sharon Conner says

    I couldn’t agree more. Some of my most treasured gift were the ones someone made me. My nieces and nephews have all their blankets that I have made them and they actually compare numbers to see who has the most lol.

    • Congrats, Sharon. Your name was chosen at random as the winner of the PDF book from my available backlist. Long and Short reviews will be sending me your contact information. If you want to contact me yourself, you can email me at njwalters22@yahoo.ca with “Long and Short Reviews Contest” in the subject line.

      Happy New Year!

  7. Francina Alley says

    The last few years I have done this. I bake, can stuff and crochet so that is what my family gets from me as gifts. It costs less in terms of money but means more.

    • N.J. Walters says

      It does mean more. I’m sure your family appreciates the time and effort you put into the gifts. I always look forward to getting one of my mother’s cakes for Christmas.

  8. Love your books. Have a great new year!

  9. The gift of time is a wonderful idea. Happy New Year.

  10. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to comment. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your family and friends. Some of the most treasured presents are those we make or bake for our loved ones. I know, I cherish the ones I’ve received over the years.

    As my gift to one of you, I’m giving away a PDF of any book from my available backlist.

    The winner is Sharon Conner!

    Congratulations, Sharon!

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