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Monday, December 17, 2007

Christmas hasn't changed, we have...

I heard a radio d.j. say something the other evening that I thought was pretty sad. She compared the whole idea of Christmastime to a big ball of stress. As I listened, I thought to myself, "What has changed to make Christmas such a hassle for so many people?" My resounding answer was that Christmas had not changed one bit. If it is stressful for you, then you need to take a good, long look at what you have made this wonderful holiday season into...and then change it!

For one, the same old Christmas songs are playing as were several years ago. I can depend on hearing Happy Holidays, Silver Bells or Blue Christmas at least a dozen times a day to keep me in the spirit. People still put up their lights. Some people even put up the same old light display, year after year...and it's still pretty. There's always a party to go to, always cards to send, always food to make. I can depend on seeing family whom I may not have seen in a while. Everyone tries to connect at Christmastime and it's probably the one time of year when we don't feel that there's no good reason to do so.

I like the hustle and bustle of getting my daughter out to see Santa. I like seeing the city all lit up. And yes, I like the cheesy reruns of Frosty the Snowman on television. Even though there may be a new twist on things here and there, the point is that throughout the Christmas season, we tend to focus less on what Britney's doing to herself or which one of our wonderful young, female celebrities is in rehab or jail. We are too focused on shopping and wrapping and yes, bitching that there just isn't enough time and money to do Christmas right. Give yourself a break! Christmas is going to happen whether you give one or one hundred gifts. It's going to happen whether or not you get the most expensive presents. It's going to happen even if you're not the first one to get that new video game that everyone else wants. And guess what...it will all still be there for you to want for the rest of the year. And it will probably be cheaper.

Make the most of your holiday by visiting those you miss and by letting the happiness of the season soak in. Look around you at the kids and how they enjoy this time of year. I just love watching my daughter take it all in. She thinks every light display is beautiful and every snowflake is a sight to behold. She doesn't really care what is in the wrapped package, she just knows it's something special, whatever it is. That's why I look forward to Christmas every year.

Here's hoping you have the best holiday season ever. Take care of yourself. Let yourself be happy to have made it through another year and to be seeing another Christmas!

Until next time...

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A Little Bit of Mystery: Short Mysteries to Confuse and Amuse

Where I've Been...

Listen to my interview on the Jeffery S. Miller show.

Listen to my interview on Calling All Authors.

Listen to my interview on the Let's Just Talk w/Kathryn Raaker.

Listen to my interview on Radio Free Baxter.

Where I'll Be...

After a short break in the summer, I'll be at the following locations:

8/11/09 Allen Park Public Library, Allen Park, MI 6:30 p.m.

Looking for something entertaining for your library or bookstore patrons? Looking for a fun way to spend a couple of hours? Do you love mysteries? Then you need to schedule a Tea & Mystery event for your library or bookstore! The fee is minimal and the presentation is fun and informative! Attendees will be given the chance to win great prizes and share their thoughts about the mystery genre and their favorite mystery writers!

E-mail me today at lonestoryteller@yahoo.com for details on how to set up your Tea & Mystery event!

Books by Rebecca Benston

Reviews for Rebecca Benston

“You'll find yourself looking forward to more stories from the files of Rona Shively.”

Michelle Shealy, Reviewer for MyShelf.com

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“Rebecca Benston has written a detective with plenty of suspense…I hope there will be a sequel…”

Annick, Reviewer for Euro-Reviews

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“The story is good, the plotting great. Rebecca Benston draws you into the story from the first page. Read the book.”

Lucille P. Robinson, An Alternative Read

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“Rebecca Benston’s twists, turns, and descriptions are utterly engaging.”

Tracy, Fallen Angel Reviews

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“In The Wash is like a 1930’s film noir detective story that had a modern, edgy twist and a female lead.”

Janet Davies, Once Upon a Romance Reviews

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“Under Lock and Key is an enjoyable, fun book! Rona Shively is a delightful character. I loved her off-beat, quirky personality and her outstanding sense of humor.”

Connie Harris, MyShelf.com

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“Talented author Rebecca Benston shows the reader just how complicated life can get suddenly and how people you thought you knew, aren't who you thought they were.”

Anne K. Edwards, Mysteryfiction.net