Christmas Memories with Andrea Grigg

Today we have Andrea Grigg sharing Christmas memories. Her book would also make a good christmas gift.

1.     What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Sunshine, heat, good times with family and friends 

2.     Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

One of our three children was born on Christmas Day – Hayley will be 25 this year. We always have a birthday barbecue breakfast and then we celebrate Christmas after that. When she was younger and still living at home, we would have an open night for family and Hayley’s friends to come over. We still have the open night.

We have a fairly new tradition. Up until 3 years ago, I always put up the Christmas tree, but that year I was running out of time and my husband volunteered to do it. It looked brilliant so I’ve happily let him do it ever since. He’s so much more patient and particular with the placement of the lights than I am.

I have to confess – I’ve only just stopped doing Santa sacks! I’ll do it again when we have some grandchildren. Or maybe I could do some little ones this year … (Jenny here we stopped when my brother was around 21 hes over 4 years older than me.)

3.     Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why? 

I love them all! We love three Christmas CDs in particular, the ones by Mariah Carey, Amy Grant and The Tin Lids (Jimmy Barnes’ kids - they put out an album back in the early 90s). They pump out while the tree’s going up and from then on until midnight on December 25. We’re quite glad to put them away after that!  (Jenny again I have The Tin Lids tape and still love it)

4.     If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

Exactly how we do it now except it would be nice to have my parents here as well. They live in NZ and unfortunately, it’s too difficult for them to travel these days.   

5.     Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

Haha - apart from being in labour and giving birth at 12:16am one year? Yes – mainly seeing our kids’ reactions opening presents when they were little and making it special for them. I love hearing them talk about their memories rather than mine! 

6.     What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

Christmas Eve is spent watching Christmas concerts on TV with any family members who are around (there are usually several) and hoping I’ve remembered to do everything. On Christmas Day we don’t usually go to church (shock!) because of fitting in Hayley’s birthday plus our other children have in-laws’ places to go to as well, but we attend the special Christmas Carol service the Sunday night before. Christmas afternoon is spent doing as little as possible before people start arriving at night with leftovers which we eat sitting around outside on our patio overlooking the pool, surrounded by fairy lights, candles, Christmas music … love it. 

7.     Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

We’ll watch whatever Christmas movies are on. As for reading, I tend to read the latest Debbie Macomber Christmas novel. 

8.     Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

Cherish the day with your family and thank God for the opportunity to do so. And remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.

My first book, ‘A Simple Mistake’ was published in April, by Even Before Publishing. (Big thanks to Rochelle Manners).  Here’s the blurb:

When teenage sweethearts Nick and Lainey meet again after more than a decade, so much has changed. Nick is now a famous celebrity and Lainey is the girl he left behind. As a member of a highly successful band and with an emerging acting career, Nick can have any girl he wants. Now he wants Lainey back.

Despite Nick’s promise to keep in touch when he left to seek fame and fortune, Lainey never heard from him. Now that so much time has passed, she has moved on from what she felt. Or has she?

After discovering what kept them apart for so long, they tentatively rekindle their past romance. The feelings are just as strong as before but can Lainey accept Nick’s lack of faith? And can their new relationship survive Lainey’s secret?