Dec 17, 2010

Friendly Friday - Angie Lofthouse

Angie Lofthouse is a stay-home mom of six. She writes science fiction and a little fantasy, and her short fiction has appeared in a variety of print and online magazines and anthologies. Most of her published stories are available for free on her blog. (www.notesfromthewritingchair.blogspot.com). She is also an editor for Mindflights Magazine (www.mindflights.com). She lives in a beautiful canyon on the foothills of Mt. Loafer with her family of writers, artists, singers, composers, illustrators, and musicians.

Angie says:
In 1995, I was pregnant with my second child. My husband had just finished college and although he had a good job, we were still getting caught up from being in school. Money-wise, we were broke. With the baby due in December and money tight, I wondered what I was going to do for Christmas gifts for my family and friends. Many of my family members would give handmade crafts for Christmas. These cost more time than money and were more special for being made by hand. I thought I should do something like that, but there was one problem. I don't do crafts. I'm no good at it at all.

I had just started writing in earnest the year before and I thought, "Hey, I can write a Christmas story. That would make a good gift, right?" I wasn't sure it would, but I got to work and wrote a story before the baby came. I got it printed up with a cardstock cover and gave a copy to everyone in my family, plus a few close friends. They loved it. I wrote another one the next Christmas. And the next. A tradition was born! This week I mailed out my sixteenth Christmas story.

There have been many years when I wish I had never started this tradition. Many times when I haven't started writing until after Thanksgiving. (I'm not a fast writer, either, folks). The worst year, I didn't finish the story until Dec. 21. I put it in the mail on the 22nd. With faith and prayers it arrived on Christmas Eve. I have expanded the tradition the past few years to include my neighbors, the kids' teachers and other friends (though they get the story on CD rather than printed).

I often wonder if my family wishes I would buy them a real gift instead. I wonder if my neighbors think I'm weird or if the kids' teachers wonder what the heck is wrong with me anyway. I have a mini-anxiety attack every year when I start distributing the story. Why did I do that? They'll all think I'm a total dork!

But you know what? They don't think I'm a total dork. My family doesn't long for some store bought, meaningless gift from me. Every fall, my neighbors start asking if I'm writing another story this year. That's why deep down I really love this tradition. I am giving a gift of myself. Something straight from my heart. And those are the gifts that really matter most.

24 comments:

  1. that is so wonderful, and what a fantastic tradition! I completely relate to the "people think I'm weird" anxiety... I get that. But then I have friends who say, "Can I read your latest X" and I'm like all Sally Field. ;p

    Merry Christmas~ <3

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  2. That's a lovely tradition! And very brave. For me, I think there would also be an aspect of, "Do they think my ego is massive?" too ... have a great holiday!

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  3. What a great tradition. You are braver than I.

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  4. Thanks for that post, Angie. I've been suffering from my own bout of they're-all-going-to-hate-my-home-made-"meaningful"-gift syndrome. In fact, I nearly had a breakdown just yesterday over it. But you've got to have faith in people, especially the ones you love. They really do know how much more meaningful it is to get something bought with time and effort rather than cash. Crisis averted.

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  5. Thanks, everyone. It is a fun, if kind of scary tradition. Hope you all have a fabulous Christmas. Thanks for hosting me, Christine!

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  6. We so look forward to the Christmas story every year. They are always so wonderful. The family would be so sad if they stopped. We love family traditions, this is one we look forward to all year long. Thanks Angie, We Love you, DAD

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  7. Hi Angie! Thanks for sharing. That sounds like a fun tradition. Merry Christmas!

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  8. It sounds like a great tradition! I know I wouldn't be able to write a story every year like that--good for you!

    Have a wonderful Christmas!

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  9. Angie - your Christmas stories are one of my favorite things about Christmas. They are precious and I am so grateful to be able to read them! Thank you for sharing your talent with us!! (PS - I can't believe it's the 16 year!!!!) Love you sis!

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  10. Hey Angie,

    Your writing is fabulous. I love your latest Christmas story. Def not dorky at all. =D

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  11. i love them too im so glad that you do this angie your srories are the best present i get i absolutly love them im so glad that you started this tradition & i have been able to be apart of it for the entire time

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  12. Fantastic tradition, Angie. Puts the pressure on to produce something every year, too. I'm going to have to start doing that!

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  13. When the neighbors start asking for stories, you know you've hit gold.

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  14. Thank you so much, family! And everyone else. I sure appreciate your comments.

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  15. Hi Angie - I love the idea of the Christmas Story - I may have to borrow it!! Thanks for the great idea! Maeve

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  16. What a wonderful tradition and great writing motivation! Thanks for sharing with us and hope your holidays are spectacular.

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  17. I love this tradition! I'll have to start something like that in my family. Maybe a family Christmas story, where everyone takes part in the creation (less pressure on me that way!).

    Thanks for the great example. I loved looking over this year's story. :)

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  18. Straight from your heart for 16 years and your heart shines so brightly! I love it! Merry Christmas, Angie!

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  19. What a thoughtful commitment and gesture on your part. These stories sound like they the type of work that can be compiled into a Christmas story collection. Have you ever considered that?

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  20. It's a cool tradition, and I am sure more than a few members of the family understand and value the time, effort and love that goes into the project/gift each year.

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  21. Thanks again for being my guest, Angie. And thanks to all those who left comments. I can tell Angie is one popular girl. :)

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  22. I really like that tradition. And way to be brave and keep it going, even when you start to doubt yourself.

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  23. Thanks for having me, Christine, and thanks again to everyone who commented. I sure appreciate that!

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  24. That's a great idea and a great interview! Glad I stopped by!

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