Christmastime is fast approaching and with it, comes the spirit of Peacemas creeping around the corner. What is Peacemas all about? Read the Peacemas Doctrine for the details on his all-inclusive holiday created by one of the (craziest) characters in my novel I’ll Be Home for Peacemas. To celebrate Peacemas, we’re spending a few weeks enjoying some excerpts and fun Peacemas facts.

Don’t forget that Peacemas is available in eBook format, too!

If you’re all about instant gratification, pick up your Kindle, Nook or other aptly named e-reading device and buy an eBook copy of I’ll Be Home for Peacemas. (Author’s note: The book is twice as enjoyable when complimented by a glass of spiked eggnog…just a recommendation).

Peacemas Excerpt of the Week

As I faced myself in the mirror, a loosely wrapped towel tucked under my arms, I made my daily assessment of all the ways in which I could not genetically disassociate myself from my family. I have my mother’s hair (her natural hair, I should say), which is something between a dark blond and a light brown color. It has a shape that could be called wavy on a good day and wildlife habitat on a bad one. My father’s eyes, a dark hazel with tiny flecks of gold, are set beneath Nana Jane’s eyebrows–high-arched and medium thick. My small, rounded nose with its slightly up-turned tip belongs to Judge (though mine is thankfully a miniature version of his). My lips, naturally a dark pink and closer to full than thin are Paula’s (but minus the coral lipstick she’s so fond of). The tiny cleft and low profile of my chin is a mirror of my Grandpa James.

Every time I wonder if I could be so lucky as to have been separated from my real parents (some blissfully normal, sane couple with no other children) at birth, I look at my reflection and reluctantly see the map of my own family history played out on my very own face.

That settled, I assembled a small army of hair products and tools on my bathroom counter. Like a lion tamer wielding a chair and a whip, I managed to corral my shoulder-length mane into something acceptable for going out in public.

That’s a wrap!

Come back next week for Bailey’s favorite Peacemas continent celebration: Australia! Are you ready for some Ayers Rock cake–a giant block of solidified vegemite? Yum!

Later days,

- Shannon

Last week I posted the Peacemas Doctrine, the most official piece of paperwork to come out of Peacemas, identifying the holiday’s roots and rituals. As a central part of my novel, I’ll Be Home for Peacemas, the made-up holiday has inspired me to think more about the holidays that we celebrate and how they help us bring out the best in ourselves.

A Christmas Caveat

Something I feel like I need to express on this issue: I know there are a lot of people who get very uncomfortable when there’s no “Christ” in “Christmas” so to speak. I identify myself as Christian and have spent many Christmas Eves in a hallowed sanctuary with a glowing candle. I believe in the story of Christmas, recognize its significance as the foundation of the world’s most popular religion and would not do anything to take away from that. Peacemas is about bringing people together and celebrating what is important in our world, and I’d like to think that most people would celebrate Peacemas and Christmas (or Channukah or Kwanza or whatever your winter religious holiday might be) in harmony. So please don’t take any offense to Peacemas, it’s not meant as a disrespect to anyone’s religious views or celebrations!

Now that we’ve got THAT out the way…

The 7 Weeks of Peacemas project is meant to educate more people about Peacemas, the central holiday in my novel, I’ll Be Home for Peacemas (shameless plug in 3…2…1…) which is available for purchase in paperback and eBook format, click here to find out where you can buy a copy.

Peacemas Excerpt of the Week

If you’ve read the summary of I’ll Be Home for Peacemas you know that Bailey has quite the complicated family tree. To understand more about its roots, here’s a quick excerpt from Chapter 2:

I suppose it goes without saying that anything with roots in a lean-to wedding chapel sandwiched between an IHOP (site of the rehearsal dinner) and a bar (site of the reception) is probably destined for disaster. Unfortunately, my parents were so blinded by the powerful trio of love, rebellion, and alcohol that they failed to notice the army of red warning flags crowded into the hallowed halls of Wally’s Wedding Wonderland with them on that balmy summer night.

That’s a wrap!

If you’re still interested in learning more about Peacemas, its founder Olivia Flowers and her wild, crazy family I suggest reading an excerpt from I’ll Be Home for Peacemas. Or, you know, you could buy a copy. Just an idea!

Later days,

- Shannon