Read an Excerpt

Welcome
 
Christmas ... Ask 50 different people what it means and you’re likely to get a list of responses as varied as the gifts under the tree. Some might say it’s the time of year when winter lays its first white blanket on a barren ground. Others will tell you it’s the time when giving becomes a far greater joy than receiving. And for yet others, the season is defined by songs about mangers and a hallelujah chorus or two. While each of us may attach a meaning to Christmas peculiar to our own beliefs and desires, most of us would ultimately agree that much of Christmas’s meaning is to be found in the gathering together of people, whether they be new acquaintances, old friends, or much-loved family.
 
It is at these Christmas gatherings, big and small, that a common little word called "conversation" takes on uncommon importance, that typical discussions of politics and careers yield a little to conversations about goodwill and great memories. We reminisce with Grandpa as logs crackle in the fireplace; we chat with our children around a freshly cut tree; we have heartwarming talks with friends at holiday dinners and share hearty laughs with colleagues around the corporate punch bowl. It would be difficult to argue that any other time of the year affords so many great opportunities to engage in conversation. With this thought in mind, The Christmas Conversation Piece was created.
 
The purpose of this book is to enhance all your Christmas conversations and draw you closer to friends and family through the use of creative and entertaining questions. Since you probably have never thought about many of the questions in this collection, you will also be drawn closer to your own thoughts, feelings, and ideas about this joyous season. Between questions about favorite carols and favorite ornaments, new gift wrapping techniques and old St. Nick, you’ll never be at a loss for words. In fact, you’ll find questions in here dealing with everything from tropical islands to the president of the United States—with the holiday season always at the heart of the question!
 
It is our hope that this book will add a new element of fun and enthusiasm to your holiday discussions white helping each one of us to rediscover Christmas, with all the enchanting nuances it has to offer. And so, from both of us, "Merry Christmas to all and to all ... a good conversation!”
 
1
 
In your opinion, what would the ultimate winter wonderland look like?
 
2
 
You’re the author of a new Christmas novel that you hope will one day become a classic. What would you choose as the setting for your Christmas story?
 
3
 
What is your favorite Christmas scent?
 
4
 
What do you think is the most enjoyable thing to do in the snow?
 
5
 
f you were a photographer who was given the chance to go back in history to capture a Christmas photograph, where would you go and what year would it be?
 
6
 
Regardless of its monetary value, what is the single most meaningful Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
 
7
 
Someone has graciously offered to make you and your entire family a Christmas quilt. It will be made up of many quilt squares, each one representing a different family member. What specific design or image would you want on your square?
 
8
 
If time were not a concern and you had plenty of money, how would you decorate the outside of your home?
 
9
 
If, like Santa, you could take a night flight in a sleigh over any city in the world, which city would you choose?
 
10
 
Suppose that a new fad was to wrap your gifts in anything other than wrapping paper. With what would you wrap your presents?