Traditionally, Thanksgiving and Christmas are holidays (hopefully) spent with family, enjoying their company and creating endearing memories. Several of the stories, essays, and poems in Over the River and Through the Woods focus on this theme—but the topics are diverse, ranging from an essay involving actor Alec Guinness to a story about a  magic bed; from a contemporary version of the Holy Family to a coming of age tale involving a lost diamond ring.

Read on as authors Ramona DeFelice Long, Michele Zirkle, Lori M. Jones, Jennifer Diamond, Cara Reinard, and Denise Weaver reveal the inspirations behind their contributions to our fantastic winter holiday anthology.

My essay, “The Bridge on the River Obi-Wan,” is based on a real Christmas Eve when my son was 11. My husband often worked holidays, so the merrymaking was usually left to me, and I wasn’t always very merry about it. This day, however, turned into a life lesson that stayed with me for years. Nearly a decade passed before I was able to craft an essay on what *I* learned that day while trying to teach my son. —Ramona DeFelice Long

Growing up, my grandparents bed seemed a magical place of arm-tickling and story-telling and I wanted to capture some of that rapturously sweet dream-time. Dreams are magical, especially when sleeping in this sleigh bed where more than visions of sugarplums dance in Ciara’s head… love lights up the dark and shines hope into her heart. —Michele Zirkle, author of “Magic Sleigh Bed”

When I was thinking about an idea for a Christmas story, I thought, what is Christmas all about? Although I know it’s not the correct answer, Mary and Joseph popped into my head. Obviously their miracle child is who [we] celebrate, but their stories are pretty amazing. So I wanted a story about a modern day Mary and Joseph and what would happen to them if they inadvertently stumbled upon a miracle.  —Lori M. Jones, author of “The Gift”

The spark for “Fathers and Daughters“ began with a memory from author Jennifer Diamond’s childhood. It bloomed from a simple story about a misplaced gift into the true tale of how a self-conscious, semi-self-centered thirteen-year-old looked at her family with a new viewpoint. By the end of that one Christmas day, she leaped into young adulthood and learned to appreciate the moments shared between fathers and daughters. —Jennifer Diamond

“Buon Natale,” which means Merry Christmas in Italian, is dedicated to my family. The poem captures our true day of celebration, Christmas Eve, which is marked by a huge meal known as The Feast of Seven Fishes. Both sides of my family have celebrated this bountiful dinner of no less than seven seafood dishes since I was a small child. As an adult, each year, my Aunt Reene and I switch off hosting this special occasion for whoever can attend—our table is never too full, our hearts are open to all—tis the true meaning of Buon Natale. I hope you enjoy my poem and that it brings you holiday cheer. —Cara Reinard

My essay, “Shaping Christmas,” is a reflection of how Christmas has been shaped for me through the particular influences of several women throughout my life. It has led to my awe and joy of the holiday season, focusing on faith, family, friends, and food. I am happy to share a Christmas cookie recipe from my beloved mother-in-law; it’s a family favorite. —Denise Weaver

Proceeds from the sale of Over the River and Through the Woods benefit the Ligoner Camp and Conference Center, home of the Mindful Writers Retreat. We thank you for your support!