FESTIVE FICTION!

 

Every year, around this time, my mum, my sister and I embark on an annual ritual. Before the christmas cake receives its first brandy soaked feed, the dreaded christmas card list has its annual airing and the christmas food order deposit is paid, a book shaped parcel is delivered through our doors. It’s a tradition that began a number of years ago, when a high street purveyor of books (that shall remain nameless) brought out a 3 for 2 offer on their seasonal range of novels. Their covers adorned with snowy scenes, starry skies and woollen clad couples promising feelgood christmassy vibes and cosy stories at this most wonderful time of year. I would be telling fibs  if I told you I could remember who started this tradition, but it now falls to my dear dad to pick the three christmas tales and send them onto us. I often wonder what his process for choosing is, but akin to contemplating how Santa delivers presents to all the children of the world in one night, asking would lose its mystery. I like to think that it’s led with magic and wonder but, in reality I think he just picks the most christmassy covers. 

Once known as ‘Chick Lit’ (terrible phrase!), sometimes known as ‘women’s fiction’ (bit too broad), they nestle comfortably in Romantic Comedy Fiction (RCF) like a ‘hug wrapped in christmas paper’ as one such literary delight was described as. This particular style of novel is found in abundance at this time of year, with yearly instalments from bestselling authors who frequent the RFC shelves and deliver the Christmassy goods again and again. One thinks of Jenny Colgan (in my opinion, the Godmother of the feelgood yarn), Millie Johnson, Heidi Swain, Jessica Redland, Cressida McLaughlin and the list goes on. 

So what is it about the Christmas RCF that we love so much? Here are three reasons why Festive Fiction should be a staple of every reader’s holiday preparation:

1. It’s comfortably predictable

Please rest assured that I mean this as the highest compliment. Like all great works of literature, there appears to be a tried and tested formula to Festive Fiction (FF). Allow me to surmise! The main character, down on her luck, is not a fan of Christmas, often resulting from some sort of Christmassy related trauma. On the brink of losing her job, her partner or both, the story begins with our leading lady (conjecture) knee deep in the bleak midwinter. Throw in a pet or small child, and we have the perfect FF amuse-bouche. But wait! What is this on the horizon? A long lost relative, or- my personal favourite- an unknown benefactor, leaving a failing business to them in an idyllic part of the world? A last minute seasonal job at a stately home? A glimmer of hope embraces our cynical protagonist as she embarks on a new adventure. Throw in a healthy dose of eccentric locals and season with a “will they/ won’t they” subplot with a handsome stranger (who we are fooled into thinking is a bit of a prat) and we have the perfect recipe for a warming main course of romantic tropes and Christmassy shenanigans.  For dessert, a happy ending where the spirit of the season proves to be the answer to all life’s problems. Our girl has a booming business and a new life with the handsome stranger, who has stopped being a prat and is now a thoroughly nice chap (spoiler alert!).

2. The location!

Think of the most beautiful and Idyllic parts of our great Isle. Devon, Edinburgh, Colwyn Bay, stunningly sought after locations with property prices and living costs at an eye watering level. The reality of living, working and indeed running a small business in such locations has major financial implications but for now, let's imagine that it’s not a problem. This is my favourite aspect of FF. The location is always beautiful, romanticised depictions of stunning landscapes and that’s without the twinkling lights, trails of garlands and a 20 foot Norwegian Spruce in the town square. And it doesn’t stop there. We are treated to a tinsel trailing journey of luxurious whimsy as shops and meeting places are dressed in sparkling decor, enough to thaw the hardest of Scrooge type hearts. And it snows! Every year! 

3. The Independent Business

Allow me to take you on a trip down memory lane! My Grandma hailed from an industrial town in Lancashire called Widnes. When we visited, she would purchase iced sponge cakes decorated with a little flower on the top from a family run bakery called Kirkhams. Unfortunately, Kirkhams closed its doors in 2005 but 20 years later, I can still remember visiting there when I was small, the smell of the fresh bread, the neatly proffered trays of fresh cakes and each customer welcomed with an air of familiarity. Of course, this memory is drenched in nostalgia but the point is salient. There is a wistful romanticism to a small cafe or a bakery that is delectably appealing. The‘David’ of the confectionary world against the corporate ‘Goliath’ of the processed savoury snack is a noble quest. It’s a similar concept with bookshops, another popular FF setting. From a narrative perspective, it’s ideal and it’s the reason why characters in soap operas tend to be business owners. There’s a freedom to being your own boss that allows a character to shut up shop randomly to redress a misunderstanding or chase after that aforementioned, no longer a prat nor a stranger, handsome stranger. You can’t throw customers out into the freezing cold with gay abandon, unpurchased goods and half eaten turkey paninis still clasped in hand if you’re on the clock! 

I confess, there are moments in this blog, where I sound like I’m being facetious. It’s not my intention to ridicule, quite the opposite. Receiving my Festive Fiction choice is one of the highlights of my year. Sent with love from the people I hold most dear, they create a world in which Christmas solves all. It’s bauble adorned, cosy escapism at its best. 

Happy (Festive) Reading! 

Debs x