Reviews from

The Christmas of Near Despair

No Christmas?

56 total reviews 
Comment from Ben Colder
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Sorry I am out of six but this is one that deserves it. During the war, I too can remember sad times at Christmas. So glad you had joy that year, Blessings Sal.

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
    I receive your virtual six with gladness. I'm so glad to see you and your kind review. Sending you my best today as always,
    Sal :))
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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This is a special magical story and miracles truly do happen at times. I remember when I first bought my apartment and it was sparsely decorated and the sale took all my money. I had a bed and a sofa, but no TV and very little else. Then I received a cheque through the post from a building society saying they owed me money! £2,000! I couldn't believe it! It was just out of the blue, an odd thing to happen! Your story is of course much more endearing and Christmas without presents for the children or a Christmas tree would be pretty miserable, but that all changed on Christmas morning. How delightful! You brightened my spirits this morning, Love Dolly x

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
    I'm always glad to hear I brightened your spirits, dear Dolly. Thank you for the excellent review and kind compliments. It is always so appreciated.
    Sending you my best today as always, and Christmas blessings,
    Sally xo
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
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This is a very poignant story. This account invites the reader to reflect upon a memorable Christmas experience. This accentuates the good kind thoughtful people we don't hear so much about these days. Well written.

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
    Thank you very much, dear Liz. I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Sending you my best today as always, and blessings for Christmas,
    Sally xo
Comment from WalkerMan
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

With your father long gone because of his drinking and your mother struggling to earn enough, this could have been a sad Christmas for all of you. Whether by the owner or manager of the store holding the mostly paid-for layaway items, or by someone else who saw what was happening, your family was blessed with what it needed to restore hope. That certainly IS the spirit of the holiday. Thank you for posting this heartwarming true story. Superb, and aptly illustrated.

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
    Thank you so much, faithful reviewer. You know my history and upbringing and can read between the lines on this on. I am deeply honored by this and pleased if I inspired you and others with a giving spirit. I am wrapping my own gifts this week and so grateful to be able to give them. I think I inherited that from my giving mother. Sending you my best today as always,
    Sally :))
reply by WalkerMan on 10-Dec-2019
    You are most welcome, Sal. Yes, this is an inspiring story; though, as you know, I need no special season to give what I best can -- my help, however needed. Yes, your loving mother's influence is evident in your personality. -- Mike
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2019
    Thank you, again, for your kind words. Sally :))
reply by WalkerMan on 11-Dec-2019
    You are welcome, Sal. :))
Comment from Sharon Haiste
Excellent
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I think this is a good story for the Share Your Story contest.
Your story is well told and has a happy Christmas ending.
Well done and good luck to you with the contest.
Sharon

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
    Thamk you so much, dear Sharon. Your kind review is always so appreciated. Sending you my best today as always,
    Sally xo
Comment from juliaSjames
Excellent
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What an amazing Christmas story. Sure the mysterious gifts were a Christmas miracle. But my favourite part is your brothers getting the tree and your home made paper snowflakes.

Best of luck in the contest and may you and yours enjoy every moment of the festive season.

Blessings Julia

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
    Thank you, Julia. Your review is always so appreciated and so very kind. Sending you my best today and blessings for Christmas,
    Sally xo
reply by juliaSjames on 10-Dec-2019
    You're welcome dear Sally. Blessings gladly accepted and sincerely returned.

    Julia
Comment from Barbaraj1
Excellent
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This is a very warm, heartfelt story about Christmas. The ending was
wonderful. How nice of someone leaving all those wonderful gifts.
The story about the Christmas tree was also excellent.

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
    Thank you, dear Barbara. I appreciate the excellent review and kindest compliments. Sending you my best today as always,
    Sally xo
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Excellent
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Love that 'Santa is as Santa does'.... what a beautiful saying, Lady Sal!! ;) And a great offering here that I daresay many may be unable to relate, but you've written it up just perfectly: not 'too' anything, just the facts and the love and the miracle.... and that's all there need be! Merry Christmas to you and Jackson (and, of course, King - lol!)! ;) Yvette

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
    Thank you do much, dear friend. I'm pleased you enjoyed my Christmas memory. Sending you my best today as always with blessings for Christmas,
    Sal xo
Comment from Rmocruz
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for sharing this well written heart warming Christmas memory.
I found it to be a worthy share your story contest entry.
Best wishes and Merry Christmas.

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
    Thank you very much for the sweet review and kind compliments. It is so appreciated.
    Sending you my best today as always, and blessings for Christmas,
    Sally xo
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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What a sweet and heart-warming story, Sal!! I love that you are and always were that "perpetual optimist!" What a blessing you were for your mother during those hard times. Thanks for sharing and best wishes in the contest!

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
    Thank you, sweet Helen. I'm so glad you enjoyed my Christmas memory. Sending you my best today as always and blessings at Christmastime.
    Sally xo