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NEWSFLASH!!! One of the stories in this book has been recognized by Writer's Digest Magazine! Please see the news page for more details.
Purchase this book at the following locations:
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ISBN- 1-4241-4774-3
The Unclaimed Christmas Gift is a collection of inspirational fiction stories to warm the heart and rekindle the true Christmas spirit in people of all ages.
Children will accompany Floyd Hoppermeyer on his quest for the North Pole, learn a lesson on humility with Malcolm and his desire for the ultimate Christmas gift, and join the Lobsterman family in an undersea Christmas celebration.
Grown-ups will enjoy the enlightening story of an inventor with a gadget created to manufacture Christmas joy. Hearts will melt at the story of a young homeless man on a journey to find meaning in his life. Spirits will be uplifted by the tale of two families struggling to find hope while living in a shelter.
Whether read alone or together as a family, these stories are sure to bring joy to your Christmas season. The gift is waiting for you – it just has to be claimed.
EXCERPTS FROM THIS BOOK
This is an excerpt from one of the stories in the book. It's one that was written for adults, but I believe kids will also be entertained by it. Enjoy!
Christmas Sentiments
My invention was perfect! Three years, six months, four days, and nine hours since its inception, I had finally gotten the formula exactly right. The key was having the proper mixture of my special elixir with the correct proportion of the stabilizer. I, Dr. Ferguson Landis – Gus for short – had the key to the Christmas Empire!
Once I received the confirmation of patent from the U.S. Patent Office, I was ready to begin marketing my product. I knew exactly where to start. I packaged the product in a small black velvet box, with a large red ribbon wrapped around it and a red bow on top. I grabbed my top hat and wool coat, and set forth on my journey.
I received quite a few glares and sideways glances, as well as a few snickers. Considering it was dead in the middle of July, I suppose they weren’t out of line to think I had gone batty. In retrospect, I suppose I could have waited until I reached my destination before donning my winter apparel, but at least the day was slightly cooler than usual, and the walk was a short one.
Soon, I was sitting just outside the President’s office at the largest candy company within three counties. Cupperton’s Confections had been making their candies for years. The company was famous for their Whirlygiggles, which were hard candies shaped like little tops children could play with, then unwrap and eat.
Mr. Cupperton had become a very wealthy man from the sale of Whirlygiggles alone. Soon, he would become much richer, as would I.
The receptionist announced my presence to her employer, and I was allowed entry into the huge corner office overlooking the city.
Mr. Cupperton greeted me with a firm handshake and a warm smile.
“What brings you to see me, Mr. Landis?” he asked.
“Only the newest breakthrough in confectionary delight,” I responded.
“May I take your coat, sir?” the receptionist asked, but I insisted that I leave it on.
With a look of sheer revulsion, she nodded and left us to our business.
Mr. Cupperton looked at me with a perplexed expression.
“Sir, I would like to cut to the chase. I have in this velvet box, the ultimate of all Christmas gifts. This small box will equate to a mountain of cash, as it brings delight to many people,” I told him, and I saw the interest begin to percolate within his mind.
“Well, let’s have a look at it, then,” he said.
I handed him the box. He untied the ribbon and opened the soft velvet cover. His hand reached in to grab the small tin inside. He turned it over in his palm, observing all sides, rattling the precious pieces inside.
“Mints?” he asked, “Surely you know we already carry a large line of mints.”
“Yes, sir, but you have never seen any like this. These are no ordinary mints. Please, try one,” I offered.
He opened the top, shook out a small white mint into his hand, and popped it into his mouth. I could tell that the flavor was nothing new to him. He almost seemed bored, until it happened.
I knew the exact moment when the chemical reaction took place. His eyes grew wide. He looked around, as if he were staring into some far away land. Then, the laughter and giggles came. A moment later, it had passed, and he looked at me with utter amazement.
“Well, what do you think?” I asked.
“Amazing! Absolutely amazing! I saw a memory from my childhood. We were at my grandmother’s home, decorating the Christmas tree. My grandmother’s cat climbed all the way up to the top and turned the whole tree over, spilling the ornaments all over the floor! We all just cackled at the site.
“Why, I haven’t thought of that in years! What are these things?” he asked, as he looked back at the tin of mints in his hand.
“Those are my special Christmas mints, which contain an exclusive formula that I developed myself. Once in your mouth, the mint begins to dissolve, mixing the harmless chemicals, which evokes a response from the area inside your brain that stores memories. My formula is designed to help people remember their most treasured Christmas memories and sentiments; hence, the name - Senti-mints. Aren’t they remarkable?”
Mr. Cupperton was nearly at a loss for words. Obviously a man careful not to blurt out his opinions during a possible business venture, he pulled a scratch pad from his drawer and feverishly jotted some notes. He then drilled me on all of the possible questions and scenarios about my invention. How safe was it? How expensive? Had it been tested thoroughly for long-term effects? What if bad memories ever popped up?
Of course, he received all of the positive answers he was looking for. I assured him that if someone had only bad memories, then nothing would happen at all. That sad individual would just receive the pure enjoyment of a fresh mint. The risk of that disappointment was quite low, indeed. After all, how many people could there possibly be who didn’t have a single happy Christmas memory?
