What do you think?
Rate this book
SMILES FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Silly Seasonal Short Stories
66 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2023
1 person is currently reading
9,640 people want to read
About the author
Nancy O'Meara
5 books713 followersNancy O'Meara has lived in 8 countries and traveled to another dozen, plus has lived in 8 US states - in short she likes to travel and experience different places and people.
In life, most recently, she's been involved in education - having taught English as a second language in 5 countries, but is now pretty settled in the USA.
She has written and edited thousands of words - from non-fiction (including the text of a museum) to her latest collection of holiday stories.
She also has political satire about a future FEMALE President- hopes some of the things in that book will happen.
In life, most recently, she's been involved in education - having taught English as a second language in 5 countries, but is now pretty settled in the USA.
She has written and edited thousands of words - from non-fiction (including the text of a museum) to her latest collection of holiday stories.
She also has political satire about a future FEMALE President- hopes some of the things in that book will happen.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 5, 2023
I loved this book I cannot wait to read the stories when I’m with my family for the holidays they’re quick stories that will make you laugh like 10 things you don’t ask in the North Pole it takes less than an hour to read but I add in the laughter and it will take much longer it was so funny and so sweet and I just totally enjoyed it what more can I say this is a really great addition to Christmas time get together‘s. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
January 26, 2024
I went into this book expecting a bunch of short stories that revolve around Christmas, I was expecting stories where the focus was on the families and children, but this was a pleasant surprise. I was enjoying the stories so much as well as the different perspectives, that when it ended I was in shock. I didn't realise how short the book was and thought my copy was missing a section.
If you are eagerly anticipating the holiday season, this is a must-grab. it is filled with short stories woven around Christmas themes, and I think it's perfect for shared readings, especially with the little ones. But don't be fooled – it's not just for kids; adults will find it just as enjoyable.
A personal favourite of mine was 'An Elf's Dilemma,'. It is a cute tale offering a peek into an elf's world and their bustling preparations for Christmas and gift-giving.
In summary, these seven beautiful Christmas stories are the perfect appetizer for the festive spirit. It's worth noting that these stories are on the shorter side, making them a light and enjoyable read. If you're expecting a longer Christmas story with a substantial plot, this might not be the book for you. However, this book hits the spot if you're after a quick, cheerful read to get you in the holiday mood.
If you are eagerly anticipating the holiday season, this is a must-grab. it is filled with short stories woven around Christmas themes, and I think it's perfect for shared readings, especially with the little ones. But don't be fooled – it's not just for kids; adults will find it just as enjoyable.
A personal favourite of mine was 'An Elf's Dilemma,'. It is a cute tale offering a peek into an elf's world and their bustling preparations for Christmas and gift-giving.
In summary, these seven beautiful Christmas stories are the perfect appetizer for the festive spirit. It's worth noting that these stories are on the shorter side, making them a light and enjoyable read. If you're expecting a longer Christmas story with a substantial plot, this might not be the book for you. However, this book hits the spot if you're after a quick, cheerful read to get you in the holiday mood.
December 29, 2023
I went into this book expecting a bunch of short stories that revolve around Christmas, I was expecting stories where the focus was on the families and children, but this was a pleasant surprise. I was enjoying the stories so much as well as the different perspectives, that when it ended I was in shock. I didn't realise how short the book was and thought my copy was missing a section.
If you are eagerly anticipating the holiday season, this is a must-grab. it is filled with short stories woven around Christmas themes, and I think it's perfect for shared readings, especially with the little ones. But don't be fooled – it's not just for kids; adults will find it just as enjoyable.
A personal favourite of mine was 'An Elf's Dilemma,'. It is a cute tale offering a peek into an elf's world and their bustling preparations for Christmas and gift-giving.
If you are eagerly anticipating the holiday season, this is a must-grab. it is filled with short stories woven around Christmas themes, and I think it's perfect for shared readings, especially with the little ones. But don't be fooled – it's not just for kids; adults will find it just as enjoyable.
A personal favourite of mine was 'An Elf's Dilemma,'. It is a cute tale offering a peek into an elf's world and their bustling preparations for Christmas and gift-giving.
December 9, 2023
As we are approaching a long holiday, I picked this for my kids, and I was more than happy to read it by myself as well. It was thoroughly enjoyed by both of us.
The book is comprised of short, engaging stories written in an amusing way to keep the readers in a happy place.
I enjoyed the titles and the short stories associated with each of them. The authors have done an incredible job of assembling a beautiful set of tales to keep us occupied. The stories are a bundle of joy, and the characters will certainly be dear to most of us. I loved the way the authors have seamlessly paved the way for entertainment for a wide range of age groups.
I must suggest that you pick this up for your next engaging read.
The book is comprised of short, engaging stories written in an amusing way to keep the readers in a happy place.
I enjoyed the titles and the short stories associated with each of them. The authors have done an incredible job of assembling a beautiful set of tales to keep us occupied. The stories are a bundle of joy, and the characters will certainly be dear to most of us. I loved the way the authors have seamlessly paved the way for entertainment for a wide range of age groups.
I must suggest that you pick this up for your next engaging read.
December 8, 2023
SMILES FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Silly Seasonal Short Stories by Nancy O'Meara is such a cute collection of stories for young and old at Christmastime or any time. O'Meara has a great imagination in the writing of these stories. These charming stories will make you laugh out loud, and kids will especially love them. This book answers a lot of obscure questions you might have about Santa, the elves, and even the reindeer. A must-read and recommended.
December 15, 2023
"Reading 'Smiles for the Holidays' by Nancy O'Meara felt like unwrapping a slightly irregular, but endearingly homemade holiday gift. It's not your typical holiday read, teetering delightfully between irreverent and heartwarming. O'Meara's writing has this peculiar knack for making you chuckle at one sentence and introspect in the next. Each story is a little vignette of life, festooned with quirky characters who are as flawed as they are lovable.
The book's charm lies in its unpolished genuineness, much like those family gatherings where not everything goes according to plan, but you end up loving the chaos anyway. O'Meara doesn’t shy away from the messy bits of the holidays - the burnt cookies, the awkward conversations. She dives right into them, presenting a holiday experience that’s more relatable than aspirational.
That said, if you're looking for stories with neatly tied bows and profound conclusions, this might not be your mug of hot cocoa. The tales in 'Smiles for the Holidays' are more about the journey than the destination - they meander, they surprise, they sometimes leave you hanging. But isn't that just like the holidays?
In short, 'Smiles for the Holidays' is a quirky, heartening read, perfect for those moments when you're curled up in a blanket, needing a friendly voice amidst the holiday hubbub. It’s like a good conversation with an old friend - not always what you expect, but always what you need."
The book's charm lies in its unpolished genuineness, much like those family gatherings where not everything goes according to plan, but you end up loving the chaos anyway. O'Meara doesn’t shy away from the messy bits of the holidays - the burnt cookies, the awkward conversations. She dives right into them, presenting a holiday experience that’s more relatable than aspirational.
That said, if you're looking for stories with neatly tied bows and profound conclusions, this might not be your mug of hot cocoa. The tales in 'Smiles for the Holidays' are more about the journey than the destination - they meander, they surprise, they sometimes leave you hanging. But isn't that just like the holidays?
In short, 'Smiles for the Holidays' is a quirky, heartening read, perfect for those moments when you're curled up in a blanket, needing a friendly voice amidst the holiday hubbub. It’s like a good conversation with an old friend - not always what you expect, but always what you need."
January 2, 2024
Smiles for the Holidays by Nancy O'Meara is a delightful collection of Christmas themed stories. Its charm lies in the simplicity and humor, and that it would appeal to both younger and older kids, the writing style is light and engaging, and each infused with a sense of joy and fun.
The stories are short and sweet, with a mix of laughter and heartwarming moments.
Overall, Smiles for the Holidays is a lovely addition to the Christmas-book-shelf. It has a light-hearted approach and, it's a great choice for family reading and sharing the joy of the holiday season.
The stories are short and sweet, with a mix of laughter and heartwarming moments.
Overall, Smiles for the Holidays is a lovely addition to the Christmas-book-shelf. It has a light-hearted approach and, it's a great choice for family reading and sharing the joy of the holiday season.
January 30, 2024
SMILES FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Silly Seasonal Short Stories by Nancy O'Meara, a charming collection of short stories that will bring a smile to the faces of all who immerse themselves within its pages. This is a most delightful and entertaining read for families to share during the Festive Season and would make an excellent stocking-filler.
Open the pages of this special little book and partake in the seasonal fun and laughter of "10 Questions Everyone on the North Pole Knows The Answers to." "No Returns" had me giggling out loud, whilst the author's imaginative themes and creative illustrations give credence to her talent as a writer.
Your children will discover answers to questions they've always wanted to know about Santa, his reindeer and elves and will ensure joyful interaction till the last page.
Highly recommended.
Open the pages of this special little book and partake in the seasonal fun and laughter of "10 Questions Everyone on the North Pole Knows The Answers to." "No Returns" had me giggling out loud, whilst the author's imaginative themes and creative illustrations give credence to her talent as a writer.
Your children will discover answers to questions they've always wanted to know about Santa, his reindeer and elves and will ensure joyful interaction till the last page.
Highly recommended.
December 18, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by O’Meara, and it couldn’t be more timely. This book is a compilation of humorous, holiday-themed shorts. It’s targeted at a younger audience, but I still found it to be good fun. I found myself smiling throughout and will definitely read some of these for the kids on Christmas Eve. This book is great for setting the tone for the fun holiday spirit, and I’m excited to see what other neat books O’Meara comes up with!
March 8, 2024
Filled with clever stories, this book promises laughs and sparks lively family discussions. The "10 Questions" story is bound to captivate my 10-year-old grandchild, inspiring the whole family to invent more questions. It's a holiday essential for all ages, fostering joyous moments and cherished memories together.
January 29, 2024
Smiles for the Holidays: Silly Seasonal Short Stories by Nancy O’Meara is a delightful collection of short stories regarding Christmas themes. From “10 Questions Everyone on the North Pole Knows the Answers to!” to “An Elf’s Dilemma," this piece of work is meant to put a smile on your face as you explore this unique point of view toward what happens on Christmas at the North Pole.
I found this book excellent as a present for the holidays. As I read the silly and funny questions from “10 Questions Everyone on the North Pole Knows the Answers to!" I could imagine the grandparents reading them to their grandchildren as the entire family gathered around and laughed as the children tried to come up with their answers to those questions. It is one of those books through which the author can entertain you with its unique perspective on things.
I found this book excellent as a present for the holidays. As I read the silly and funny questions from “10 Questions Everyone on the North Pole Knows the Answers to!" I could imagine the grandparents reading them to their grandchildren as the entire family gathered around and laughed as the children tried to come up with their answers to those questions. It is one of those books through which the author can entertain you with its unique perspective on things.
June 12, 2024
This book has funny holiday stories that make you happy and laugh. These short stories make you feel good, so they're perfect for sharing with your family, especially during the holidays. One story, "10 Things You Don’t Ask in the North Pole," is quick to read, but if you laugh a lot, it might take longer. Reading the book is not just fun but also makes you laugh a lot. It's good for both kids and grown-ups.
If you want happy, funny, and creative stories to read with your family during the holidays, this book is a good choice.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
If you want happy, funny, and creative stories to read with your family during the holidays, this book is a good choice.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews