Writing a book in which each story takes place during winter requires an extra boost of imagination when writing during the summer months in Texas. For those who don’t live in Texas, there are days when you can literally cook an egg on your brick patio floor. Years ago, I’d read that John Hughes listened to Christmas music, and had Christmas decorations all throughout his house, during the month of July while writing “Christmas Vacation.” While Tra-La-La day is its own holiday, I did something similar in that I covered my desk in fake snow and holiday lights while playing Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, a few soundtracks by Danny Elfman, and the sound of a blizzard for background noise.
That being said, “Tales for Tra-La-La Day” is a book written to be read between late fall and midwinter. Of course, it can be enjoyed anytime of the year, but I think it will have more of an effect if it’s not 100° outside in the shade. If you do find yourself reading it during the warmer days of the year, put yourself in the mood by turning up your air conditioning, getting a blanket, and snuggling up as if “the weather outside is frightful.”
Whether it’s hot or cold outside, here are some suggestions to help put you in the mood for these whimsical, wonder-filled tales of winter.
Heated Coco
For cozy nighttime readings, mix enough coco to keep your drink from tasting like chocolate-water, but not enough coco to keep you up all night.
Hot Wassail
As I was writing the book, I held Tra-La-La Day gatherings where I would serve homemade Wassail and read one of the new stories I had just written to get a feel for how the story was coming along. Wassail is a traditional English drink, using citrus and spices. It kept people warm during winter as they went from home to home, greeting their neighbors after the harvest and during winter celebrations. Here is a quick link to an easily made recipe, though overtime you will adjust it to your own liking. Given that it takes several hours to simmer, it also makes your house smell amazing. You may recognize the song:
The Weather Outside Is Frightful
To really put you in the mood, perhaps create your own blizzard to cuddle up during. I sampled several snowstorms, and here is a link to a soothing blizzard appropriate for reading. There are also versions where the wind sounds like the roof might blow off, which would be appropriate for the storms in “Trendable’s Longlastables,” “Mageltine’s Wish,” and “Crispin Saves Tea-La-La Day.”
Bundle Up And Enjoy
No matter what season you may find yourself in, I hope you enjoy cuddling up with this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Steve Michael Reedy