Behind the Story: Mark

What's a Christmas story without children? Obviously it can be done, but are they as much fun? I don't think so.
Needless to say, all of my Christmas stories have ended up having children involved. A few years ago, in the Candy Cane Wishes collection, my hero was a single dad dealing with his tween and her attitude. This year, my Christmas story, Mama Dated Santa, has Mark. He's the nephew of Trudy, my heroine. And he's a fun-loving four-year-old who adores Santa. Because that's a really fun age at Christmas.
Some neat facts: I also have a nephew named Mark, but he's no longer four, so except for the name, there's not much else in common with the one in my book. The man I call Santa now is also named Mark. See how that all works? Mark in my story, like all kids, picks up on things the adults don't even realize he's noticed. He asks Santa to make his Aunt Tootie happy again. And for a fire truck with real-working sirens, of course. And Trudy will do just about anything for Mark, even though she's not really in the Christmas mood. He's a good excuse for her family to draw her into the Christmas activities, even if she thinks she's not ready yet.
Children are pure and innocent in their excitement and joy. They remind us so much about what's important and where our focus really needs to be. How could I not include a child in my Christmas story? Especially a story with a toy store Santa Claus.
​What do you think? Do you think children make Christmas even better?
Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But she will do anything for her nephew Mark, even take him to visit Santa. After Dad died and the holiday bucket lists stopped, December hasn’t been the same. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa.
Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. He’s been so focused on the numbers, the Christmas season has become nothing more than one last drive for sales. But Trudy makes him re-evaluate his attitude as well as want to help hers.

Can two holiday-haters renew their love for the season … and more?