I’ve been fascinated by the concept of Old Christmas since I first read the poem, “Old Christmas Morning” by Roy Helton in high school.

On Old Christmas Eve, legends say, elderberry bushes bloom, even if covered with snow, and fig trees bud, even when covered with ice. Roosters crow at the hour of midnight, and cattle and horses kneel down in their stalls out of respect for the Christ Child.

Also, spirits walk on Old Christmas Eve, which really fired my imagination. Some years back, I began plotting a romance novel that would use the events of Old Christmas Eve as a part of the plot. My upcoming romance novel, Old Christmas, forthcoming from Crimson Romances, is the result.