Holidays have always served as a touchstone of tradition, celebration, and memory. For historical fiction authors, these moments offer more than festive color—they are a means to anchor stories in their time, providing rich context that illuminates the values, customs, and spirit of a bygone era. Holidays become a lens through which we can view the joys and challenges of the characters as well as the historical tapestry in which their lives are woven.
In Masque of Honor, the Twelfth Night party is one such example. This holiday affair, once a significant event in the social calendar of the 19th century but now largely forgotten, serves as a vivid setting for an emotional turning point in the lives of Jack and Lucinda. Against the backdrop of candlelit revelry, their relationship faces a pivotal and emotional turning point, fueled by a misunderstanding about Jack’s perceived actions and the societal expectations of the time. The Twelfth Night traditions, with their music, feasting, and masked intrigue, transport readers to a world both familiar and distant, where relationships unfolded under the weight of strict social codes.
Similarly, in The Grays of Truth, Christmas takes on a pivotal role. For Jane Gray, the holiday becomes forever entwined with a life-altering moment: receiving a sapphire ring from the love of her life. This intimate and joyous memory not only reveals the depth of her relationship but also encapsulates the hope and wonder that Christmas represented in her time. Through Jane’s eyes, readers can feel the warmth of a roaring hearth, hear the carols of the season, and imagine the cherished traditions that made the holiday special.
Holidays have long been markers of history, both in fiction and reality. Consider one of America’s most enduring historical images: George Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night. This moment, immortalized in art and story, speaks to the resilience and sacrifice that shaped a nation—a reminder of how the spirit of the holiday can persist even in the face of adversity. For me holidays become not just settings but symbols, rich with meaning and capable of evoking universal emotions.
As readers, we are drawn to these moments because holidays are etched into our own lives as milestones of memory. Whether it’s a childhood Christmas morning, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or a family gathering on Thanksgiving, these occasions shape the stories we tell about ourselves. Historical fiction taps into this universal human experience, bridging the gap between past and present by showing how holiday traditions evolve while their emotional resonance endures.
By weaving holidays into their narratives, historical fiction authors invite readers to reflect on the changing nature of traditions and the enduring power of shared celebration. From the long-lost elegance of a Twelfth Night party to the timeless magic of a Christmas morning, these moments not only enrich the historical settings but also remind us of the human connections that define our lives—then and now.
