Today it's my pleasure to welcome author Judy Stanigar to the blog for the latest Festive Fun with... feature.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Israel and in my teens, we moved to the U.S. Having lived through the trials and tribulations of being a foreigner in a new land, I survived teenagerhood and eventually grew up and became a psychotherapist. And now with the publication of my novel Marika’s Best Laid Plan, I’m an author (yay). That this should happen now, in my ‘mature’ years, is a miracle in itself, at least to me. Exciting times. I’m a bit of a gypsy, having lived in many states, but finally settled in the land where the sun shines almost endlessly, San Diego, CA. Love all that beautiful weather, but we need rain, desperately.
Do you have any favourite family Christmas traditions?
As an Israeli, I grew up without ever knowing anything about Christmas. And the irony of it is that I grew up in a land that gave birth to the story of Christmas. When I was around 10 my aunt gave me Little Women for a Hannukah present, and that’s when I learned about Christmas: “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents.” What a lovely holiday I thought, all those presents. As a young newlywed we lived in New York City and my favorite tradition was on Christmas Eve. We’d first go to see all the store front decorations at Macy’s, Sake’s Fifth Ave, Neiman Marcus, then off to see The Nutcracker at the NY City Ballet. We ended the evening with dinner at the Russian Tea Room. Perfect.
If you could choose one person, dead or alive, to celebrate a one time special Christmas with, who would you choose and why?
If I could spend a one-time special Christmas, I think if would be with those Little Women. Yes, I know they’re only a figment of the author’s imagination, but that’s why it would be perfect. A beautiful, loving family, celebrating Christmas before it became so commercial. Anyway, it’s a fantasy question and that’s my fantasy answer. And yes, to meet Marmee, what could be more perfect? Or perhaps a Christmas with the Bloomsbury group? But I think I see a theme here.
What 3 books would you love Santa to have in his sack for you?
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles; All of Jane Austen’s books which hopefully count as one book and while I’m asking from Santa, why not all of Barbara Pym’s books.
What is your favourite Christmas song?
The Little Drummer Boy” sung by Bob Dylan, yes you hear me, Bob Dylan.
What is your favourite Christmas film?
Ok, Little Women, but I’ve said that already. So, it’s a toss-up between “It’s A Wonderful Life” and the irresistible “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.
And finally, what are your hopes for 2022?
They are many, but here’s my condensed fantasy: May we grapple with Climate Change and actually take meaningful steps to change our planet’s trajectory; tied to that wish is the hope to see the demise of all autocrats who are rising the world over. If those two things happen, I for one will say Amen!
Quick-fire questions
Roses or Quality Street? Roses
Mince pies/Christmas cake or Yule log? Yule log
Turkey or ham? Turkey
Brussel sprouts or roast parsnips? Brussel sprouts
Gravy or cranberry sauce? Cranberry sauce
Fake or real Christmas tree? The real Christmas tree for sure
White or coloured lights? White lights
Giving or receiving presents? Giving AND receiving presents
Judy Stanigar is a psychotherapist and an emerging author. Her latest novel, Marika's Best Laid Plan, was published by All Things That Matter Press in October 2021.
Everything is about to change.
Big-hearted, quirky, emotionally walled-off Marika embarks on a plan that ultimately forces her to confront the very thing she's spent her life avoiding: love.
Marika's Best Laid Plan is story about the power of connection and hope, the things without which life is unbearable.
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