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The Christmas Joy Ride QUOTES

The Christmas Joy Ride QUOTES

1 " She wanted to remind them that Christmas was more than just glitter and garlands—but that color and sparkle were a wonderful way to celebrate the real Joy of Christmas. And before she walked away, she lifted the baby Jesus and gave it a little kiss—just like she’d always done—and laid it in the manger. "

― Melody Carlson , The Christmas Joy Ride

2 " Now Joy explained about her Christmas Joy website. “I suppose some people think I’m a bit silly, starting up something like that at my age. But after my George died, well, I just felt so lost . . . I needed something to occupy my time. And since I’d always loved Christmas and had been giving people suggestions for holiday activities and recipes and decorating tips, well, it just made sense to share it in a bigger way. My neighbor Miranda knows all about computers and she helped me set up a website.” Joy laughed. “Oh, listen to me—just rambling away. And I really came here to get to know you. I heard that you would’ve been celebrating seventy years of marriage this week.” Joy reached over and squeezed Madge’s hand. “Congratulations on your anniversary!” Madge frowned. “But Ralph’s not here. How can I celebrate?” “Oh, he’s not here physically,” Joy said, “but I suspect he’s right here.” Joy tapped her chest. “My George is still here for me.” Madge nodded. “Yes, that’s true.” “And the purpose of an anniversary is to honor the day you and Ralph were wed, right?” “Yes . . . that’s right.” “So why not celebrate? Just because Ralph isn’t physically with you now shouldn’t erase any of the magic you experienced seventy years ago, should it?” Madge’s lips curved into a smile. “That’s true.” “Now, tell me about that day,” Joy insisted. Joy "

― Melody Carlson , The Christmas Joy Ride

3 " spent the evening letting Emily call the shots for what she called “a normal Christmas Eve” night—doing everything from drinking eggnog and eating snack food to watching, of course, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Finally they hung up Emily’s Christmas stocking—a gift that Joy had tucked in one of her magical bins. Marcus hung it on the far edge of the fireplace to prevent the big crackling fire from scorching it. "

― Melody Carlson , The Christmas Joy Ride

4 " the spirit of Santa is real. It’s the spirit of love and giving, and I like to think that it’s symbolic of God’s love and generosity. Sort of like a metaphor for children. "

― Melody Carlson , The Christmas Joy Ride

5 " To further distract herself, Miranda started doing mental math. Dividing ten mpg into their total distance, then multiplying that number by the current gas price was a bit staggering. “Do you realize it’s going to cost you around a thousand bucks to make this trip?” “Sure. I have it all figured out. And that’s just gas. It’ll be about that much again for campsites and food.” “Two thousand bucks for a road trip?” Miranda shook her head. “It’s worth it, dear. This’ll be the trip of a lifetime.” She glanced over with a grin. “Besides, I got a real nice price for my house. I can afford this.” “Right.” Miranda pointed at the road. “Better keep focused, Joy.” Joy just laughed. “You’re just like George used to be. At first anyway. After a while he’d sit back and relax. That chair reclines. You can even put your feet up if you like. "

― Melody Carlson , The Christmas Joy Ride