Lighting Up My Christmas (Letters to Mrs. Claus #8)

Dear Mrs. Claus

I’m writing about my granddaughter Mads, who works at our family beach boutique here in Twin Waves, North Carolina.

She’s got the biggest heart and the brightest smile, but lately that smile has been dimming.

She just ended things with a young man who made her feel small and invisible—like her dreams didn’t matter and her joy was too much.

I’ve been watching her doubt herself, wondering if maybe she’s not meant for the kind of love that celebrates everything she is instead of asking her to be less.

My sweet girl has been putting up walls around her heart, afraid to trust that someone might actually treasure her light instead of trying to dim it.

Could you help her see that she’s ready for real love?

The kind that makes her braver, not smaller?

I know Christmas has a way of bringing people together when they need each other most. Maybe this season will help her find someone who sees her light as a gift, not a burden—if she’s brave enough to let love in.

Thank you for listening to an old woman’s hopes for her granddaughter.

With love and Christmas wishes,

Grandma Hensley

Grandma Hensley is asking Mads to open her heart again and let love in—especially to someone who might come wrapped in grumpy packaging but holds the sweetest of hearts. A tall order, perhaps, but nothing a little Christmas miracle can’t handle.

Who am I to meddle in matters of the heart, you wonder?

Why, I’m Mrs. Claus, and I’m more than just the cookie-baker of the North Pole. While my dear Santa and his elves bustle about with toys and tinsel, ensuring Christmas morning sparkles for children everywhere, I have my own mission: Operation Mistletoe Match.

Through these letters, I weave a bit of hope, a whisper to take a chance—because love is the greatest gift, and it’s waiting to be unwrapped.

The story on the following pages is of Mads and Asher. Did my letter spark the courage they needed? That’s for you to discover.

So, settle in with your favorite warm drink and let the salty sea breeze carry you away to Twin Waves, where Christmas magic blooms like beach roses in winter and love finds a way to light up even the grumpiest hearts.

With mistletoe kisses and a heart full of hope,

Mrs. Claus