There is no better way to document life than through diaries or letters. Many families hold to the dedicated tradition of sending out a yearly Christmas letter summarizing the year’s events, challenges, and accomplishments. These letters serve to keep family and friends up-to-date and make them feel more connected to those who live too far away to visit regularly throughout the year. One of the most endearing aspects of holiday letters is the way in which they show the growth and change in families while at the same time documenting little bits of history.

Within 30 Chicago Christmases: A Personal Journey Recounting Thirty Holiday Seasons in the Second City, Michael Shawn McCalley has pieced together one such work–a collection of Christmas letters based on his years in Chicago. From beginning to end, McCalley reveals each and every aspect of his life from 1991 to the present. Readers are treated to a seat at the family dinner table as they read of McCalley’s accomplishments and frustrations for the year. He gives a thorough rundown of his year including wonderful descriptions of life in the Chicago area and its regular events throughout the seasons. Readers who frequent Chicago will find these mentions familiar and comforting, while those not from the area will learn something new with each letter about the cultures represented there and the rich display of arts found in the city.

The idea for this book is a quite unique one indeed. McCalley’s writing style is almost prophetic and reads smoothly and with a cadence not often seen in most autobiographical works. McCalley manages to make some of the most mundane activities read as though they are stanzas in an eloquent poem. It is certainly interesting to see the growth and the progress experienced by the author over the years. Some readers will be able to relate to his accomplishments and advancements. Others will find themselves sympathizing with the challenges he faced over the years with home improvements.

Readers looking for a short, engaging read will find Michael Shawn McCalley’s, 30 Chicago Christmases, just the ticket. Anyone seeking a holiday read that is easy on the emotions will enjoy relating to McCalley’s story.

Pages: 172 | ASIN: B08K3NR974