Longtime supporter and friend of The Unforgettable Buzz Tom Poetter has published a memoir of Christmas recollections called 50 Christmases: Stories of Love, Hope, and Reconciliation in Christmastide. A professor at Miami University (OH), Tom is an accomplished and talented writer who is a pleasure to read — the pages turn quickly throughout all of his recollections thanks to his organization and concise writing style.

In his early Christmas recollections Tom channels the spirit of “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Story” without stretching to the outlandishness of a Leg Lamp.  He covers so many boomer touchstones in this period: Rocking horses, black and white television, Schwinn Stingrays, backyard tackle football, Electric Football, playing on your “block.” And in his “Instant Replay” chapter he recalls the thrill of receiving a Tudor Super Bowl in 1969, as well as a Mattel Instant Replay game. These are both things he went back and tracked down on eBay as an adult.

As time moves on in the book more serious themes surface in Tom’s recollections. These are all relatable themes, ones we experience as we move through life. Tom grew up a pastor’s son and is a pastor himself, so there is a strong spiritual component to his remembrances. While that could be off-putting to those who might hold lesser convictions, Tom’s humanity is plain to see. Much of his spirituality taps naturally into the grace and goodwill that we all have (hopefully) experienced, and still yearn to experience during the holiday season.

It’s a book straight from Tom’s heart. It made me reflect and appreciate my own experiences — which is something a good writer does. A great book for the holidays, it’s available in both paperback and Kindle editions. We’re very happy for Tom and wish him all the best!

Earl