One characteristic is the strong sense of family. In southern Christmas stories, family gatherings are a big part of it. Extended families come together for a big Christmas dinner, with traditional southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and pecan pie. Another characteristic is the influence of religion. Churches are often central in these stories, with Christmas services being important events.
Southern hospitality is a big characteristic in these stories. Strangers are often welcomed during Christmas. For example, a traveler who gets stranded in a small southern town on Christmas Eve might be taken in by a local family, fed, and included in their Christmas celebrations. There's also a sense of tradition. Every year, the same Christmas traditions are carried out, like hanging a certain ornament on the tree that has been passed down through generations, which gives a feeling of continuity and family history.
The setting is also a key characteristic. These stories are set in the southern landscape, which could include things like big old mansions, cotton fields (even if just in the background during winter), and small, charming southern towns with their unique architecture. The weather also plays a part. Maybe a light snowfall in an area that doesn't usually get much snow, which makes it all the more special for Christmas. And the southern dialect is often used in the dialogue, adding a lot of flavor to the stories.
Southern short stories usually have a strong sense of place. The southern landscape, from the plantations to the small towns, becomes an important part of the story. It can set the mood and influence the characters' actions. They also tend to have richly drawn characters with their own idiosyncrasies, often influenced by the southern culture and its values like hospitality and propriety.
The southern literature short stories are often marked by their rich use of dialect. It gives a sense of authenticity to the characters and the setting. Also, they tend to have a slow - paced narrative that allows for in - depth exploration of emotions and relationships. Many of these stories deal with the legacy of the Civil War, whether it's the economic aftermath or the social hierarchies that still lingered long after the war ended.
They often have a decaying or isolated southern setting, like an old plantation or a small, run - down town. This creates a sense of foreboding.
The stories in 'Best Southern Short Stories' typically feature themes like family heritage and the passage of time. The characters are influenced by the long - standing traditions of the South. There's often a touch of nostalgia, as if the authors are looking back at a bygone era with a mix of fondness and melancholy. And the use of local folklore and superstitions makes them really interesting.
Southern gothic short stories typically have a sense of foreboding. The atmosphere is often gloomy. The characters can be outcasts or misfits in their communities. For example, a character might be a hermit living on the outskirts of a small southern town. There's also a lot of focus on family secrets and the past that haunts the present. These stories might deal with themes like incest or long - held grudges within families.
In short Australian Christmas stories, the weather plays a big role. Since it's summer in Australia during Christmas, the stories usually don't have the typical snow - covered Christmas scenes. Instead, they might feature hot days, barbecues, and outdoor activities. Also, Aboriginal culture may be included in some stories, with references to their traditions and beliefs, which enriches the Australian - specific nature of the tales.
Nice Christmas short stories often have a strong sense of warmth. They usually involve themes of giving, like in 'A Christmas Carol' where Scrooge learns to be generous. The setting is typically a wintery Christmas scene, with snow, Christmas trees, and cozy homes. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the couple's small but loving home is part of the charm.
They are often based on real experiences or events related to Christmas. For example, they might be about a family's Christmas traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Adult short Christmas stories often have more complex themes compared to children's stories. They may explore themes like nostalgia, for example, reminiscing about past Christmases and how things have changed over the years. Another characteristic is that they can deal with the stress and family dynamics that are often part of the adult Christmas experience. Some might also have a touch of romance, like two old friends reconnecting during the Christmas season and finding love.
They are often concise. For example, they can quickly set the Christmas scene, like a snowy town or a warm family gathering around a Christmas tree. This helps to draw the reader into the Christmas mood right away.