title: The Greatest Gift: A Story Of Hope And Inspiration For The Holiday Season.
author: Shelby Gepford
description: Shelby Gepford grew up in South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. She graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Interior Design. She is married to her life long love, Aaron and they have four children. She has worked in many career fields to include: Interior Design, Army specialist, Bank Manager, and Residential Care Administrator. This is her first book.
zlib_text: Dear Readers:
  
    
  
  We hope you enjoy the lighthearted and humorous Christmas stories in _The Most
  Wonderful Time of the Year_. The real meaning of Christmas is neither about
  gifts and food, nor fiery romances. And, while some are enjoying the holidays,
  so many people are often hungry, lonely or depressed during this time of the
  year. We wrote stories of hope, in hopes to make you smile and take you away,
  if only for a moment from the stresses of this world.
  
    
  
  May you be blessed according to your needs!
  
    
  
  Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoy.
  
    
  
  Always,
  
    
  
  Theresa Hodge
  
  Carla Pennington
  
  Shani Greene-Dowdell
  
    
  
   **All I Want For Christmas**
  
   ****
  
    
  
  by Carla Pennington
  
    
    
    
  
  Melissa stood at the Best Buy register and waited for the cashier to total her
  items. She enjoyed the hustle and bustle of Christmas, even the traffic,
  crowds, arguments and fights. The idea of Christmas shopping brought a smile
  to her face. She listened to the children laugh, cheer and whine in t