I've been blogging about literary writing. One aspect of good, profound writing is research. A popular kind of book to read this time of year relates to one of a plethora of holidays that come up in various cultures and religions. In order to write something meaningful, it's important to understand the culture behind whatever holiday you're going to write about.
If you're going to write about Christmas, there are so many ways to approach it. You could write from the mainstream cultural standpoint, including Santa, gifts, a tree, etc. You could simply write based on your experience, but you may find that a little research behind the Christmas symbolism will give you insights you never had before that could add depth to your story. If you're seeking to appeal to a Christian audience, make sure you know the symbolism and meanings well. Otherwise, those who do will find themselves thrown out of the narrative.
Stories about Christmas are very common. However, some readers seek to write to audiences that celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, or any of a large number of December-centered holidays. If you try to write about someone else's sacred day, even briefly, without researching it with attention to detail, you'll likely offend everyone.
Researching any subject on which you want to write is important, but it becomes particularly critical where subjects sacred or fundamental to a reader's beliefs are concerned. Such research will show respect and will set your writings apart.
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