It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. But for those like author Joanna Wilson, this holiday is always in season.
The self-proclaimed "TV junkie" has been following the art of televised Christmas themed movies and programs since her college years. Now, as an adult, she has completed two comprehensive books dedicated to the knowledge of these Christmas treats.
"The history of TV is utterly fascinating to me. To be honest, I’ve seen…a million different adaptations of It’s a Wonderful Life," Wilson said. "Then I’m suddenly surprised by something that’s fresh and new and original…by the creativity that can be out there."
Now, after having two books published (The Christmas TV Companion: A Guide to Cult Classics, Strange Specials and Outrageous Oddities and the recently released Tis the Season TV: The Encyclopedia of Christmas Themed Episodes, Specials Made-For-TV Movies), she has established a reputation as a Christmas-television expert. As a result, Wilson was recently interviewed by both the History Channel and TV Guide Network’s 25 Most Hilarious Holiday Moments.
But after having watched thousands of holiday programs, even the macabre and irreverent, Wilson still manages to find comfort in the classics.
"Gotta’ catch Rudolf, The Grinch and, of course, a Charlie Brown Christmas. If I miss that, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas," she said. "But I also like to see the new stuff that’s coming out too."
Wilson will be making an appearance at Richmond’s Chop Suey Books on Nov. 18, from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., as a part of her current 12-city author tour.
What’s in store for the future, you ask? Wilson is already in the process of working on another book based around Christmas television for children. Set to release in 2012, the book will cover anything from Dora the Explorer to the Wiggles.
So come feel a little of the Christmas spirit at Chop Suey. Wilson well-known sense of humor and ease discussing the endless possibilities of holiday programming will make it not only a treat to attend, but a fresh source of ideas for gifts and Christmas plans. Happy Holidays!
Robin Hertel is Richmond.com’s Fall Intern and a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University. With a particular passion for food and culinary arts in the community, you can normally expect her to be perusing new restaurants or the local farmers markets and festivals. With any luck, she will graduate this fall and find a job that supports these expensive habits.
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