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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

“Charlie Mae’s A Very Special Christmas” will be a festive time of community partners coming together to do good on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

Apple&Lo will be the location of a special reading of “Charlie Mae’s A Very Special Christmas” by Hannah Wilson hosted by the 2022 Thorsby Swedish Festival Queens. Wilson will have signed copies of the book for sale, and Santa is expected to make an appearance.

This is Wilson’s second children’s book featuring her daughter Charlie Mae. Wilson said the book shows how even though health issues keep Charlie Mae from some festive traditions, such as hot chocolate and cookies, she can still enjoy the season.

“She is in a wheelchair and she can’t talk, and she doesn’t eat by mouth,” Wilson said. “… It’s talks about how (Christmas) is just as magical for her.”

Charlie Mae also has epilepsy.

Charlie Mae can enjoy all the holiday smells, Christmas lights and presents.

Wilson’s daughter Parker is Tiny Miss Swedish for 2022, and pageant director Amy Jolley suggested doing a book event.

Christmas is Wilson’s favorite holiday, and she is looking forward to the event. Wilson said she was glad to be able to create a Christmas book while raising awareness that children with special needs can still enjoy Christmas.

“Charlie Mae’s A Very Special Christmas” will be $10, and a copy of Wilson’s first book “Charlie Mae’s First Day” about her first day of school will be included. Funds raised from the books sales on this night will be used to purchase items for the Sugar Plum Workshop at Children’s of Alabama.

Wilson said Charlie Mae has been treated at Children’s, and she had to spend Halloween in the hospital, so Wilson wanted to do something for the children who will be there for Christmas.

Apple&Lo will also be donated a portion of sales during the event to the Epilepsy Foundation.