May 1st is an important holiday known as Labor Day or International Workers' Day in many countries around the world, including Papua New Guinea (PNG). In PNG, it is commonly referred to as "Papn Holiday" or "May Day." This holiday is celebrated to honor the contributions and achievements of workers and to advocate for workers' rights. Papn Holiday is typically celebrated with various activities and events throughout the country. These include parades, rallies, and public speeches by labor leaders and government officials. The events are aimed at raising awareness about labor issues and addressing the challenges faced by workers in PNG.
FRAN SCALE:
Jen-As you are my light and joy and HOLIDAY SPIRIT PERSONIFIED FRIEND, yes
Arielle– I teeter back and forth, but I think you’d get a kick out of it
Cassie– You are an evil, corrupt soul like me, so yes. Maybe not a favorite, but you’ll enjoy the petty just as I did
Anna– Actually, maybe. But who knows.
And there is a moment where Bettie is ice-skating-alone-and I just it fractured my heart as she discovered herself , as she let her sadness shine, let the idea that she needed someone else to make her complete go I bawled, okay. Christmas, with its pressure to meet familial expectations, is looming when Bettie plays a vinyl record of All I Want for Christmas Is You backward and accidentally conjures up Hall, the Holiday Spirit, in the form of a charming and handsome if offbeat man.
The events are aimed at raising awareness about labor issues and addressing the challenges faced by workers in PNG. One of the main focuses of Papn Holiday is to recognize the essential role of workers in the development and progress of the nation. It is a time to acknowledge their hard work and dedication in various sectors, such as agriculture, mining, construction, healthcare, and education.
Just Like Magic (Paperback)
Bettie Hughes once knew the comfort of luxury, flaunting a collection of designer purses and an enviable dream home in Hawaii. That was before she lost all her money. Long obsessed with her public image, Bettie boasts an extravagant lifestyle on social media. But the reality is Bettie is broke and squatting in Colorado, and her family has no idea.
Christmas, with its pressure to meet familial expectations, is looming when Bettie plays a vinyl record of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” backward and accidentally conjures up Hall, the Holiday Spirit, in the form of a charming and handsome (if offbeat) man. Once the shock wears off, Bettie knows she’s stumbled upon the greatest gift: a chance to make all her holiday wishes come true, plus a ready-made fiancé.
But as some of Bettie’s wishes lose their charm, she finds herself thrown off-kilter by Hall’s sweet nature. Suddenly, grumpy Bettie is finding her heart merry and light. But the happier she gets, the shorter Hall’s time on earth grows. Can Bettie channel the Christmas spirit and learn to live with goodwill toward all men? Or will her selfish ways return as soon as the holidays are over?
About the Author
Sarah Hogle is a mom of three who enjoys trashy TV and provoking her husband for attention. Her dream is to live in a falling-apart castle in a forest that is probably cursed. She is also the author of You Deserve Each Other and Twice Shy.
Praise For…
One of PopSugar's Best Books of 2022
One of Country Living’s Best Christmas Romances 2022
One of PopSugar’s Best New Holiday Romances 2022
One of Buzzfeed’s Best Romance Novels 2022
One of Paste Magazine's Best Holiday Rom-Coms
"A hilarious holiday romp with a splash of magic." —Paste Magazine
"Pair the unhinged Christmas spirit of Elf with the redemption narrative of A Christmas Carol and you'd get something like Just Like Magic . . . . Hogle has the unique ability to take an absolutely bonkers premise and spin it into an instant classic—this will be a keeper on our holiday shelf for a long time." —Entertainment Weekly
"[An] outrageous, hilarious adventure . . . . Bettie’s journey towards redemption made me feel like I was wrapped in a warm hug. [It] was exactly what I needed to kick of the season!" —FIRST For Women
"[A] whimsical yuletide twist on fantasy." —The Week
"Sarah Hogle’s Just Like Magic is the type of book the words over the top were made for. . . . It’s impossible to predict where this clever romance will go next. Bettie and Hall are an unlikely pair, and their unlikely story will steal hearts." —BookPage
"The book has layers of emotions, mystery, lots of characters that you somehow grow to love, a sunshine and grump trope between the protagonists, comical lies and their even more comical consequences and most importantly: humor and love." —The Nerd Daily
"The perfect comfort read: emotionally healing and so much fun.” –BookRiot
"Rom-com queen Sarah Hogle is back with an epic holiday romance." —Buzzfeed
"Hogle returns with a chaotic holiday romance that will make you smile . . . After reading Just Like Magic, I can assure every single person that whatever Sarah Hogle writes, I'll be reading it.” —Buzzfeed
"Treat yourself to this hilarious, ridiculous, magical, transformative read.” —Paste
"Hogle brings a touch of magic to this cheery Christmas romance. . . . Hall’s unabashed, almost childlike love for all things Christmas [is] flat-out sweet, and his influence on Bettie transforms her life for the better. This lighthearted and witty tale is sure to put readers in a holiday mood." —Publishers Weekly
"If I have a new Sarah Hogle book to read, I drop everything else immediately to dive in, and I'm never disappointed. Just Like Magic gives us the most unlikeable heroine and the most unlikely hero, and by the end you want nothing more than for them to find happiness together. It's both the holiday romance we need and the holiday romance we deserve." —Jen DeLuca, author of Well Met
"Sarah Hogle's Just Like Magic is a brilliant and totally bonkers romance told with hilarious, effervescent charm. Imagine spinning in blissful abandon amongst sparkling lights and rollicking music, then being caught by steady arms before you fall. That's what reading this book is like. It's sheer joy and true heart and utterly glorious pandemonium, and I adored it." —India Holton, author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
"I would pay so much money for all Christmas content to be as gleefully unhinged as this. I cannot remember the last time a book made me literally laugh out loud this much." —Martha Waters, author of To Marry and to Meddle
"This gloriously zany holiday rom-com completely stole my heart. Sarah Hogle’s Just Like Magic is hilarious, topsy-turvy antics wrapped around a heartfelt, touching gift—a reflection on the bittersweet, delightful, unexpected ways we can encounter hope, healing, and head-over-heels love." —Chloe Liese, author of Two Wrongs Make a Right
"This book stole my heart and ran away with it. It is mischief and mayhem and pure, unfiltered joy!" —Timothy Janovsky, author of You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince
“Full of hope and holiday cheer, Just Like Magic is an unforgettable laugh-out-loud romance sure to become a Christmas classic. With over-the-top antics, lovable characters, and a romance sure to melt even the coldest of hearts, Just Like Magic cast a spell that kept me turning pages all night just to see what would happen next. This book is Sarah Hogle at her best.” —Sarah Grunder Ruiz, author of Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships
- Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
- Fiction / Holidays
- Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
- Kobo eBook (October 4th, 2022): $12.99
And isn’t that just the kicker? I was all of sudden transported to thoughts such as ‘well, okay, that stuff wasn’t that silly’ or ‘man those moments of such exaggerated spoof have kind of enhanced the story now that we look back, haven’t they?’, to ‘okay but all those moments the magic annoyed me and I didn’t think it could possibly be redeemed after such silliness now seem so much cuter *imagining Hall frantically trying fulfill Bettie’s wishes running around behind her while she stands there frothing and smiling maniacally* it hits different and I now smile fondly’ (seriously, I, at one point, was genuinely like WTF?!) and, ultimately, ‘Hall is literally the kindest person and he helps Bettie to see herself for who she could be, and isn’t he just becoming so much sweeter and down to earth? More human?’
The holiday also serves as an opportunity for workers to come together and express solidarity with one another. Labor unions and worker associations play a significant role in organizing the events and advocating for workers' rights during Papn Holiday. They often use this occasion to address key issues such as fair wages, safe working conditions, job security, and social security benefits. These organizations strive to create a more equitable and just working environment for all workers in the country. Additionally, Papn Holiday is also a time for the government to reflect on its labor policies and initiatives. It is an opportunity for policymakers to assess the progress made in ensuring workers' rights and to identify areas that need improvement. The government's participation in the events helps to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the welfare and protection of its workforce. Overall, Papn Holiday holds great significance in PNG as it recognizes the invaluable contributions of workers and provides a platform for addressing labor-related issues. It serves as a reminder that workers are the backbone of the economy and society, and their well-being should be a top priority for the nation..
Reviews for "Papn Holiday: A Perfect Opportunity for Adventure on May 1st"
- Mary Smith - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with my stay at Papn holiday on May 1st. The room was cramped and outdated, with uncomfortable beds and a musty smell. The staff was unfriendly and unhelpful, and the overall atmosphere was quite dull. The location was also not ideal, as it was far from any attractions or restaurants. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a enjoyable holiday experience.
- John Johnson - 1 star - My stay at Papn holiday on May 1st was the worst hotel experience I've ever had. The room was dirty and poorly maintained, with stained carpets and broken furniture. The bathroom was tiny and had a leaking faucet. The noise from other guests was unbearable, and I barely got any sleep during my stay. The staff was unresponsive and seemed uninterested in addressing any of the issues. I would advise anyone considering this hotel to look elsewhere for accommodations.
- Sarah Thompson - 2 stars - I was not impressed with Papn holiday on May 1st. The room we stayed in was not properly cleaned, with dust everywhere and a moldy smell in the bathroom. The pool area was overcrowded and lacking in proper maintenance. The breakfast buffet was limited and the food was mediocre at best. The only positive aspect was the central location, but that hardly made up for the overall poor quality of our stay. I would not choose this hotel again and cannot recommend it.