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By CategoryThe Twelve Books of Christmas
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The Twelve Books of ChristmasA Little Something for Everyone
2005-12-14
Article Written by: Jillian Smith
I know that some of you are cynics (otherwise known as scrooges, humbugs or grinches) who do not fully appreciate how wonderful Christmas can be. No matter what your personal beliefs, though, this is the time of year for caring, sharing and giving. Even if money is tight and time is all you have to offer, reading a Christmas book with your family and/or loved ones can be a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas. If you can't be with the ones you love, some of these books will just put a smile on your face. The list that I have compiled below is meant to have a little bit of something for everyone. I hope you find one that's right for you.
1.) How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess Because he hates Who-ville's holiday celebrations, the Grinch plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, though, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday. Just because you know the story by heart doesn't mean that it isn't fun to read over and over again.
2.) The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story by Gloria Houston I have to admit that I might have a special fondness for this story because it is about Appalachia where I grew up, but I still recommend it. When Ruthie's father does not make it home in time, responsibility for bringing their small town the perfect tree falls to her and her mother. This is a great tale about family togetherness, perseverance and the true meaning of Christmas.
3.) The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror by Christopher Moore I have to warn you that this is not your average story, but if your sense of humor is just a little bit twisted, this can be quite an enjoyable read. Without giving too much away let me just tell you that the tale involves the murder, blackmail, drugs and risen-from-the-dead zombies. This little slice of perverse Christmas cheer is enough to make even the most cynical Scrooge guffaw.
4.) The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore A Christmas classic that has everything you remember from "'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" to "I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, "HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!" What better way could there be to induce excitement in a child than to read this together on Christmas Eve?
5.) The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg I know you've heard of the movie, but why just sit the little ones in front of the television when you can enjoy this tale together? One Christmas Eve, a bathrobe-clad boy boards the mysterious Polar Express train on its way to the North Pole. Arriving in the mystical polar city, the boy is thunderstruck when Santa chooses him to be the recipient of the very first gift of Christmas.
6.) The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson The Herdmans are guilty of every unmentionable childhood crime, and they have even thought of more than a few original ones. When they take over the church Christmas pageant (although none of them has ever attended church, much less heard the Christmas story before), the first Christmas becomes new and real in some pretty surprising ways. Nevermind that the publishers say that this is a children's story. It isn't. The vision it has to offer is hilarious and touching in a profound yet innocent sort of way. I'd give a copy to that friend who wails that Christmas has become too commercial or to the harried mother of a lively brood or to anyone who dreads the holiday.
7.) Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann The tale of Nutcracker was written in 1816, and I think just about everyone already knows this story. It has and will continue to fascinate and inspire everyone from children to artists, composers, and audiences for almost two hundred years. Share the wonder with someone you love or simply enjoy the pleasure that it has been bringing for years.
8.) The Gift of the Magi by 0. Henry (real name William Sydney Porter) In this touching story a man and woman each long to bring home just the right gift for the other. But with so little money, they don't have much hope. The poignant twists and heartwarming conclusion of this perfect plum of a story help explain its lasting appeal. If you need a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, this is the perfect book.
9.) The Haunted Tea-Cosy: A Dispirited and Distasteful Diversion for Christmas by Edward Gorey I have to admit that this may only be on my list because I am a huge fan of this author. He is witty but extremely morbid, and this story is his take on Dickens' classic. In this book, an Edwardian Scrooge attempts to slice a stale fruitcake and unleashes an assortment of guilt-inducing ghosts. There's the Spectre of Christmas That Never Was and the Spectre of Christmas That Isn't. Like the Dickensian miser upon whom he's based, the main character is transformed by a ghoulish guided tour. He renounces his life of solitude and invites all of Lower Spigot to a party. Again, I only recommend this to those of you with a little bit of a twisted sense of humor.
10.) Skipping Christmas by John Grisham Yes you read that right; this story is by John Grisham. This is the story that was adapted into that movie Christmas with the Kranks so you may already know the basic plot. When an average suburban family decides to not "do" Christmas, they face lots of opposition from friends and neighbors. It only gets worse as Christmas day nears and the tight knit neighborhood applies increasing pressure to conform.
11.) The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guinn - This enchanting Christmas classic combines historical fact with glorious legend as St. Nicholas himself reveals the definitive story of Santa Claus. This book contains seven centuries of holiday magic, and because it has twenty-four chapters you can enjoy one for each cold December night leading up to Christmas.
12.) A Christmas Carole by Charles Dickens With so many movies made on this story it is almost impossible that you wouldn't already know this classic tale. I put this book last on my list because it is something I believe everyone can enjoy. Snuggle up with your loved ones and try to remember the first time you heard the story.
