The Christmas season is in full swing and Xlibris Publishing wants to celebrate by revisiting 6 Christmas Classics. So curl up with some hot chocolate and any of these Christmas novels and stories.
1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
We start with a literary classic, perhaps one of the most famous and widely known Christmas stories of all time. Told and retold in all manner of mediums, A Christmas Carol shares Charles Dickens’ story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an embittered miser who cares more for money and himself than other people. Over the course of a single night, Christmas Eve, three ghosts visit Ebenezer to convince him to change his ways. What follows is one man’s journey through past, present, and future, as he relearns the values of love, kindness, and friendship.
2. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by Frank L. Baum
There are various myths, folk-tales, and interpretations as to the origins Santa Claus. But few are quite like Frank L. Baum’s The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. Written in 1902, this children’s tale shows a Santa Claus raised by nymphs of the forest, taught by immortals, and threatened by demons of shadow and wickedness. Baum had taken the character of Santa Claus and remade him into the central protagonist of a fantasy tale not unlike Lord of the Rings.
3. The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie
Enjoy a little bit of mystery from one of the genre’s queens, Agatha Christie. The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding is an anthology of short stories by Agatha Christie, each with a unique mystery to solve. Each mystery is investigated by one of Agatha Christie’s two most famous characters, Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple. The stories include the case of a stolen royal ruby, a man found murdered and stuffed into a Spanish chest, a murder where the client is not what she seems, and more, six stories in all. If you enjoy mysteries, Agatha Christie, and holiday stories, then this anthology is for you.
4. Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies
A novelization based on the famous holiday movie, by the same screenwriter, Miracle on 34th Street is the story of department store Santa Claus, named Kris Kringle, who believes he is the real thing. The miracle comes from the impact this Santa Claus has on the people and the community around him. From store employees, to customers, to little children, Kris Kringle brings joy and light into peoples’ lives, though some vicious, petty-minded souls would rather bring Kringle down. It is a lovely story about rediscovering the joy and wonder in the holiday seasons, and protecting those things if need be.
5. The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R Tolkien
And speaking of Lord of the Rings, you might be surprised to read that J.R.R. Tolkien also wrote a Christmas novel. As you might guess by the title, The Father Christmas Letters is written as a collection of letters from the hands of Father Christmas, as the British call Santa Claus. The letters depict a Father Christmas who is very human, who struggles with all manner of obstacles (from personal to goblins), yet strives to do good work for humanity.
6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Something to enjoy whether reading to your children or to yourself, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas is wonderful read. This book is for all those who enjoy creative wordplay and wordcrafting, as only Dr. Seuss can provide. In this tale a foul, bitter, selfish and all-around mean loner called the Grinch lives high above the peaceful town of Whoville. Of all the things the Grinch hates and despises, that which he hates the most is Christmas, especially when loudly celebrated by the Whos of Whooville. So the Grinch devises a wicked plan to steal all decorations, ornaments, and gifts. But as the story goes, the Grinch realize that the joy of the holidays is not found in material things, but in one’s friends, family, and fellow people.
Xlibris hopes you enjoy these 6 Christmas Classics. Happy holidays!
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