Mission.org
Dec 1, 2017
The 30 Best Christmas Books of All Time
“It’s the best time of the year for the family It’s a wonderful feeling Feel the love in the room From the floor to the ceiling It’s that time of year Christmastime is here” -Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays: NSYNC
It’s Christmas season! At The Mission, we are determined to spend these next few weeks spreading happiness, holiday cheer, and corny Christmas lyrics.
Some of our most sentimental Christmas memories are those of the family gathering in the living room to watch, read, or listen to Christmas stories. We want to share that joy through storytelling with you, so we’ve compiled 30 of our favorite Christmas books for you to read with those you love.
1 A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
“You are fettered,” said Scrooge, trembling. “Tell me why?” “I wear the chain I forged in life,” replied the Ghost. “I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.” ―Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol was written in 1843 by Charles Dickens. Short on time and obligated to produce a piece for his editor, Dickens wrote this story using many details from his own life. In the story, he tells the tale of an old, bitter man named Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who take him on a journey through Christmases past, present, and future.
2 Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
“I hope you will like the little things I have sent you. You seem to be most interested in Railways just now, so I am sending you mostly things of that sort. I send as much love as ever, in fact more. We have both, the old Polar Bear and I, enjoyed having so many nice letters from you and your pets. If you think we have not read them you are wrong; but if you find that not many of the things you asked for have come, and not perhaps quite as many as sometimes, remember that this Christmas all over the world there are a terrible number of poor and starving people. I (and also my Green Brother) have had to do some collecting of food and clothes, and toys too, for the children whose fathers and mothers and friends cannot give them anything, sometimes not even dinner. I know yours won’t forget you. So, my dears, I hope you will be happy this Christmas and not quarrel, and will have some good games with your Railway all together. Don’t forget old Father Christmas, when you light your tree.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien
Every December, J.R.R. Tolkien’s children would receive a letter from ‘Father Christmas’. These letters shared Father Christmas’s experiences that year — from an accident-prone polar bear to goblin wars in caves beneath the house — and are riddled with life lessons. In Letters from Father Christmas , Tolkien has compiled all these short stories into one book for you to enjoy with your children.
3 The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
“The village people didn’t know it, but there was a reason for his gloom, a reason for his grumbling, a reason he walked hunched over, as if he were carrying a great weight on his shoulders…” -Susan Wojciechowski
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is a story about loss, love, and healing. It’s a gentle reminder to love all, even those who appear unwelcoming, because you may not know their struggle.
4 The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
“The magi, as you know, were wise men — wonderfully wise men — who brought gifts to the newborn Christ-child. They were the first to give Christmas gifts. Being wise, their gifts were doubtless wise ones. And here I have told you the story of two children who were not wise. Each sold the most valuable thing he owned in order to buy a gift for the other. But let me speak a last word to the wise of these days: Of all who give gifts, these two were the most wise. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are the most wise. Everywhere they are the wise ones. They are the magi.” -O. Henry
A Gift of the Magi is a beautiful short story about the personal sacrifices we are willing to make for the ones we love.
5 A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
“My, how foolish I am! You know what I’ve always thought? I’ve always thought a body would have to be sick and dying before they saw the Lord. And I imagined that when He came it would be like looking at the Baptist window: pretty as colored glass with the sun pouring through, such a shine you don’t know it’s getting dark. And it’s been a comfort: to think of that shine taking away all the spooky feeling. But I’ll wager it never happens. I’ll wager at the very end a body realizes the Lord has already shown Himself. That things as they are, just what they’ve always seen, was seeing Him. As for me, I could leave the world with today in my eyes.” ―Truman Capote
A Christmas Memory is a collection of autobiographical stories by Truman Capote. Originally published in 1956, it’s become a Christmas classic riddled with gems like the quote above.
6 The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann
“Kind reader, or listener, whatever may be your name, whether Frank, Robert, Henry, — Anna or Maria, I beg you to call to mind the table covered with your last Christmas gifts, as in their newest gloss they first appeared to your delighted vision. You will then “be able to imagine the astonishment of the children, as they stood with sparkling eyes, unable to utter a word, for joy at the sight before them.” -E.T.A. Hoffmann
The Nutcracker and The Mouse King is a novel written in 1816 by the German author E.T.A. Hoffmann. Although we highly recommend the book, if reading ain’t your style, then check out The Nutcracker Ballet or Disney’s short film (my personal favorite).
7 Silent Night: The Story of the WWI Christmas Truce by Stanley Weintraub
“On both sides in 1915 there would be more dead on any single day than yards gained in the entire year. And there would be nearly four more years of attrition — not to determine who was right, but who was left.”―Stanley Weintraub
In 1914 during World War 1, a Christmas truce spontaneously broke out in the trenches. In Silent Night , Stanley Weintraub provides an in-depth analysis of this forgotten Christmas story.
8 The Battered Bastards of Bastogne: The 101st Airborne and the Battle of the Bulge by George Koskimaki
“December 22nd 1944 To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne. The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Ourthe near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands. There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note. If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours’ term. All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the wellknown American humanity. The German Commander.” “December 22, 1944 To the German Commander, N U T S ! The American Commander”
Although not strictly a ‘Christmas story’, this book covers the Battle of the Bulge, which took place during WWII from December 19, 1944, to January 17, 1945. It was the bloodiest battle of the war, and as many of the soldiers lacked basic cold gear, it was also one of the most physically testing. The Battered Bastards of Bastogne is comprised of 530 soldiers’ accounts of the battle. It’s definitely not a light read.
9 The Elves and the Shoemaker by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm
“As soon as it was midnight, there came in two little naked dwarfs; and they sat themselves upon the shoemaker’s bench, took up all the work that was cut out, and began to ply with their little fingers, stitching and rapping and tapping away at such a rate, that the shoemaker was all wonder, and could not take his eyes off them. And on they went, till the job was quite done, and the shoes stood ready for use upon the table.”
The Elves and the Shoemaker is a classic fairy tale by the Grimm brothers. One morning, a shoemaker comes into his shop to find a beautiful pair of shoes has been made for him to sell. Astonished, he determines to find out who he should thank for the service.
10 The Steadfast Tin Soldier by Hans Christian Andersen
“There were once five-and-twenty tin soldiers. They were all brothers, born of the same old tin spoon. They shouldered their muskets and looked straight ahead of them, splendid in their uniforms, all red and blue…. All the soldiers looked exactly alike except one. He looked a little different as he had been cast last of all. The tin was short, so he had only one leg. But there he stood, as steady on one leg as any of the other soldiers on their two. But just you see, he’ll be the remarkable one.” -Hans Christian Andersen
In The Steadfast Tin Soldier , Hans Christian Andersen tells the tale of a tin soldier’s many adventures.
11 Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there”
Although commonly referred to as ’Twas The Night Before Christmas,’ this children’s Christmas poem is actually titled A visit from St. Nicholas . Like many of you I’m sure, reading this on Christmas Eve is a family tradition.
12 A Letter from Santa Claus by Mark Twain
“I have received and read all the letters which you and your little sister have written me…I can read your and your baby sister’s jagged and fantastic marks without any trouble at all. But I had trouble with those letters which you dictated through your mother and the nurses, for I am a foreigner and cannot read English writing well. You will find that I made no mistakes about the things which you and the baby ordered in your own letters — I went down your chimney at midnight when you were asleep and delivered them all myself — and kissed both of you, too…But…there were…one or two small orders which I could not fill because we ran out of stock…”
Similar to Tolkien’s Letters From Father Christmas , Mark Twain’s A Letter from Santa Claus is a letter that was sent from ‘Santa Claus’ to Twain’s 3-year old daughter.
13 The Fir-Tree by Hans Christian Andersen
“‘Rejoice in thy youth,’ said the sunbeam; ‘rejoice in thy fresh growth and in the young life that is in thee.’” -Hans Christian Andersen
The Fir Tree is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. It tells the story of a young tree that wants nothing more than to grow up. In focusing so much on the future, the tree forgets to truly appreciate the present.
14 What Christmas is as We Grow Older by Charles Dickens
“Time was, with most of us, when Christmas Day encircling all our limited world like a magic ring, left nothing out for us to miss or seek; bound together all our home enjoyments, affections, and hopes; grouped everything and everyone around the Christmas fire; and made the little picture shining in our bright young eyes, complete.”-Charles Dickens
In this essay, Charles Dickens discusses what we need to remember about Christmas time as we grow older.
15 The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by Frank Baum
“It is possible for any man, by good deeds, to enshrine himself as a Saint in the hearts of the people.” ― L. Frank Baum
Two years after publishing Wonderful Wizard of Oz , Frank Baum wrote this story about the life of Santa Claus. Baum follows Santa as he learns to make toys, picks out his reindeer, and visits every child in one night.
16 Christmas Trees by Robert Frost
“He proved to be the city come again To look for something it had left behind And could not do without and keep its Christmas. He asked if I would sell my Christmas trees; My woods — the young fir balsams like a place Where houses all are churches and have spires. I hadn’t thought of them as Christmas Trees. I doubt if I was tempted for a moment To sell them off their feet to go in cars And leave the slope behind the house all bare, Where the sun shines now no warmer than the moon.” -Robert Frost
Christmas Trees is a poem by Robert Frost that “encapsulates the wisdom of a Vermont farmer and the beauty of his country.”
17 Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
“Ah, that was the true joy of life, the ability to love. Love was still alive in him, it still was. It occurred to him suddenly that it was alive because long ago it had been born in him when he knew his father loved him. That was it: Love alone could awaken love. And he could give the gift again and again.” -Pearl S. Buck
A boy surprises his father be getting up very early in the morning to take care of the work on the farm. A cute short story about love and family.
18 The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen
“The matches glowed with a light that was brighter than the noon-day, and her grandmother had never appeared so large or so beautiful. She took the little girl in her arms, and they both flew upwards in brightness and joy far above the earth, where there was neither cold nor hunger nor pain, for they were with God.” -Hans Christian Andersen
Another story from Hans Christian Andersen. In The Little Match Girl , a young girl spends her New Year’s Eve on the streets trying to sell matches. She is poorly dressed for the cold and no one is interested in the matches, but she’s afraid to return home having not sold anything. She seeks shelter in an alley where she imagines herself in Heaven with her grandmother.
19 Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose and if you ever saw him you would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games.” -Johnny Marks, songwriter
Robert L. May wrote Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer at the request of the department store company Montgomery Ward. The story was given out for free to over 2 million children who visited the stores during Christmas time of 1939. Robert’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, saw the popularity of the story and wrote the song we all know and love. From there, the story took off and now we can’t imagine Christmas without our best bud, Rudolph.
20 How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” ―Dr. Seuss
How The Grinch Stole Christmas! is a children’s story that, even as adults, we enjoy reading every year. Dr. Seuss is great at sneaking deep life lessons into his stories, and in this tale, he demonstrates that Christmas is a spiritual experience, not a material one.
21 The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens
“Caleb was no sorcerer, but in the only magic art that still remains to us, the magic of devoted, deathless love, Nature had been the mistress of his study; and from her teaching, all the wonder came.” ―Charles Dickens
This is the third book in Charles Dickens’s series of five Christmas novels. The story is about a cricket who serves as a guardian angel to a young family.
22 The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle — Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
“My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other people do not know.” ―Arthur Conan Doyle
For you Sherlock Holmes fans out there, here is a Christmas mystery.
23 The Snowman — Raymond Briggs
“I remember that winter because it had brought the heaviest snows I had ever seen. Snow had fallen steadily all night long and in the morning I woke in a room filled with light and silence, the whole world seemed to be held in a dream-like stillness. It was a magical day… and it was on that day I made the Snowman.” -Raymond Briggs
This is another one of those books that we read every Christmas when we were little. A little boy makes a snowman and it magically comes to life. Then the snowman takes the boy on a great adventure to the North Pole.
24 The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” -Chris Van Allsburg
In the middle of the night, a young boy is woken by a train pulling up outside his house. The train is full of children and it takes them to the North Pole where he gets to meet Santa Claus. This book was turned into a fantastic film that we also recommend checking out.
25 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
“The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied and stole and smoked cigars (even the girls) and talked dirty and hit little kids and cussed their teachers and took the name of the Lord in vain and set fire to Fred Shoemaker’s old broken-down toolhouse.” ―Barbara Robinson
This is a hilarious Christmas story about how the Herdman children learn the Christmas story in their own… uh, unique… way. If you are looking for some laughs, definitely give this one a read.
26 The Chimes by Charles Dickens
“It seems as if we can’t go right, or do right, or be righted,’ said Toby. ‘I hadn’t much schooling, myself, when I was young; and I can’t make out whether we have any business on the face of the earth, or not. Sometimes I think we must have a little; and sometimes I think we must be intruding. I get so puzzled sometimes that I am not even able to make up my mind whether there is any good at all in us, or whether we are born bad. We seem to do dreadful things; we seem to give a deal of trouble; we are always being complained of and guarded against. One way or another, we fill the papers. Talk of a New Year!’ said Toby, mournfully.” ―Charles Dickens
The Chimes is Dickens’s second Christmas short story. The story is about a discouraged elderly messenger who has lost faith in humanity. He is drawn to the belltower of a church where he finds the spirits of the bells and goblin attendants. Through a series of visions, he learns why he must not give up hope in man’s ability to improve.
27 Amazing Peace by Maya Angelou
“Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward and speak the word aloud. Peace.” -Maya Angelou
In this deeply inspiring poem, Maya Angelou calls on us to embrace one another despite differing beliefs, seek peace, and enjoy life.
28 The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern
“Change me back,” George pleaded. “Change me back — please. Not just for my sake but for others too. You don’t know what a mess this town is in. You don’t understand. I’ve got to get back. They need me here.” “I understand right enough,” the stranger said slowly. “I just wanted to make sure you did. You had the greatest gift of all conferred upon you — the gift of life, of being a part of this world and taking a part in it. Yet you denied that gift.” -Philip Van Doren Stern
The Greatest Gift is a short story written by Philip Van Doren Stern in 1943. A suicidal man named George Pratt stands on a bridge on Christmas Eve, ready to jump. Before he can, an odd man approaches him and strikes up a conversation. George admits to the man that he wishes he had never been born. The man tells George that his wish has been granted, and upon returning to his town, George finds that no one recognizes him. After the initial shock, he realizes just how much he values his life and learns that to throw it all away would be a waste.
Fun Fact: This story became the basis for the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life (my all time favorite movie).
29 Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies
“Do you know what the imagination is, Susan?” The child nodded sagely. “That’s when you see things that aren’t really there.” “Well, not exactly,” said Kris with a smile. “No — to me the imagination is a place all by itself. A very wonderful country. You’ve heard of the British Nation and the French Nation?” Susan nodded again. “Well, this is the Imagination. And once you get there you can do almost anything you want.” ―Valentine Davies
This is the best-selling book adaptation of the famous movie.
30 The True Meaning of Christmas as recited by Linus
One of my favorite Christmas movies is A Charlie Brown Christmas . A memorable scene from this film is when Linus tells Charlie Brown what ‘Christmas is all about.’ He then recites the following passage from The Bible:
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. — Book 42, Luke (002:08–14) The Bible, King James Version
Struggling to find your Christmas spirit? Well, what better place to look than in The Bible itself?
We hope that this list has provided you with new books to read and reminded you of classics worth rereading. :)
What are some of your favorite Christmas books or short stories? Share them in the comments below! Help spread good Christmas vibes by clapping this up and sharing around on the socials!
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Blog – Posted on Friday, Dec 21
50 christmas stories for the holiday season.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — to bury yourself in a good book, that is. With the winter winds howling and the fire crackling, there’s no better season to just curl up and read the day away. And what’s nicer to read about during the holidays than Christmas itself? Here are 50 Christmas stories for the season that will make your heart grow three sizes today.
1. “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore
The most classic holiday tale of all time to start off your Christmas read-a-thon. From visions of sugarplums to Santa’s cherry-red nose, the imagery in this poem just can’t be beat. Don’t forget to really bellow that last line: “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
2. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A cranky old man, an impoverished family, and a trio of time-and-space-traveling ghosts — three ingredients for a perfect Christmas story. Even if you start off saying “bah humbug,” the end of AChristmas Carol will leave you as joyful as the Cratchit family and their gigantic turkey ( as will most of Dickens' works ).
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
“All the Whos down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot… but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did not. ” Our green and grouchy antihero attempts to ruin Christmas for the Whos — only to find that the true spirit of Christmas is not as capitalistic as he thought.
4. “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
That awkward moment when you sell your hair to buy your husband a watch chain, but he sells his watch to buy you some fancy combs. Despite losing their most valued possessions, the husband and wife in this story realize that their mutual sacrifice signifies a much greater gift: their eternal love and devotion to one another.
5. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann
This magical tale of toys come to life is perfect for anyone who wants to relive their childhood fantasy (of killing an evil mouse king, that is.) Young Marie Stahlbaum receives a nutcracker that inducts her into a secret world of bitter doll-versus-mouse warfare — a world of passion, rivalry, and romance that later served as the basis for Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet.
6. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
If you loved the Tom-Hanks-led adaptation, you’ll love the original even more, with its dreamlike story and detailed illustrations. One dark and snowy Christmas Eve, our young narrator boards the Polar Express and is whisked away to the North Pole… where he’ll get to meet the very red-coated, jelly-bellied man who makes all Christmas wishes come true.
7. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
Best known for its TV adaptation ( featuring an intro by David Bowie ), The Snowman remains one of Britain’s favorite Christmas stories. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a young boy whose snowman comes to life one night, taking him on a magical journey across the world. It’s sweet and funny, and has an ending that still packs an emotional punch 40 years on.
8. Hogfather by Terry Pratchett
On Hogswatchnight, the good children of Ankh-Morpork eagerly await a visit from the Hogfather, who brings them sausages and toys under cover of darkness. But when a faction of evil bureaucrats dispatch an assassin to take out the Hogfather, it’s up to Death himself to save the day by dressing up as the merry old man.
9. Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
Equal parts hilarious and sincere, Sedaris’ supposedly autobiographical account of working as a department store elf is a holiday tale for the jaded among us. From breaking up fistfights to informing children of Santa’s truly nefarious nature, the misadventures of Sedaris’ alter-ego “Crumpet the Elf” provide a refreshing reminder that it’s sometimes okay to just want the holiday season over already.
10. Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
This published volume of Tolkien’s annual Christmas letters to his children has since become just as well-loved by the general public. In Tolkien’s letters, “Father Christmas” and his elven secretary spin tales of mischievous polar bears, present-wrapping mishaps, and the spectacular Northern Lights, all of which are sure to please young and old readers alike.
11. “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” by Hans Christian Andersen
The titular soldier falls in love with a paper ballerina, but a jealous goblin conspires to keep them apart. This children’s fairy tale nevertheless contains a profound message about never giving up on love, even when all seems to be lost.
12. Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
Another lushly illustrated story, this one follows a father and son who discover that the best Christmas gifts are not always tangible. 15-year-old Rob gets up early on Christmas to do his father’s work on their farm — and when his father realizes what Rob has done for him, his reaction will overwhelm you in the best way possible.
13. The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
When the priceless “Blue Carbuncle” jewel is stolen, who better to solve the case than esteemed detective Sherlock Holmes? However, as Holmes and Watson begin to untangle the question of who stole the carbuncle, they find that this grand holiday mystery — which of course centers around a Christmas goose — only grows more intriguing.
14. Stick Man by Julia Donaldson
In this book, Stick Man faces an age-old quandary: will he be home in time for Christmas? Between an over-enthusiastic dog and a nest-building swan, Stick Man’s prospects aren’t looking too good… that is, until he meets a friend with a magical sleigh who can fly him anywhere he wants.
15. The Box Of Delights by John Masefield
This children’s fantasy novel no doubt lives up to its name: it’s the enchanting adventure of Kay Harker, a boy who discovers a “box of delights” on his train home from boarding school. Upon realizing that both he and the box are endangered by an evil magician, Kay embarks on a journey through time and space to save his life, his friends, and indeed Christmas itself.
16. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
No matter how many times you’ve read it, this one is always worth revisiting around Christmastime. From snowy tea time with Mr Tumnus to the mystical figure of Aslan, C.S. Lewis’ classic novel is a perfect little slice of holiday magic.
17. The Gift by Cecelia Ahern
From the author of P.S. I Love You comes this modern-day fable. Lou is a man whose busy schedule is putting a strain on his family life. One winter, he meets a strange homeless man outside his office — and decides to help him turn his fortunes around. Compared by critics to A Christmas Carol, this book is perfect for a lazy holiday read by the fire.
18. “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen
It’s best known for being loosely adapted into Frozen , but this fairy tale has long been a staple of Christmas anthologies. The Snow Queen tells the tale of children Kai and Gerda, who are warned by Kai’s grandmother about the Snow Queen, a powerful being who eventually captures and corrupts Kai. When Gerda finds him at last, he has turned into a cold, cruel facsimile of himself — but she manages to save him by using (what else?) the power of love and warmth.
19. “The Twelve Terrors Of Christmas” by John Updike
In this satire, Updike notes the many sketchy, shady, and simply strange aspects of the holiday season. For instance, Santa Claus — what does he do those other 11 months of the year? Combined with the Gothic drawings of Edward Gorey, this darkly comedic pamphlet will get you seriously thinking (and drinking away the discomfort) this Christmas season
20. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Though Alcott’s book spans several years, the defining moments of the girls’ lives tend to happen on December 25th: it’s the day their story begins, and also the joyous occasion of their father’s return from war. So yes, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are no doubt the queens of Christmas — but their stories will warm your heart any day of the year.
21. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
The Belgian supersleuth can’t seem to catch a break, not even at the most wonderful time of the year. Called to investigate the murder of a millionaire, he’s faced with solving a mystery involving a locked room, secret illegitimate children, and a bounty of uncut diamonds.
22. “The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen strikes again in one of his most famous (and devastating) works. The frail little match girl struggles to sell matches on New Year’s Eve, then starts lighting them to try and warm herself. She has grand, golden visions of Christmas trees and a savory feast — and when she finally runs out of matches and freezes to death, her grandmother’s spirit helps her ascend to heaven, while the rest of us sob into our eggnog.
23. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
The undisputed king of legal thrillers turns his hand to writing a comedy of errors in this 2001 novel that features precisely zero jurors or murderers. When empty-nest couple Luther and Nora decide to save money by “skipping Christmas” and the cost of decking out their home, they incur the ire of their neighbors, who are hell-bent on winning a seasonal decoration contest.
24. “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote
Capote’s lifelike Christmas tale follows a young boy named Buddy and his cousin in their holiday escapades — making fruitcakes and drinking whiskey, cutting down an enormous tree, and exchanging homemade gifts. Even though their family is poor and the cousins are far apart in age, they revel in the pure joy of the Christmas season… and Buddy never forgets this particular Christmas, especially after he and his cousin lose touch.
25. The Gospel of Luke
Depicting the immaculate conception and the birth of Christ, this is the telling of the Nativity that most Christians know and love. Available in most hotel rooms in the US, thanks to the Gideons.
26. Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
This breakout entry from Britain’s Christmas laureate re-imagines Santa Claus as a curmudgeonly widower from the North of England. Set over the course of Christmas Eve, this illustrated book charts both his magical and mundane hijinks, from breaking into Buckingham Palace to downing a bottle of brandy by his fireplace.
27. “Christmas Day in the Workhouse” by George Robert Sims
Readers of Charles Dickens will already have a pretty good idea of how grim working class conditions were in industrial Britain. In this satirical poem, Sims tells the story of an old man in a home for the poor, recalling the tragedy that befell his wife last Christmas. And George Michael thought he had it bad!
28. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Not only is this the best Harry Potter installment (in our totally unbiased opinion), it’s also the one that makes the most of Christmas at Hogwarts — with the added drama of the Triwizard Tournament’s traditional Yule Ball. From laughing at Ron’s robes to gasping at the twist of Hermione and Krum, not to mention all the intrigue surrounding Karkaroff and Snape, the Yule Ball section of Goblet of Fire is simply an iconic bit of literature.
29. Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons
This collection follows merrily in the vein of Gibbons’ original parody. In the title story, the local reverend is “spiritually guided” to the Starkadders’ farm after seeing a crate of wine being delivered, only to find the atmosphere a bit less than jolly — with the Starkadders soon to share their classic “Christmas pudding” of coffin nails and bad sixpences. Needless to say, these eccentric characters (made even more so by the holiday season) are sure to put a smile on your face.
30. “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern
Christmas day, 1943. A man contemplates suicide and wishes he had never been born — only to have the wish seemingly granted. The man then finds that almost everyone he knows is worse off without him, and returns to his old life full of fresh perspective. For those who think this plot sounds familiar, it’s because Stern’s modest little Christmas story eventually became the basis for Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life!
31. “Christmas is a Sad Season for the Poor” by John Cheever
Charlie the elevator operator is feeling sorry for himself on Christmas morning: he’s poor, he’s lonely, and to add insult to injury, he has to work. But after complaining about his plight to the rich tenants of the building, Charlie find himself invited to more holiday parties than he can handle, and ultimately realizes that he should’ve been careful what he wished for — sort of like in It’s a Wonderful Life , but with a less positive ending. Classic Cheever.
32. “Auggie Wren’s Christmas Story” by Paul Auster
Paul Auster has no idea what to write for the New York Times at Christmas. That is, until he runs into his friend Auggie Wren, who regales him with a holiday tale he’ll never forget. This story-within-a-story is a clever, meta commentary on the sentimentality and morality we expect from Christmas lore, even though real life is rarely so neatly packaged.
33. Miracle On 34th Street by Valentine Davies
Another quintessential Christmas movie that began as a story! Though you might be skeptical of this department store Santa at first, old “Kris” will warm your heart and win you over with his antics. But can he convince a courtroom in his favor, too?
34. The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder
This Norwegian children’s novel has a storytelling advent calendar, a toy lamb come to life, and a girl named Elisabet who hasn’t been seen in years — or has she? Follow our young hero Joachim as he dives into themystery of the advent calendar and the missing Elisabet, who just might be closer than he thinks.
35. “Mother Christmas” by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl’s holiday poem “Mother Christmas” is a cute, funny, and surprisingly feminist tribute to its eponymous figure. Also, clocking in at just three stanzas, it’s probably the easiest read on this list!
36. Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
Though you can’t beat the Charlie Brown Christmas special, Calvin and Hobbes is the best comic to actually read this time of the year. From Calvin’s ruminations on what it means to be “good” to Watterson’s blatant lambasting of holiday consumerism, this strip will always leave you laughing — and sometimes tearing up a bit — at the escapades of its titular heroes.
37. At Christmas Time by Anton Chekhov
Nothing like some dense Russian prose to keep you warm this winter. At Christmas Time is actually a very touching story of familial love: young Yefimya has married and moved away, but her parents are illiterate and cannot write to her, though they miss her desperately. So when Christmas comes, they hire a scribe to write for them — and when Yefimya receives their letter, she weeps with uncontained sorrow and joy.
38. The Burglar's Christmas by Willa Cather
This vivid story details the Christmas Eve of a young Chicago man as he roams the streets, starving and searching for some way to get money or food. Frustrated after missing the chance to burgle a young woman, he decides to rob a grand mansion house… but what (or rather who) he finds inside stops him dead in his tracks.
39. Sharpe's Christmas by Bernard Cornwell
It’s Christmas 1813 and Major Sharpe is fighting Napoleon’s forces in the North of Spain. Under orders to prevent a garrison of enemy soldiers, women, and children from escaping back over the border, Sharpe’s situation is made trickier when he realizes that the French regiment is led by his old friend, Colonel Caillou.
40. "The Beggar Boy at Christ's Christmas Tree" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Dostoyevsky’s answer to “The Little Match Girl” is another serious tearjerker. A small child wanders through an unfamiliar city by himself, bereft of his mother and rejected by everyone he meets. Suddenly he feels warm despite the bitter frost outside, and is welcomed to “Christ's Christmas tree” — which, of course, is another metaphor for heaven.
41. “Fish Cheeks” by Amy Tan
The Joy Luck Club author paints a one-page vignette of her childhood , describing her embarrassment at her family’s traditional Chinese meal on Christmas Eve. It’s a lovely, short piece that captures many of the growing pains felt by first-generation immigrants.
42. “The Three Kings” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Best known for “Paul Revere's Ride,” Longfellow also wrote another poem charting a different momentous voyage. As a retelling of the story of the magi, it certainly beats the dull lyrics of “We Three Kings” — which, as we know, can only be made better with a camel tow .
43. “The Fir-Tree” by Hans Christian Andersen
Our final entry from Andersen is the poignant story of a fir tree throughout its life. When the tree is young, it’s so eager to grow that it can’t appreciate its youth, only to be cut down and carted off when it’s still small. The fir tree is decorated and observes Christmas festivities, but little does it know that this will be the end of its service; in effect, its life ends before it can really begin, making this a typical bittersweet Andersen story.
44. “Little Piccola” by Nora Smith
Little Piccola lives in Italy, and her Christmas is not one of snowfall and Santa Claus, but of warm sun and orange groves. Despite the beautiful weather, Piccola yearns for a true Christmas after she hears the local Americans talking about it. So she leaves a shoe (instead of a stocking) by her fireplace — and what appears in it is a surprising delight for both Little Piccola and the reader.
45. “The Other Wise Man” by Henry van Dyke
Did you know there was a fourth Wise Man? Well, according to Henry van Dyke, at least — but he stopped to help a dying man and missed Jesus’ birth altogether. Nevertheless, this other wise man still believes it’s his destiny to meet the Son of God, and spends the next 30 years searching for Jesus, performing acts of kindness along the way. That is, until he finally realizes it’s not who you’ve met, but who you are that really counts.
46. Arthur’s Christmas by Marc Brown
It’s a wonderful kind of day for Arthur and D.W. when Christmas rolls around again. But our favorite fictional aardvarks also have a dilemma: what should they get for Santa? D.W. is more preoccupied with her own Christmas wish list, but Arthur is determined to find the perfect gift for the Claus who has everything — no matter what it takes.
47. The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola
The acclaimed author of Strega Nona turns his hand to holiday tales with this picture book. It’s a sweet story of what the poinsettia — or flor de la Nochebuena, meaning “flower of Christmas Eve” — signifies to Mexican families, and how the spirit of Christmas is encapsulated in its bright red petals.
48. Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans
Madeline’s Christmas turns into chore-mas when all the other girls fall ill and she has to play nurse. Luckily, Madeline has someone looking out for her: a mysterious (and magical) benefactor who might be able to save Christmas after all.
49. Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh
Olive may be a Jack Russell Terrier, but she knows her purpose: to fly in the sky and help pull Santa’s sleigh (why else would her name be in the song?). Olive’s presence inevitably causes some confusion among her “fellow” reindeer. But when Santa runs into trouble on his deliveries, it’s this little terrier’s time to shine.
50. A Die Hard Christmas by Doogie Horner
What would Christmas be without the parable of the East German terrorist and his quest for bearer bonds? In this illustrated version of the classic action film, the seasonal story of NYPD cop John McClane is rendered in verse as a parody of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” — an appropriate bookend to this list, no?
Already feeling nostalgic for the holidays? Go back in time with some of our favorite Thanksgiving reads , so you can experience them all over again! Want even more Christmas stories? Check out our other post on Christmas books . Or perhaps you're in the middle of Christmas shopping? Check out this list of the 60 best gifts for book lovers (that aren't books) !
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"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling." Edna Ferber
Christmas Stories
We have collected over 100 Great Christmas Stories, Books, Poems, and Christmas Carols for you to enjoy; stories to kindle your holiday spirit. We list the more unusual titles in Off-Beat Christmas Stories , followed by Christmas Books , Christmas Poems , and traditional Christmas Carols and Christmas Cards
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Aryn The Libraryan
35+ heartwarming christian christmas stories to start your holiday right now.
Aryn July 20, 2021 Christian Fiction 2 Comments
If you’re ready for a few heartwarming Christmas stories just for you, you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll find some awesome Christian Christmas stories to get your holiday off to the right start. From historical to contemporary, comedy to cozy to miraculous, these Christian Christmas books will fill you with the Joy of the season, and a reminder of how awesome God is!
And if you want a little something for the kids, these Christian Christmas stories for kids are awesome!
Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may make a small commission. I only recommend books and resources that I’ve enjoyed personally, or believe that you would like. You can read my full disclosure here . You will also find information on Scripture translations there.
Christian Christmas Stories: Fiction
Christian Christmas stories can be a powerful medium to draw closer to Jesus. Let these inspirational Christmas stories fill your heart anew with the Reason for the Season, some good fun, and a challenge or three!
Some of my favorite Christian Christmas stories are contemporary reimaginings of classic fairy tales, and can be found over here with some other awesome Fairy Tale adaptations .
Destination Christmas Collection
This 4 book collection was so much fun to read. Took me less than 9 hours, over the course of 2-3 days, because I was having a really hard time setting it down to do anything else!
- Kiss me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon Fantastic story of a single mom I could relate to. And her son, on the spectrum, was so well written. Often kids in adult fiction are unbelievable props, there for convenience only. Liam is an integral part of the story, and totally believable. The heart-to-heart at the end, between Kaitlyn and her mom, was reality – shattering and wonderful. And Beckett! I have no words to describe this awesome character!
- Christmas Camp by Cathe Swanson This was hilarious and sweet and I enjoyed every moment. Tom and Julia handled things well. It could have gone sideways a few times but they managed to pull through and pull together, and let go of things that needed to be.
- Not Another Christmas by Jaycee Weaver Perfect wrap-up to this trilogy!! It works as a standalone if you missed the first two, but will definitely make you want to read the first two because it is that good. Dealing with grief, as a teen, with really no support, set Nick up for a rough time. And I totally get Cindy’s overwhelm with too much stuff. The drama and tension between the two, both as teens and adults is well written and relatable.
- Hearts of New Cheltenham by Chautona Havig OH man! All the feels! I actually carried my kindle on my morning walk, because I couldn’t put it down… I felt for Crystal, was proud of her and Ellie, and was fascinated by the whole story. Jarrod grew a good amount during the few weeks covered, a solid growth spurt, if you will. Believable. Can’t wait for the next installment!
Once Upon a Christmas: One of the Most Heartwarming Christmas Stories Ever!!
Amanda Tru has written one of the most amazing Christian Christmas stories ever! Once upon a Christmas is a must-read! It’s just before Christmas, and Moe (long o, long e) is about to have the most unusual year. Her awkward moments in an airport lead to an amazing evening with James, a man who believes each encounter is a mission from God.
“ You only get this moment once, and if you can make someone’s life a little brighter, then you should .” James, Once Upon a Christmas by Amanda Tru
Almost immediately after, Moe loses her job, and her eyesight. But she clings to James’ message, and watching the ‘trickle-down effect’ is so cool! The roller coaster year and a half of this Christian Christmas book is powerful on so many levels, and there’s plenty of laughter to break up the tension, too.
Something Borrowed, Someone Blue
Originally part of a collection of truly inspirational Christmas stories, this one caught me off guard, probably because I bought it based on the authors’ names, and didn’t read the description. These Christian Christmas stories follow a group of very unique college friends as they pass along a special ‘something borrowed’ for their weddings. In Something Borrowed, there’s a comedy of errors, and confusion and just the right amount of humor.
Deck the Shelves
There are so many great Christian Christmas stories here, and with Deck the Shelves, I fell in love! Kendall is the second lead character this year that has me totally jealous of her home above a bookstore )
Watching Kendall and Q, both struggling to forgive past hurts and learn to trust again was emotional, and So well written! That they rely on prayer and don’t let their fear rule them encouraged my heart no end! And the Cyrano gambit was genius!
* Note one scene has the two of them snowed in alone, during a blizzard. I love how they handle it!
The importance of family, and the interaction in both families (Kendall with her mom, and the 4 generations of Q’s household) were well written and certainly encouraging. Definitely the stuff good Christian Christmas stories are made of.
Christmas Glory Quilt
In the Christmas Glory Quilt, Penny inspires me with her dream of a full-fledged business, and not letting her fears, her limitations or her dyslexia hold her back. She’s learned how to cope and compensate-lessons I’m still working on, if for different reasons! She was very real in her selfish moments and tunnel vision, and lets her pride get in the way once or thrice.
Aunt Violet, well, I’ve always been the one to connect with those of another generation, and it seems fictional characters are no different. It’s hard to go back to where you once lived and see everything changed. But her spunk and heart see her through. And her quilting method is amazing! I can’t do that with fabric, but maybe a photo book collection. Hmm… That would probably work. I’ll have to get back to you on that!
The Ghosts of New Cheltenham
This is one of those Christian Christmas stories that stands out as different. In a Good way. A ghost story at Christmas. Yup. Told by a guy with a phobia of ghosts. To win a contest, and an inheritance. While Mitchell struggles with his phobia and social interactions, he has a running monologue telling himself to Adult already! (I have a bit of a morbid fascination with those of my generation and younger, who have no clue how to Adult. To choose responsibility, and think ahead, etc.)
He does finally grow up a bit, and the ghost he writes is actually fascinating! When you’re done with the main story, the ghost story itself is also available, and the creativity here, well, it’s pretty believable! I could see this ghost story being true! The kind of story most Christians would say makes sense.
Brenna’s courage and hard work encourages me every time I think of her. I hate that she’s alone raising her sister, but what she’s made of it, Wow! (And it’s really nice to see that continue in a few more stories – See Crossroads Collection 7 below for Ghosted at the Altar)
The Bells of New Cheltenham
Simultaneous to Ghosted at the Altar, but focusing on other characters in town, The Bells of New Cheltenham is available as a paperback, and is an excellent read!
An unlikely story, maybe, but so well written as to be believable. Justine needs money, and if that means writing a story about a Christmas Carol, when she doesn’t even understand anything about Jesus Christ, well, look out, because she’s going to listen to them all, ask a ton of questions, and get the job done.
I admired Justine’s determination throughout the story. To do the honorable thing, paying off her debt as fast as possible, in whatever honest and creative way she could. Being helpful to her landlord. To try to understand the meaning of Christmas.
Ken had his work cut out for him. Help Justine in many ways, and love her, but try to guard his heart, since she clearly wasn’t a Christian. His struggle wasn’t perfect, by any means, but he is an admirable guy, nonetheless!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and Celebrate Lit Publicity. I chose to review it here, all thoughts are my own.
If it were always this way, evangelism would be so much less intimidating.
2019 Christmas Lights Collection of Inspirational Christmas Stories
Book: All Is Bright (Christmas Lights Collection 2019)
Four of my favorite contemporary romance authors join festive forces to bring you the fourth-annual Christmas Lights Collection.
These books are great! Enjoy the spirit of Christmas, and discover the real meaning of Christmas all over again with these 4 inspirational Christmas stories!
Kari Trumbo- Merry and Dashing:
Kari Trumbo- Merry and Dashing: Merry hates Christmas corporate greed. Jacob loves finding the perfect gift for everyone. When Scrooge and Santa volunteer at a local thrift store together, will the mix be Holly Jolly?
Hilarious, and totally convicting at the same time! I didn’t really like Merry at first, but aside from her perception of Christmas, I could be her, if I had made different choices. I was very impressed with her by the end of the story.
Toni Shiloh- I’ll Be Home:
Toni Shiloh- I’ll Be Home: What could be worse than being laid off right before the holidays? For Starr Lewis that would include returning home jobless, single, and, oh yeah, just in time to attend her sister’s wedding on Christmas Eve… to Starr’s ex-boyfriend. In the midst of it all, her brother’s best friend soon has her wondering if she can take another chance on love.
Heartbreaking becomes heartwarming! Letting the negative memories color over the many happy moments is far too easy to do. And being a peace ‘keeper’ instead of a peace MAKER, can leave you looking like a doormat. But Starr learns a lot, and what a romance ! Definitely a favorite in this collection of Christian Christmas stories!
Cathe Swanson- Season of Change:
Cathe Swanson- Season of Change: Charlea’s ready to sell Serenity Hill, but Drew is back in town, 15 years after their dream date ended in disaster, helping her mother and daughter turn the old commune into a commercial Christmas wonderland. Between poinsettias and sleigh rides, angst and romance collide in this Christmas second-chance romance!
Independence is not always what you thought it would be. Tragedy can position you to be a blessing to someone else. Being overprotective can make those around you feel belittled and looked down on. These lessons are tucked in a whirlwind of a story. Not necessarily the main thing but there to be learned just the same.
Chautona Havig- The 12 Dates of Christmas:
Chautona Havig- The 12 Dates of Christmas : When Reagan runs into Alex, her high school nemesis, he is stunned to discover that’s how she saw him. It’ll take twelve dates and a lot of forgiveness on both sides to even hope for a Christmassy-ever-after.
OK, Reagan and Alex – misunderstandings and obliviousness. Their resistance to this whole thing is very believable. Even though it’s their own idea, and no one is forcing them. Watching Reagan work through her own little emotional baggage check , both with Alex and her brother, makes me want to go through mine, too. How many wounds do I carry because I was looking at everything That Person said and did with the assumption that I was a target?
Click here to get your copy of the 2019 Christmas Lights Collection of Christian Christmas stories!
2020 Christmas Lights Collection of Heartwarming Christmas Stories
Four Christmas novellas from four of my favorite authors in one collection . Brighten your day and warm your heart with these Christian Christmas stories.
Potato Flake Christmas by Cathe Swanson
Set just outside Phoenix, we have 2 sets of matchmakers at work, on each other. The ‘couple’ in their 20s are trying to navigate real-life situations in ways that make you think about your own struggles, including purpose, value, and knowing the right thing to do. And the older ‘couple’ are having issues related to lifetime patterns and stubborn pride that in my time as a church secretary, I’ve seen a lot of. (and if I’m honest, I see it in me sometimes)
All I Want by Toni Shiloh
Continued from last year’s collection of Christian Christmas stories, we get to spend more time with the Lewis family. You won’t be lost if you didn’t read the first one, but it does make this one more fun. This year, Angel’s matured a lot, and her relationship with God is growing every day. Her desire for her family to recognize that is very real, raw, and relatable!!
Snow Crossed Letters: by Chautona Havig
When the mailman mixes up a delivery, he ends up connecting quite a pair. Assumptions and fears drive this sweet story down the road to a memorable Christmas. Kindness to strangers becomes deep like, which leads to misunderstandings that only honest communication can clear up. It’s way too easy to let misunderstandings stand, instead of getting clarification, isn’t it?
This and Every Christmas by Jaycee Weaver
Jaycee takes us to New Mexico for a family full of Christmas Traditions. I loved the way these two shared a powerful connection across the years, without really knowing each other until just the right time. The reason this single dad is single is heartbreaking and beautiful.
Grab your copy of the 2020 Christmas Lights Collection of heartwarming Christmas stories today!
Inspirational Christmas Stories in the Crossroads Collections
The Crossroads Collections are unique, standalone books with a themed thread tying each collection into one amazing inspirational message. The Valentine’s one is the reason I wrote this whole post on Christian Romance novels … but there are also a few collections set at Christmas time, and you don’t want to miss them!
Under the Christmas Star (Crossroads Collection 3)
This collection of 5 inspirational Christmas stories is tied together by a Christmas ornament maker is So Much Fun! I loved all 5 stories, but I think my favorite one was the one told in emails by an adopted boy trying to find an ornament for his mom’s Christmas present. It’s hilarious, beautiful, and a testament to the determination and faith of a biracial couple in the south, during the height of the Civil Rights movement. The other favorite is the modern retelling of Ruth. (Another favorite Ruth retelling here ) It was unique and beautiful, and so well done. This set of Christian Christmas stories hits some hard topics beautifully.
When Snowflakes Never Cease (Crossroads Collection 6)
In this set of heartwarming Christmas stories, the thread that weaves the story together is a ginormous and powerful blizzard. It works well with each story, but the last one, that ties them all together, just WOW!!! I really didn’t think they could get any better than the first story, the Blizzard in the Bluegrass, with the autistic boy (a really great parenting tip tucked in here) and the Doctor who doesn’t think he can risk getting involved again. But I was wrong. Each of these inspirational Christmas stories touched on something wonderful.
Five Gold Rings (Crossroads Collection 7)
For this year’s collection of Christian Christmas stories, I delayed posting by 3 days, so I could finish it. Or maybe because I was distracted by it. Some of the reviews posted already say it’s the best collection yet, and that’s saying something, because they’ve all been pretty great!
Christmas Mercy and the Seven Year Glitch are amazing. Betrayal, manipulation, fears, and mayhem almost ruined both couple’s lives, which set the stage for some awesome hope, forgiveness, and maturity.
Laughing all the way brings up the interesting topic of Christians and alcohol, being judgmental, and examining yourself before ‘fixing’ someone else.
Ghosted at the Altar is torture, because you KNOW these two are made for each other, but fear is about to destroy them. 14 year old Lauren marches right in and investigates, organizes, and generally shoulders the load of uncomplicating the complicated mess for Brenna and Mitchell.
And to wrap it all up, Five Gold Rings is just unbelievably good. This story connects all the other Christian Christmas stories in the collection in a way that gives great depth, gets your emotions deeply involved, and makes you want to hug some people and smack others. Courage, past ‘mistakes’ and misunderstandings build this into a life lesson in the midst of pure entertainment!
Don’t forget to try Kindle Unlimited. An Ebook
Certain Threat: Suspenseful Christmas Romance
The co-owner of Protection Inc. has one thing on his mind for the week of Christmas—rest and relaxation, but when his favorite neighbor needs his help he calls in his team. Unable to turn their backs on someone Frank clearly has feelings for, the co-owners agree to help out Katrina.
When things escalate, Frank is certain of two things—he cares a lot for Katrina and he can’t let anything happen to her.
Join the team of Protection Inc. this Christmas where love is in the air even in the midst of danger.
Don’t forget to try Kindle Unlimited , an Ebook library program.
Why Read Certain Threat?
Certain Threat is a topsy-turvy mystery, and a lot of fun, especially in the exciting Christian Christmas stories category. The characters are likable and real, and while I have a hunch this isn’t the first book in the series, I never felt lost at all.
Katrina is facing a certain threat. Or maybe not. It could all be a coincidence. The very uncertainty of the danger she’s ‘clearly’ in makes this book awesome. It’s not ‘cozy’ and there’s plenty of action, but it’s not overly scary either. That is a fine balancing act, and I believe the author did an excellent job with keeping us in suspense without terrifying anyone!
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Publicity, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
Solve by Christmas
When sabotage threatens the Rudin Sugar Factory, Detective Jasper Hollock believes this will be his first real case. But dear Mr. Rudin—the only father Jasper has ever known—holds a different assignment for his private investigator.
“I’ve struck a deal with God, Jasper, and you’re my angel.”
Mr. Rudin charges Jasper to build a “case” of reasons for his employer to continue his life. If he fails, Mr. Rudin will end it in suicide on Christmas night.
I enjoyed reading Solve by Christmas . Jasper makes an entertaining Detective. He knows what to look for, flips if someone mentions Sherlock Holmes as a “real” detective, and is absolutely awkward! He is driven to succeed, on so many fronts, and feels like he isn’t enough. (So relatable!)
Denny the errand boy is well formed. His actions and character make perfect sense in his circumstances. You can still see the water young boy even as the calluses form around his heart in a protective shell.
Mr. and Mrs. Rudin make me sad, but watching Jasper fight for both of them gives me Hope! It seems like everything conspires to cement Mr. Rudin’s fatalistic outlook. Will Jasper be able to turn it around in time? Can he, in fact, Solve by Christmas ?
I would definitely recommend this Christian Christmas story to anyone who likes mysteries with a minimum of violence (one mob scene with one injured, and an accident), historical fiction, and only a hint of romance.
A Manger, A Miser and A Miracle
This is one of the most amazing Christian Christmas stories I’ve ever read. A seamless weaving of the original Nativity story with “A Christmas Carol” that you’ll never forget. Between an innkeeper named Ebenezer who’s visited by some angels in the night, to his assistant with a son named Timothy, who’s not doing so well physically, but has a heart of gold, to, well, if I tell you much more, I’ll spoil the whole thing. Just read it, it’s worth every second!!!
Christmas Book Party In a Box
Chautona Havig has a lot of amazing Christian fiction to her credit. Christian Christmas stories , though, are one of her specialties.
She’s recently repackaged several of her Christian Christmas books into “box sets” on Kindle. This makes them so affordable, you can’t go wrong. I would say Box 3 (mystery/suspense) and 4 (test of time) are my favorite of these memorable Christian Christmas stories.
Here’s a lengthy look at one of the most complicated and timely inspirational Christmas stories Chautona has written.
Shattered Secrets (formerly Christmas Embers)
Shattered Secrets by Chautona Havig: One of the toughest, yet most heartwarming Christian Christmas stories out there.
It’s a truth universally unacknowledged that sin will hunt you down and advertise its presence the moment you try to hide it.
Emily Byrne sits in her daughter’s classroom listening to the deepest wishes of twenty kindergarteners as she sketches them. But when little Joey Cordell breaks down, weeping and insisting the only thing he wants to find is his father, she isn’t sure where her Christmas project will take her.
Davia Cordell came to Rockland for one purpose–find her son’s father before she dies. An ex-prostitute, she’s well aware that the news will cause waves, but what’s a mother to do?
As these women join forces to search for Joey’s father–a Rockland area pastor, no less– Emily learns compassion for a woman who just wants the best for her son and can’t quite imagine that Jesus wants anything to do with her.
Each day, Davia weakens until Emily isn’t confident she’ll find the boy’s father in time–if at all. Doubts form. Should she look? Is it right to risk destroying a family like this–an entire church? The weight of that responsibility crushes her as Davia wastes away before her eyes.
A mother’s love. A boy’s confidence. A family’s faith. A preacher’s failure. Is redemption even possible anymore?
Shattered Secrets: a story of love, failure, and redemption
My Opinion of one of the Toughest Christian Christmas Books I’ve Read:
This book is definitely complex! It has laughter and joy, pain and betrayal, hope and truth, fun and sadness. The struggle is real, you guys!
A sweetheart, going through some of the worst things that could happen to a kid. You can see his pain, and that natural kid-resilience shining at alternating moments.
Justification:
There is lots of justification in this book, for different types of unfaithfulness. It really made me think. They justify a variety of things, from action and inaction to affairs to bitterness and resentment; and even treatment of the ‘victims l of someone else’s sin). How often do we all find a way to justify our actions (or inaction) when we know better? (Even as “innocent a choice as reading a book instead of cleaning the bathroom?)
Emily, now, I could identify with her. She was trying hard to figure out just what, exactly, God’s will was in her specific situation. Not popular opinion, or what is going to look best or be easier to cope with.I struggle with this often enough myself. Sometimes there are ‘contradictory’ situation scriptures. In this instance, answer A, and over here, answer B. But those are not General commands for everyone, so they aren’t contradictory, really. What does God want ME to do, in This (whatever my This is, this time)?!?!
The Church:
In many of Chautona’s books, she shows us how the church could be. Christmas Embers is no exception. Here we find flawed members, caring ministers, and a team of elders who actually Elder (it’s so much more than serving communion and making hospital visits!). These guys pray, advice, counsel, discipline. (Chautona has written one book that shows just how easily a church can go astray, and not even know it, too!)
Christmas Embers offers hope. It highlights just how our choices, both the good ones and the bad, ripple effect so many lives. That even in the midst of the bad, a good choice can totally change the direction of the ripples, and turn the tide towards healing!
It’s Not Easy!
This is not an easy read, whether you’ve ever experienced unfaithfulness or not. I would not recommend it for the 14 and under crowd, unless they are dealing with this situation, and someone in the family pre-reads it, and or reads it together, and discusses it. That said, Chautona does an excellent job of “fading to black” well before you see anything you shouldn’t.She also handles a very delicate, controversial subject in a remarkable way. And tucks in some gems of parenting 101, to boot!
I would recommend this book, and encourage you that, yes, its fun, its fiction, but also food for thought.
Christian Christmas Books: Nonfiction
Christian Christmas stories encompass far more than just the fictional heartwarming Christmas stories. They point our hearts back to Christ on a relational level, but we also need some good, solid nonfiction Christian Christmas books to keep our focus where it should be. So here are a few I think are worth reading:
The Women of Christmas
Liz Curtis Higgs’ The Women of Christmas is a fantastic journey through the Christmas story with the women most closely involved, Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. Liz’s storytelling abilities and Bible study knowledge make this an irresistible addition to your collection of Christian Christmas stories. With a study guide included, this can be used by a small group or solo study.
Before Christmas
Book: Before Christmas Author: Bill Crowder
Embrace the majesty of the Messiah
Bill Crowder invites you to explore the backstory of the first advent. He brings you on a journey into the very heart of God, to a greater understanding of what it means that “the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14).
Walk through Scripture to see and know Jesus in a richer way. Examine His character as God, His relationship with the Father, His appearances in the Old Testament, and more. Understand how these pre-Bethlehem truths lead into the Savior’s birth and the events of that first Christmas—and, most importantly, how it all comes together in God’s great story of redemption and rescue.
You’ll embrace the majesty of the Messiah and celebrate Christ’s birth with renewed joy and wonder.
More from Bill
During my years as a pastor, I found Christmas and Easter to be challenging. Certainly I love those seasons (for very different reasons) but finding creative ways to retell these important stories was often difficult. But, at one such season, I realized that the story we tell at Christmas is not really the whole story. By entering the story at Nazareth or Bethlehem, we enter too late. We can’t simply start with the Baby in the manger—we need to go back. Before time began. To the eternal Christ. Unless we seek to understand Him, we’ll never fully appreciate who He was and why He came. That is the Christmas story. – Bill Crowder
- The Stories Behind the Best Loved Songs of Christmas
Where are my Christmas Music Fans? The real life Christian Christmas stories behind our favorite Christmas songs are pretty awesome. A man named Ace Collins has taken the time to investigate them, and share the stories with us in a couple of great Christian Christmas books.
- More Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas
Plus another one, The Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas , to help us grasp WHY we do the things we do at Christmas time, and how they fit into the Gospel Story.
Which Are Your Favorite Christian Christmas Stories?
Out of all the Christian Christmas Stories to choose from, which are your favorites? I can think of at least half a dozen great Christian Christmas books I didn’t take the time to dig into here, but this post is already long.
And I have several more of the latest 2020 Christian Christmas stories on my kindle, calling me to read them. So I’m sure there will be more to share about soon enough…
Until Next Time, Love God, Love Books, Shine The Light!!
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2 Comments on “35+ Heartwarming Christian Christmas Stories To Start Your Holiday Right Now”
I’m so glad you enjoyed Deck the Shelves and my books in the Christmas Lights collections!
Very much so! Thanks for writing such fun and meaningful Christian Christmas stories!!
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Finding Hidden Treasures
March Challenge Prompt : A classic collection of fairy tales
Classic Christmas Short Stories You Can Read Right Now
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Read these classic Christmas short stories to get in a festive mood for the holiday season! You’ll find some of the best and most famous Christmas short stories by authors like L. M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, and Charles Dickens. And the best part is, you can read these Christmas stories for free!
20 Free Classic Christmas Stories
The most classic Christmas story can be found in the books of Mathew and Luke , from the Bible. Between them, the first few chapters of these books cover the birth of Jesus, and the familiar stories of the angels, shepherds, and wise men that we see depicted in Christmas pageants and ornaments and nativity scenes today. Since that first Christmas story from 2,000 years ago, the holiday season has grown up with hundreds of Christmas stories both religious and secular that reflect what the season means to us. I had so much fun rounding up a few of these Christmas stories from famous authors for you to enjoy here! Some of the authors on this list might surprise you, as they did me. Did you know that L. Frank Baum–author of The Wizard of Oz –wrote a Christmas fantasy story about Santa Claus getting kidnapped by daemons? Or that Washington Irving–the man known for his Halloween tale “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”–also wrote Christmas stories that would serve as inspiration for A Christmas Carol ? There’s also a range of “takes” on Christmas in these stories: from traditional Christmas stories to fantastical, funny and humorous to serious or sweet. And I’ve included New Year’s stories as well, since Christmas was historically seen as a twelve-day period, beginning on December 25th and ending on January 5th, or Twelfth Night. You can read these Christmas stories online for free, print them out, or download them for free to your e-reader. Some include illustrations as well! If you prefer to listen to these Christmas stories, you’ll also find a link to the audio version, if available. Treat yourself to some fireside reading and capture the holiday spirit with a bit of old-fashioned storytelling from Christmas past.
20 Classic Christmas Short Stories You Can Read Online for Free
1. “the gift of the magi” by o. henry.
Probably one of the most famous Christmas short stories, this is the tale of a young married couple who desperately want to buy beautiful Christmas presents for each other, but lack the money to do so. They each make a sacrifice to buy the other a present, and the results are humorous and poignant. Read it here | Listen here
2. “A Christmas Dream, and How It Came to Be True” by Louisa May Alcott
Alcott seems to have a genuine love for Christmas. She includes memorable Christmas scenes in her novel Little Women , but she also wrote a number of Christmas short stories and novellas. ( You can get them all gathered into one volume here. ) Alcott was a fan of Charles Dickens’s Christmas stories, and “A Christmas Dream” is a children’s version of A Christmas Carol . This would make a great Christmas story to read aloud to your kids! Read it here
3. “The Elves and the Shoemaker” by The Brothers Grimm
In this familiar Christmas tale, a poor cobbler is rewarded for his honesty and hard work when two elves step in to save him from ruin. Like most of the Grimm fairy tales , this one is very short; it would make a nice Christmas bedtime story to read to young children! Read it here | Listen here
4. “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas recounts memories of an old-fashioned Christmas from the perspective of a young boy. Thomas uses his skill as a poet to make this a lyrical and sense-engaging story. Read it here | Listen here (read by the author)
5. “Christmas at Red Butte” by L. M. Montgomery
Montgomery was a prolific writer of short stories, and she has several Christmas and New Year’s stories in her bibliography. ( Fourteen are collected here , along with Christmas excerpts from the Anne novels.) A departure from her usual setting of Prince Edward Island, “Christmas at Red Butte” takes place in a log cabin on the Saskatchewan prairie. Sixteen-year-old Theodora manages a home with her aunt, but as they struggle to make ends meet Theodora decides to make a great sacrifice in order to give her young cousins a happy Christmas. Read it here | Listen here
6. “A Christmas Tree” by Charles Dickens
This short story is told as a memoir, in which the ornaments on a Christmas tree inspire an elderly narrator to reminisce about childhood. There’s no dialogue in this, but if you settle in, unhurried, with a glass of eggnog, you’ll enjoy the meandering trip into memory. ( Here’s a list of other Christmas stories by Charles Dickens ) Read it here | Listen here
7. “A Kidnapped Santa Claus” by L. Frank Baum
In this fantasy Christmas tale by the author of The Wizard of Oz , Santa lives in a castle in the Laughing Valley. Santa has helpers, but he also has enemies, and on Christmas Eve he’s lassoed out of his sleigh by five daemons. This short story is a follow-up to Baum’s longer novel, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus . Read it here | Listen here
8. “The Other Wise Man” by Henry van Dyke
Traditionally, when we think of the wise men of the Christmas story, we think of three kings. For this story, van Dyke imagines a fourth wise man who misses the rendezvous with the other kings and must journey to visit the Christ Child on his own. The quest that follows is an immersive and richly detailed story. Read it here | Listen here
9. “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Fancy a Christmas-y mystery? It’s the holiday season in London, and when a stolen jewel turns up in a highly unusual spot, Holmes must use his powers of deduction to discover the identity of the thief. Read it here | Listen here
10. “The Burglar’s Christmas” by Willa Cather
Written under the pen name Elizabeth L. Seymour, Cather’s story is a retelling of the prodigal son parable, set in Chicago on Christmas Eve. Cather started out as a writer of poetry and short stories; she published “The Burglar’s Christmas” when she was 23, a good 15 years before her first novel. Read it here
11. “The Tailor of Gloucester” by Beatrix Potter
The tailor of Gloucester is making a splendid waistcoat for the Mayor’s wedding, which will be held “on Christmas day in the morning.” Unfortunately, the coat might not be completed in time, thanks to a vindictive cat! Read it here | Listen here
12. “The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen
This tale is about a poor girl attempting to earn a few pennies on New Year’s Eve by selling matches in the streets. As night draws on, she begins to strike matches for herself, catching glimpses of warmth and comfort as she does so. Although this is a famous “tragic” Christmas story, Andersen viewed it as a happy ending. Read it here | Listen here
13. “Nutcracker and Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann
The original nutcracker tale is dark and fantastical. In fact, the story as we know it today–from picture books and the ballet–is based on Alexandre Dumas’ adaptation of the original. Dumas’ adaptation is lighter and sweeter. But if you want the full, dramatic story, read Hoffman’s! (For both versions in one volume, Penguin has you covered .) Read it here | Listen here
14. “Christmas at Thompson Hall” by Anthony Trollope
If you prefer funny, lighthearted Christmas fare, read this story about an English lady living abroad in Paris, who desperately wants to get back to her ancestral home in time for Christmas. This story is included in a nice hardback collection as part of Penguin’s Christmas Classics series. Read it here | Listen here
15. “A Letter From Santa Claus” by Mark Twain
This sweet, simple letter was written by Twain to his 3-year-old daughter. If you’ve ever had a parent or relative play Santa–perhaps even write you letters as Santa–it’s delightful to think of Twain as a parent carrying out this tradition a hundred years ago. Read it here
16. “Old Christmas” by Washington Irving
Charles Dickens gets a lot of credit for “inventing” modern-day Christmas. But every author draws their inspiration from somewhere, and Dickens got a lot of his from Washington Irving. Irving’s Christmas sketches describe a jolly, feast-filled holiday in Yorkshire at the estate of Squire Bracebridge, a precursor to Fezziwig’s party in A Christmas Carol . Read it here | Listen here
17. “The Dead” by James Joyce
In Dublin, Ireland, a group of friends and relatives gather for an annual Twelfth Night party. Through a long evening of merry-making, awkward moments, and a patchwork of conversations, Joyce brings his characters to various epiphanies, large and small. Read it here | Listen here
18. “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote
This short memoir is based on Capote’s childhood Christmas traditions, which he enjoys with his elderly cousin in rural Alabama. Read it here | Listen here (read by the author)
19. “A Country Christmas” by Louisa May Alcott
Alcott wrote so many Christmas stories that I couldn’t resist sharing another one. In this story, city girls Sophie and Emily opt for a more “rustic” Christmas when they go to visit Sophie’s cousins in Vermont. While Alcott’s “A Christmas Dream” is written for a young audience, this one for older readers, more along the lines of Little Women . Read it here
20. “Where Love Is, There God Is Also” by Leo Tolstoy
With its themes of love and generosity, Tolstoy’s wintry tale is a fitting read for Christmas. It tells the story of Martuin the cobbler, a man wearied by sorrow who ultimately finds hope and purpose. Read it here
What would you add to this Christmas stories list? What are your favourite inspirational, funny, or heartwarming Christmas stories to read during the holidays? Please share!
More Christmas posts at Tea and Ink Society:
- The Little Women Guide to a Simple, Joy-Filled Christmas
- Lovely Gift Ideas for Anne of Green Gables Fans
- 10 Irresistible Stocking Stuffers for Bookworms
Want more short stories you can read for free? Check out this post of 13 spooky short stories from the vaults of classic literature !
13 Comments
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Really nice stories. We also have same Christmas stories which can be readable from Christmas stories
Three other great Christmas Stories:
When the Yule Log Burns by Leona Dalyrmple, I Saw Three Ships by Elizabeth Gould, The Mansion by Henry Van Dyke.
Thank you so much for adding these! I can’t wait to look them up, and I know other Tea and Ink readers will as well!
This a lovely list! I’m sharing it with my students, but I’ll be revisiting some of these myself. Happy Christmas!
Thank you! Hope your Christmas was great!
Always remember! The Bible’s books of Mathew and Luke include the most well-known Christmas account. Thank you.
Yes, and I linked to those in the post!
You have my permission to add my story to your fine list. Joe DiMino, author of “The Angel Who Lost Her Tree.” Blessings and Merry Christmas to all.
“The Angel Who Lost Her Tree” by Joe DiMino
Celeste was a pretty little angel. Everyone in Heaven loved her. She had the most charming wings, and rainbow halo; however, she had the forgetful habit of losing things. When put in charge of clouds, a responsible position for all the flowers depended on the rain, she seemed to always misplace a few—dropping them between mountains making for foggy valleys; and even when rain fell from the clouds that Celeste was to oversee, several drops never made their way to the ground to nourish the crops in the fields and fruit trees, and no-one could ever find them no matter where they looked. But she was still loved, for that is Heaven’s way. And God often reminded the other angels, that they must care for one another, just as they care for all the children in the world; watching over them as they sleep, and staying close, protecting them throughout the day while at school and later at play.
So God’s response to the angels who thought Celeste was not of the highest rank was to give Celeste a very special responsibility—she would have her own Christmas tree. Now as you know, some pine trees are blessed to be very special trees, with the greatest honor—that of becoming a season’s Christmas tree. They had to be just the right height, and grow no taller, for every family had their prayer order. They had to have just the right shape, and holiday green—with all of winter’s charming pine- fragrance, ultra frosting for just the right gleam. And that was the dilemma—Celeste had been separated from her tree. What would a tree do without its angel atop? So sad if no-one to hear children’s prayers and wishes; to bless the lights, the silver tinsel and charming decorations—all made with love, watched over by Guardians high above. Yes, what would Celeste’s tree do if the top were bare, without her angel’s care?
She was frantic, and searched the forest, thinking perhaps it had not yet been cut. She tried the many parking lots and corners, where trees had gathered—already having been sorted, proudly waiting to be picked-up by their rightful owners. But Celeste could not find hers. She began to weep—her tears growing cold and changing to snow.
Of course, though Celeste did not know it at the time, this was good; the children having all wished for snow on Christmas, and till then there had not fell a single flake; not one snowball any child was able to make. Soon the entire city was covered in Christmas-white— with snow reflecting all the many colored lights. Celeste grew sadder—which was good, for her tree heard her weep; and as everyone knows, Christmas trees never sleep. Though you don’t see them, they have ears and eyes way up above; seeing all and hearing all, ready to respond with love. Eyes of the many angels are seen as a sky of Christmas lights. Ears are the countless hosts of Heaven, as many as needed—always listening, at least two hearing every prayer, applauding every hymn celebrating Christmas night. We celebrate Christmas night as we do the joyful Eves and Days. The earth blessed by God with never-ending mirth when our greatest worth acknowledged is that of Jesus’ holy birth. Celeste’s tree grew ever greener and brighter—till Celeste could not help but notice such outpouring of light.
Celeste found her tree; and I do believe it could very well be your tree!
heh these stories are great! but those comments were last year 🙂 WELL hope yall had a good christmas last year christmas is coming im super excited
So glad you enjoyed the stories! Merry Christmas!
I love reading Christmas stories! Thank you for sharing these!
My pleasure! Enjoy.
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Interesting Literature
The best short stories about christmas everyone should read.
The best Christmas stories selected by Dr Oliver Tearle
This is a somewhat unseasonal post for us, appearing in July as it is. But we’ve recently turned our thoughts towards Christmas literature for a whole host of reasons, so thought we’d offer ten of the greatest short stories about Christmas. These are stories set around Christmas time, or during the Christmas holidays, which reflect the jubilation as well as the turmoil of that season.
1. Washington Irving, ‘ Christmas Eve ’.
As we approached the house we heard the sound of music, and now and then a burst of laughter from one end of the building. This, Bracebridge said, must proceed from the servants’ hall, where a great deal of revelry was permitted, and even encouraged, by the squire throughout the twelve days of Christmas, provided everything was done conformably to ancient usage. Here were kept up the old games of hoodman blind, shoe the wild mare, hot cockles, steal the white loaf, bob apple, and snap dragon; the Yule-clog and Christmas candle were regularly burnt, and the mistletoe with its white berries hung up, to the imminent peril of all the pretty housemaids…
Before Charles Dickens became the literary laureate of Christmas, Washington Irving was introducing American readers to a whole host of now ubiquitous Christmas traditions, including Christmas carols on people’s doorsteps, mistletoe, and the famous Yule log – traditions which Irving had to explain in footnotes, so unfamiliar were they to his original readers in 1820. This story is worth reading not least because it offers such an early example of all of these Christmas features in one story.
2. Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol .
“Do you know the Poulterer’s, in the next street but one, at the corner?” Scrooge inquired.
“I should hope I did,” replied the lad.
“An intelligent boy!” said Scrooge. “A remarkable boy! Do you know whether they’ve sold the prize Turkey that was hanging up there?—Not the little prize Turkey: the big one?”
“What, the one as big as me?” returned the boy.
“What a delightful boy!” said Scrooge. “It’s a pleasure to talk to him. Yes, my buck!”
Long enough to qualify as a ‘novella’, this is perhaps the most famous Christmas story of them all (well, after the one in the New Testament, of course!), so we’ve chosen to include it here. Ebenezer Scrooge’s road to redemption following a visitation from the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, and three spirits, has gone down in modern folklore.
3. Nathaniel Hawthorne, ‘ The Christmas Banquet ’.
He devised a considerable sum for establishing a fund, the interest of which was to be expended, annually forever, in preparing a Christmas Banquet for ten of the most miserable persons that could be found. It seemed not to be the testator’s purpose to make these half a score of sad hearts merry, but to provide that the stern or fierce expression of human discontent should not be drowned, even for that one holy and joyful day, amid the acclamations of festal gratitude which all Christendom sends up…
This story might be regarded as the inverse of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol (and it was written just three years after Dickens’s novella was published): every Christmas, so a wealthy man’s will decrees, ten of the most miserable and misanthropic people in the land will be invited to a Christmas banquet where the idea is for them to try to outdo each other in how bitter and miserable they are.
If this doesn’t sound like much fun, the story does raise some of the same issues that we see in Dickens’s more famous story, and forms a good companion-piece to Scrooge’s change from miser to philanthropist.
4. Hans Christian Andersen, ‘ The Fir-Tree ’.
Andersen wrote a number of fairy tales with wintry settings – ‘ The Little Match Girl ’ and ‘ The Snow Queen ’ (the basis for the film Frozen ) spring to mind – but ‘The Fir-Tree’ is the most Christmassy of all of Andersen’s fairy stories.
The story uses the fir-tree as a symbol for the child impatient to grow up, with the result that the tree-child is never content to live in the moment. Of course, when the fir-tree gets old and big enough, it is chopped down and taken inside to be used as a Christmas tree … but we’ll offer no more spoilers here.
5. Anton Chekhov, ‘ At Christmas Time ’.
Chekhov, who took the short story form in a new and more experimental direction, focusing on character and mood rather than plot, wrote this story in 1900. It focuses on an estranged daughter writing to her parents, who never receive her messages, and the daughter’s relationship with her husband.
6. O. Henry, ‘ The Gift of the Magi ’.
One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies. Pennies saved one and two at a time by bulldozing the grocer and the vegetable man and the butcher until one’s cheeks burned with the silent imputation of parsimony that such close dealing implied. Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas…
First published in 1905, this short story by the American master of the form is about a husband and wife, Jim and Della, buying Christmas presents for each other, without much money to spend on them. It’s short and has a nice ironic twist at the end.
7. George Ade, ‘ The Set of Poe ’.
The holiday season approached and Mr. Waterby had made a resolution. He decided that if she would not permit him to spend a little money on himself he would not buy the customary Christmas present for her…
This short story earns its place on this list because it’s about buying a set of complete works by a writer as a Christmas gift: the titular ‘set of Poe’, namely Edgar Allan Poe. Like O. Henry’s story it focuses on a husband and wife buying gifts, and there’s also a twist here – perhaps a predictable one, but it’s a charming little story all the same.
8. Saki, ‘ Reginald’s Christmas Revel ’.
On Christmas evening we were supposed to be specially festive in the Old English fashion. The hall was horribly draughty, but it seemed to be the proper place to revel in, and it was decorated with Japanese fans and Chinese lanterns, which gave it a very Old English effect. A young lady with a confidential voice favoured us with a long recitation about a little girl who died or did something equally hackneyed, and then the Major gave us a graphic account of a struggle he had with a wounded bear. I privately wished that the bears would win sometimes on these occasions; at least they wouldn’t go vapouring about it afterwards…
He wrote several very short stories or vignettes set at Christmas time, and this one, about enduring Christmas Day in the company of dull people, is perhaps the best – although ‘Reginald’s Christmas Presents’, about unsuitable and undesirable festive gifts, is also worth checking out.
9. Anne Enright, ‘ Here’s to Love ’.
First published in 2007 in the Guardian , this Christmas story by the author of The Gathering is the most recent story on this list. It’s about friends getting together for a reunion every Christmas once they’re middle-aged, and all of the disappointments and realisations that such reunions bring.
10. James Joyce, ‘ The Dead ’.
Yes, the newspapers were right: snow was general all over Ireland. It was falling on every part of the dark central plain, on the treeless hills, falling softly upon the Bog of Allen and, farther westward, softly falling into the dark mutinous Shannon waves. It was falling, too, upon every part of the lonely churchyard on the hill where Michael Furey lay buried. It lay thickly drifted on the crooked crosses and headstones, on the spears of the little gate, on the barren thorns. His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead…
Set during the Christmas holidays but shortly after New Year – probably on or around Twelfth Night in early January – ‘The Dead’ is the longest short story in James Joyce’s 1914 collection Dubliners , a series of tales about life in turn-of-the-century Dublin. It is also the last story in the collection, and focuses on a party attended by Gabriel Conroy and his wife.
This is a short story where plot takes second place to character and detail, as Joyce adeptly builds a picture of Gabriel’s failed life, building to a revelation at the end of the story. Its closing descriptions of falling snow are Joyce at his very best, and seem like a fine place to conclude this pick of the best short stories set at Christmas time.
Image: via Wikimedia Commons .
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Near list. To this I would add “Auggie Wren’s Christmas Story,” which still makes me cry EVERY time I read it. And “The Birds for Christmas” is also wonderful.
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40 Best Christmas Books for Kids That Bring Magic to the Holidays
Who even needs the hottest toy when you have piles and piles of great Christmas books for kids to read?
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rd.com, via amazon.com (4)
Christmas books for kids and kids-at-heart.
Christmas is a time for telling and sharing stories, and what better way to do that than with these magical Christmas books for kids? Reading is one of the best Christmas activities for the whole family. So we’ve put together a collection of these must-read additions to your bookshelf, from cherished classics to modern masterpieces, arranged by target age. Of course, there are plenty of great Christmas books for grown-ups and all ages, too. And you can add to your holiday celebration with the best Christmas movies for kids , too!
via amazon.com
The night before christmas by clement clark moore and illustrated by cheryl harness.
Moore’s 1823 poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” (almost universally known now as “The Night Before Christmas”) has been made into countless beautiful Christmas books. Your little one will love the gorgeous full-page illustrations in this 1990 version illustrated by Cheryl Harness, and reading it is sure to become a favorite Christmas Eve tradition .
Best for: ages 2 and up
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
In this endlessly readable rhyming tale released in 1963, the wealthy Mr. Willowby has a Christmas tree delivered to his home…but it’s a tad too big, so he has the top cut off and tossed away. That treetop makes its way through the forest as several non -human Christmas celebrants come across it and think it’ll make the perfect addition to their own homes. As for where it finally ends up…well, you’ll have to read it and see. Mr. Willowby may not be able to, but you can use these awesome Christmas tree toppers !
Best for: ages 3 and up
I Spy Christmas by Walter Wick and Jean Marzollo
Get ready to get lost in the mesmerizing images of I Spy with a holiday twist. You could spend hours upon hours uncovering all the delightful little details in images of Santa’s workshop, snowy fields, store windows, and more. While you’re waiting for your I Spy book to arrive, check out these other Christmas brain teasers .
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
The first snowfall of the holiday season is magical, especially if you’re a kid. Keats’ Caldecott Award-winning picture book, originally published in 1962, captures the simplicity and wonder of waking up to see everything covered in snow, putting readers in the shoes of young Peter. This could be a great stocking stuffer for kids that the whole family can enjoy.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May and illustrated by David Wenzel
Psst…this came out before the animated holiday special. In 1939, Robert L. May wrote a poem about a reindeer with an unusual facial feature that took the world by storm. (Pun intended.) The original story of Rudolph is chronicled in this beautiful 2001 book—and it’s far from identical to the one you’re familiar with from the Christmas cartoon !
Froggy’s Best Christmas by Jonathan London and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
“Froooooogggggggyyyyyy!” The well-meaning but hapless amphibian experiences Christmas for the first time when his friend Max the beaver wakes him up from hibernation. You know you’re in for rollicking holiday hijinks! Get up to your own holiday hijinks with these fun Christmas games .
I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison and illustrated by Frank Morrison
This wife-and-husband writer-illustrator team produces a rollicking Christmas journey in which a young girl and her mom explore the town at Christmastime, complete with all the sights and sounds of the season. Packed with joyful onomatopoeia, I Got the Christmas Spirit is impossible to pick up without experiencing a massive helping of, well, Christmas spirit. Get a chuckle from these Christmas jokes for kids .
Mickey’s Christmas Carol by Megan Roth
Disney does Dickens! The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, the trio of Christmas ghosts, and more are made familiarly kid-friendly in this darling adaptation starring Donald, Mickey, Goofy, and more.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman
Bear is normally hibernating during Christmastime, but this year, his animal friends try to keep him awake to celebrate. Fun rhyming text and a sweet story about friendship and giving await!
‘Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and illustrated by Sara Palacios
This bilingual retelling of The Night Before Christmas takes readers into the home of a Latin American family during their Christmas Eve feast of Nochebuena.
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
In a true exemplar of “a picture is worth a thousand words,” this textless picture book came out in 1978 and has remained an enduring classic. Its beautiful tale of a young boy building a snowman that comes to life will have you saying “Frosty who?” Frosty is a classic; find out the other best Christmas movies of all time.
The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter
The Peter Rabbit author wrote about a whole host of cute anthropomorphic animals! Published in 1903, The Tailor of Gloucester tells the story of a struggling tailor trying to put together a beautiful outfit for the mayor, who is getting married on Christmas. He’s human, but all the mice in the dresser join together to help him get the job done on time. Check out these stocking stuffers for toddlers your little ones will absolutely love.
Carl’s Christmas by Alexandra Day
Dog-loving tots will be swept away by the gorgeous watercolor illustrations in this 1990 tail . The star of the show is Carl, a Rottweiler who has an extraordinary day of fun and charitable Christmas activities—all while taking care of a baby! Talk about celebrating the holiday with pets !
The Small One by Alex Walsh and Jesse Clay
In Bethlehem, a young boy is trying to sell his small donkey, but no one wants him because he can’t carry heavy loads. But when a young couple that’s about to have a baby needs a ride, it turns out he’s the perfect size. The Small One provides a sweet new perspective on the Nativity story!
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by James Dean and Eric Litwin
The coolest cat around gets his own Christmas “tail” in this take on The Night Before Christmas like you’ve never seen it before! This edition even comes with a sticker sheet to help your kid with their Christmas crafts .
Best for: age 4 and up
Dasher by Matt Tavares
There are oodles of Christmas books for kids telling the Santa story—but what about the reindeer that do the hard work of pulling his sleigh? This book tells the touching story of a young doe named Dasher who wished for more than a life in the circus. Dasher follows her journey up north, where Christmas as we knew it will never be the same.
Best for: ages 4 and up
The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhoo d by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve and illustrated by Ellen Beier
Sneve recounts a story from her own childhood in this 2019 Christmas book. Living on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in modern-day South Dakota, Virginia wants nothing more than a new winter coat. But when a shipment of warm winter clothes arrives from a church drive, Virginia learns that others may have a greater need for them than she does.
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck and illustrated by Mark Buehner
Not too many people can boast of being Nobel Laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners, but Pearl S. Buck can! In this book originally published in 1955, a young boy named Rob just wants to get the perfect Christmas gift for Dad , but he has hardly any money. You can bet this one comes to a heart-stirring conclusion and you’ll want to revisit it every year.
The Nutcracker in Harlem by T. E. McMorrow and illustrated by James Ransome
You know the story and the tunes, and you may have seen the ballet or one of the many film adaptations. You won’t be disappointed by this jazz-style adaptation that sets the story during the Harlem Renaissance as a young girl embraces her musical talent.
The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood and Renata Liwska
Christmas can be a seriously hectic time! Underwood and Liwska’s charming tale reminds kids (and grown-ups) to take a quiet moment to appreciate what’s around them and the magic of the holidays.
Best for: ages 4 and up
Tree of Cranes by Allen Say
A young boy living in Japan experiences his first Christmas when his mother, who grew up in America, decorates a Christmas tree for him with origami paper cranes. You’ll be inspired to try out these DIY Christmas decorations anyone can make.
The Broken Ornament by Tony DiTerlizzi
Young Jack accidentally breaks a Christmas ornament and can’t understand why his mom is so upset about it. And when DiTerlizzi, one of the minds behind the whimsical Spiderwick Chronicles series, is penning this tale, you know there’s going to be more to it than a simple kid-makes-a-mistake-and-learns-a-lesson story! When a real-life fairy comes out of the broken ornament, Jack thinks his problems are over—but that’s far from the case.
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams and illustrated by William Nicholson
Here’s another timeless classic that makes a beautiful Christmas read. A “toys-come-to-life” story long before the Pixar film, The Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of the titular shabby Christmas toy that gets the chance to become real. It was originally published in 1922—it’s nearly 100 years old.
Christmas Makes Me Think by Tony Medina and illustrated by Chandra Cox
This 2008 book reminds readers that they’re never too young to think of others—even during a season that, to them, might seem all about “getting stuff.” The young boy in the story loves Christmas and its many traditions , but he can’t help but wonder what people who are less fortunate do during the holidays. He learns that he can make a difference and help give back, and your young reader will too. In fact, here are some great gifts that give back .
Everybody’s Tree by Barbara Joosse and illustrated by Renée Graef
This beautiful 2020 book tells the story of a young boy who picks out a tiny sapling at a tree farm and grows alongside the tree. Eighty years later, he’s an old man and the tree is a towering Christmas centerpiece for the town! You might be inspired by these Christmas tree ideas for your own home.
Best for: ages 5 and up
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
Whether you practically know this tale by heart or are new to it, this is a must on any list of Christmas books for kids. The grumpy Grinch learns that “Christmas doesn’t come from a store”—a lesson that’s as relevant now as it was in 1957, maybe even more.
Best for: ages 5 and up
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
A bona fide classic for kids and grown-ups alike, this stunningly illustrated 1985 book journeys to the North Pole with a young boy on a fantastical train. The story is much simpler than the rollicking one in the film adaptation but just as magical. Check out these other Christmas cartoons to watch this year.
Poofin: The Cloud That Cried on Christmas by Richard M. Wainwright and illustrated by Jack Crompton
Poofin, a little cloud that’s not too fond of responsibility, is sent to Earth to learn how to help people. Assigned to a human named Bobby, Poofin makes attempt after attempt to help him that all go awry. But finally, Poofin learns that he has the power to bring joy not just to Bobby but to his entire town. Whimsical, detailed illustrations make this one a winner!
Best for: ages 6 and up
How Winston Delivered Christmas by Alex T. Smith
Winston, a mouse, finds a letter addressed to Santa and decides to get it to him in this storybook/Christmas activity hybrid. With 24 (and a half) chapters, this book encourages kids to read a chapter a day in December—and each chapter contains its own fun activity to bring the reading experience into your bigger holiday celebration.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski and illustrated by P. J. Lynch
Everyone calls Jonathan Toomey, the village carpenter, “Mr. Gloomy” because…well, he seems like a sad, grumpy guy. But a young boy and his mother eventually reach out to try to cheer him up…and a poignant true-meaning-of-Christmas tale unfolds. The anniversary edition of this beautiful, emotional story includes an audiobook download read by James Earl Jones. Find out the history of the most common Christmas symbols .
Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May.) by Barbara Park
Everyone’s favorite snarky, precocious first-grader takes on Christmastime in this holiday installment of the beloved Junie B. Jones series. When her first-grade class does a Secret Santa, Junie B. ends up stuck having to get her nemesis, Tattletale May, a Secret Santa gift . What should she do?!
A Tiny Miracle by Richard M. Wainwright and illustrated by Jack Crompton
A charming but tiny Christmas tree living in a forest wants nothing more than to be selected to be the centerpiece of a family’s home. But no one wants a Christmas tree so small, his bigger siblings tell him. But of course, he finds out that he’s perfect and can be loved just the way he is.
Best for : ages 6 and up
The Worst Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
The Herdmans are “bad kids”; everyone knows that. So when they take over the local Christmas pageant, everyone is prepared for chaos. And chaos they get—but that might be exactly what the town needs. Get ready for laughs and touching surprises.
Best for: ages 8 and up
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
Before he penned the fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings , Tolkien was a dad spinning fantastical yarns for his four young children. He wrote multiple illustrated letters and stories for them, from the perspective of either Santa Claus himself or his secretary, an elf. (Hmm, foreshadowing.) Originally written from 1920 to 1943, the letters were first published three years after his death, in 1976.
Best for: ages 8 and up
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
In this rollicking twist on the Santa origin story, young Nikolas is content to have one toy and a loving father. But when that father goes missing, it’s up to Nikolas to save him—even if it means journeying up north to the mystical village of Elfhelm.
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum
J.R.R. Tolkien wasn’t the only 19th–2oth century fantasy guru, best known for something else, to tackle the story of Santa Claus. L. Frank Baum, the man behind The Wizard of Oz , wrote this lighting-fast page-turning read in 1902. It addresses all the mysteries of Santa’s life and work in a whimsical, satisfying fashion. These Christmas movies on Disney Plus provide some fun holiday whimsy too.
Flight of the Reindeer: The True Story of Santa Claus and His Christmas Mission by Robert Sullivan and illustrated by Glenn Wolff
Slightly older kids’ eyes will light up at this beautiful book that dives into the historical context of the legend of Santa Claus. Robert Sullivan’s meticulously researched collection includes input from historians, Arctic experts, and—wait for it—Santa-ologists to provide a grounded behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Mr. Claus.
A Newbery Christmas , compiled and edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Charles G. Waugh
Voracious readers will love spending the holiday season with these 14 Christmastime tales written by Newbery Medal-winning authors. Hilariously relatable Christmas adventures like those of Beverly Cleary’s Ramona join poignant tales of understanding like Eleanor Estes’ “The Hundred Dresses.” Pick and choose or read them all—you’re in for a moving holiday reading experience.
Best for: ages 9 and up
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
If your kids would prefer a creepy, creaky inn over the North Pole for their Christmas books, they have to get their hands on Greenglass House . This series-starting mystery follows the son of the innkeeper, who’s puzzled when several mysterious, curious characters arrive at the inn for the holidays. He teams up with the daughter of the cook to unravel the guests’ secrets—and perhaps the deeper mystery of the house itself. Published in 2016, Greenglass House won the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery.
Best for: ages 10 and up
Let It Snow collection by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
Christmas books for kids don’t all have to be for the littlest ones! This trio of blockbuster authors for teens collaborated in 2008 on this holiday romance collection set in a town slammed by a snowstorm. In 2019, Let It Snow was made into a Christmas movie on Netflix .
Best for: ages 12 and up
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Book/Printed Material Christmas stories.
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About this Item
- Christmas stories.
- Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870.
Created / Published
- New York, Hurst & co., 1885.
- - Christmas stories, English
- 3 p.l., 409 p. front., plates. 20 cm.
Call Number/Physical Location
- PR4557 .A1 1885
Library of Congress Control Number
Online format.
- online text
LCCN Permalink
- https://lccn.loc.gov/43037323
Additional Metadata Formats
- MARCXML Record
- MODS Record
- Dublin Core Record
IIIF Presentation Manifest
- Manifest (JSON/LD)
- Selected Digitized Books (154,364)
- Library of Congress Online Catalog (1,361,542)
- Book/Printed Material
Contributor
- Dickens, Charles
- Christmas Stories, English
Rights & Access
The books in this collection are in the public domain and are free to use and reuse.
Credit Line: Library of Congress
More about Copyright and other Restrictions .
For guidance about compiling full citations consult Citing Primary Sources .
Cite This Item
Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.
Chicago citation style:
Dickens, Charles. Christmas Stories . New York, Hurst & co, 1885. Pdf. https://www.loc.gov/item/43037323/.
APA citation style:
Dickens, C. (1885) Christmas Stories . New York, Hurst & co. [Pdf] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/43037323/.
MLA citation style:
Dickens, Charles. Christmas Stories . New York, Hurst & co, 1885. Pdf. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/43037323/>.
Christmas Stories
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15 Christmas Books for Adults to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
Who doesn’t love a good holiday romance story? After all, there’s a reason we binge watch Hallmark & Lifetime movies all season long. Whether you read them, watch them, or both, there’s an extra charm to holiday romances that we just can’t get enough of. Even when we suspect the ending, these feel-good love stories are ones you won’t want to put down! Check out these 15 Christmas books that are sure to get you in the spirit.
Dear Santa: A Novel
Hardcover $15.99 $21.00
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Debbie Macomber
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After a bad breakup, Lindy Carmichael isn’t feeling very cheerful for the holiday season. She visits her mom who reminds her of Lindy’s old tradition — writing letters to Santa. Lindy decides to take up her tradition again, but instead of asking for toys or clothes, she asks for a faithful man. The next day, she runs into her childhood best friend, Billy, and they reconnect over dinner. She spends her two week holiday with family, friends & Billy, who she is falling for & realizes that he is falling for her too. There’s truly no place like home for the holidays!
Sleigh Bells Ring
Paperback $13.99 $16.99
RaeAnne Thayne
Sleigh Bells Ring is different than your average holiday romance novel. The main character, Annie, brings her two nieces to Angel’s View Ranch which she is a caretaker of. The ranch is very special to Annie as it used to be owned by her family but is now owned by a billionaire. She assumes that the owner will not be at the ranch, but is genuinely surprised when he shows up. Also surprisingly, the owner asks her to stay and help get the house ready for Christmas since it will be his last year there before he sells the property. Upset at the thought of the property being sold and that she will be out of a job, she tries to make the best of a bad situation. She starts to fall for this man against all odds … but will it be a recipe for disaster?
Royal Holiday
Paperback $15.30 $17.00
Jasmine Guillory
“I’m not going to hold back anything here. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the novels by Jasmine Guillory. She writes the best meet-cutes there are to imagine in the world of romance. But the gushing doesn’t stop there. Nothing would hold up if it weren’t for her protagonists. Smart, independent women with open hearts for the right romance. A holiday vacation and Christmas is something to celebrate. Have fun!”—B&N Bookseller
In a Holidaze
Paperback $16.49 $17.99
Christina Lauren
Maelyn Jones goes to a snowy cabin in Utah every Christmas with her family. The trip is the only thing she has to look forward to lately as she deals with a dead-end job, has no luck with relationships, and is living with her parents. Extremely bummed to leave the cabin, she starts driving and enters a strange time loop where she ends up back on the plane bound for Utah where she begins the same holiday all over again. A hilarious & fun read, In a Holidaze is a unique Christmas romance story you’ll love!
Christmas Everlasting
Paperback $14.49 $16.99
Nora Roberts
Christmas Everlasting contains two stories from bestselling author Nora Roberts. The first story, Local Hero , is about a single mother who gets some support from her neighbor who she is growing more and more fond of. The second story, All I Want for Christmas , is about a music teacher and two of her sweetest twin six-year-old students who have a single father that doesn’t believe in romance. The boys would love a mother like their music teacher for Christmas, but will the father allow someone new into his family?
A Virgin River Christmas (Virgin River Series #4)
If the Virgin River series sounds familiar to you, it may be because it is now a Netflix series! Book 4 of the series features Marcie Sullivan’s hunt to find the man who saved her husband’s life and gave them three more years together before his passing last Christmas. The marine who saved her husband’s life has ghosts of his own and doesn’t want to relive his painful past, but is it time to open his heart to the future?
The Christmas Escape
Sarah Morgan
A Christmas story about friendship, relationships, and the things you do for the people you love. The importance of family shines through this novel as Christy tries to rekindle her marriage while her best friend Alix takes care of her daughter. You get to see both sides of the story (Christy and Alix) through this heartfelt book, including an unexpected romance with a man that Alix meets on her trip.
The Christmas Wish (Blessings, Georgia Series #12)
Paperback $8.99
Sharon Sala
Set in a small town in Georgia, Wade Montgomery returns to help his family business after it was nearly destroyed by a fire. While in town, he comes across an old friend with some new chemistry between them. Their romance grows throughout the novel, making it that much harder for Wade to leave Blessings, Georgia … or will he decide to stay?
The Christmas Wedding Guest
Susan Mallery
This holiday romance is about two sisters — Reggie who has a recently broken-off engagement, and Dena who is pregnant but single. Reggie returns back to her hometown to help her parents create a wedding that they never had and runs into her high school boyfriend with a spark that still seems to be there, despite their bad breakup. Dena on the other hand, meets a rockstar who uses Dena’s desire to be a mom as inspiration for his writing. Will both Reggie and Dena find true romance?
The Holiday Swap
Paperback $14.49 $17.00
Maggie Knox
Two twins who were desperate for an escape decide to swap lives — something they haven’t done since they were kids. However, when they both meet guys that they start to fall for, things start to get complicated. Will their swapped lives be a recipe for romance disaster, or will it be the excitement they needed all along?
Christmas at Silver Falls
Paperback $11.49 $12.99
Spending Christmas at White Oaks Inn with her family has been an annual tradition for Scarlett since she was a little girl. Unfortunately, this may be the last Christmas they get to spend there unless she is able to convince Charlie, a successful property developer, to invest in the Inn that she loves. Charlie has no plans to let Scarlett persuade her, but as they have an undeniable spark and bond over baking cookies and decorating for the holidays, will Scarlett be able to work past his rugged exterior?
Jingle All the Way: A Novel
We all know someone who works just a little bit too hard and doesn’t enjoy life outside of it. The same goes for Everly Lancaster, who didn’t bother to celebrate Christmas last year. When her boss forces her to take December off for a much-needed vacation, Everly is hesitant but obliges … until she realizes that her assistant booked her a completely remote trip in the Amazon. Despite her reluctance, she slowly comes around as she takes in the beautiful sights and is charmed by the ship’s naturalist, Asher Adams. The trip gives her a chance to look at her life priorities including a budding new romance.
Christmas in Alaska: Two heartwarming holiday tales
Paperback $14.99 $16.99
This book is a 2-for-1! The first story, Mail-Order Bride, is about Caroline Myers who has a recently broken-off engagement and is sent on vacation by her aunt — but the vacation turns out to be a ploy to get her married to a man she just met. Will they end up being a good fit? The second story, The Snow Bride , features another woman on a trip to Alaska, but this woman is going to marry a man she met online. However, she meets another man on the plane who is determined to win her over instead.
You Make It Feel Like Christmas
Paperback $12.99 $14.99
Francis Ray , Donna Hill
This is another book with two stories in one. The first is about a woman who decides to spontaneously leave her husband after 20+ years to live out her dreams, but her husband is determined to win her back. The second story features a man who wishes for true love, but as the old saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for.”
A Little Christmas Spirit: A Novel
Sheila Roberts
A Little Christmas Spirit is a bit of a play on the popular novella, A Christmas Carol . A single mom is looking to make this Christmas extra special for her six-year-old son, but her Scrooge-like neighbor wants no part in the festivities. He’s visited by his late wife’s ghost who convinces him to be more neighborly and holiday spirited. Read this book and filter through many emotions from happiness to grief. The themes from this book will stick with you, such as being understanding of what others are going through. Sheila Robert’s story is so heartfelt and warm that is a must-read!
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Best Christmas Books for Children Aged 4-7
Our list of the best children’s books about Christmas features books that celebrate the traditional Christmas Story as well as stories about the joy of gift-giving, magical snowmen and winter celebrations. Get into the festive spirit with our hand-picked recommendations of children’s books all about Christmas. We ho-ho-hope you like these Christmas stories just as much as we do!
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Mince Spies
Mince Pies become action heroes in this laugh-out-loud new picture book from Mark Sperring and Sophie Corrigan. Following in the footsteps of The Day the Crayons Quit, Traction Man and Supertato, the book brings plenty of hilarity and a festive twist on the popular theme of everyday objects brought to life and getting into all kinds of unlikely mishaps.
Christmas is almost here but all is not calm and bright in the world of the Mince Spies. Somebody or something has been visiting all the supermarkets in town and smashing up the Christmas treats. Soon, every delicious cake, iced biscuit and Christmas pudding is under threat as festive goodies are reported to have been thrown from the shelves and destroyed into a mixed-up sugary mess.
Is there anybody who can track down the culprit? This is clearly a job for the Mince Spies, who are sent on a mission to keep watch over the supermarket shelves and catch whoever is responsible for trying to ruin Christmas. With a little help from puff-pastry jetpacks, shortcrust walkie-talkies and Santa Claus himself, the Mince Spies set to work and find a way to restore Christmas cheer.
A whimsical and enjoyable festive read that will guarantee giggles from young children. Set in rhyme and brought to life with bright and bold illustrations by Sophie Corrigan, this is a super book to share with EYFS and KS1 in the run-up to Christmas.
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If you're teaching the holidays, share Christmas traditions with your students through these festive read-alouds! These books celebrate the season through stories of holiday customs, songs, and more. Young readers will love learning about Christmas and, of course, celebrating with some of their favorite characters.
Your students will giggle over the holiday antics of Fly Guy as he goes in search of the perfect gift for his best friend, Buzz, in Fly Guy's Ninja Christmas . Meanwhile, The Littlest Elf spotlights Santa's biggest helpers in the North Pole. Students will love following along with the tasks the littlest elf does, like helping at the bakery and book shop!
And of course, in the hilarious It's Christmas, David! , David shares naughty antics at formal Christmas dinner parties. Your student will be left guessing if David deserves a shiny new fire truck or a lump of coal under the tree.
Shop books about Christmas below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store . (For more holiday fun, explore books about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa !)
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Best Christmas-Themed Books/Stories (778 books) Discover new books on Goodreads Meet your next favorite book Join Goodreads Listopia Best Christmas-Themed Books/Stories List your favorite books or short stories that have a Christmas theme or setting. flag All Votes Add Books To This List ← Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next →
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote Technically a short story, Capote's slice-of-life Christmas tale takes place in the 1930s and was originally published in 1956. Based on his own life, A...
A Christmas Memory is a collection of autobiographical stories by Truman Capote. Originally published in 1956, it's become a Christmas classic riddled with gems like the quote above. 6 The...
The Christmas Box (The Christmas Box, #1) by Richard Paul Evans (shelved 29 times as christmas-stories) avg rating 3.97 — 27,613 ratings — published 1993 Want to Read Rate this book 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars The Polar Express (Hardcover) by Chris Van Allsburg (shelved 26 times as christmas-stories)
Here are 50 Christmas stories for the season that will make your heart grow three sizes today. 1. "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore Buy on Amazon Add to library The most classic holiday tale of all time to start off your Christmas read-a-thon.
Christmas stories, books, and poems to help you and your family get into the festive spirit and enjoy the holiday season. Enjoy great Christmas themed stories like The Gift of the Magi, The Little Match Girl, A Christmas Carol, Little Women, A Country Christmas, A Christmas Tree, At Christmas Time, Keeping Christmas, The Cricket on the Hearth, A Chaparral Christmas Gift, Bertie's Christmas Eve ...
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Classic Christmas Stories Bring Nostalgia, Unity, Peace, Connection and, Enrichment. This Book Features A 32 Story Christmas Collection. Grab Copies Both for Yourself and Someone Else Today! This is PERFECT for Holiday Parties, Church, Gatherings, and This Makes A Perfect Gift for Someone Else!
The Night Before Christmas and Other Popular Stories For Children Various 107 downloads. Doctor Marigold Charles Dickens 99 downloads. Der Weihnachtsabend (German) Charles Dickens 97 downloads. Christmas Short Works Collection 2006 Various 92 downloads. A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens 87 downloads. A Budget of Christmas Tales by Charles ...
1 Christian Christmas Stories: Fiction. 1.1 Destination Christmas Collection. 1.2 Once Upon a Christmas: One of the Most Heartwarming Christmas Stories Ever!! 1.3 Something Borrowed, Someone Blue. 1.4 Deck the Shelves. 1.5 Christmas Glory Quilt. 1.6 The Ghosts of New Cheltenham. 1.7 The Bells of New Cheltenham.
20 Classic Christmas Short Stories You Can Read Online for Free 1. "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry Probably one of the most famous Christmas short stories, this is the tale of a young married couple who desperately want to buy beautiful Christmas presents for each other, but lack the money to do so.
For a good, affordable collection of classic stories about the festive season, we recommend The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories: From Hans Christian Andersen to Angela Carter (Penguin Classics Hardcover). 1. Washington Irving, ' Christmas Eve '.
IT'S CHRISTMAS, DAVID! KIDS BOOKS READ ALOUD | 🎄 CHRISTMAS BEDTIME STORY | BY DAVID SHANNON Miss Sofie's Story Time - Kids Books Read Aloud 177K subscribers Subscribe 37K Share 12M...
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig. In this rollicking twist on the Santa origin story, young Nikolas is content to have one toy and a loving father. But when that father goes missing, it's up ...
The Polar Express is an award-winning story about a young boy who takes a magical train to the snowy North Pole to make his Christmas wish. This book keeps the Christmas spirit alive and the belief in Santa Claus. The story also inspired the popular movie, The Polar Express. This edition also comes with a keepsake ornament!
Book/Printed Material Hard times for these times ; Reprinted pieces Contributor: Dickens, Charles
Adventures Age 7-12 Chapter Books Christmas Stories Windy and the Lost Key - A Christmas Story A magical Christmas adventure about two sisters who discover a mystery in their toy room, and are led into a fantastic adventure! Age 4-6 Christmas Stories Santa's Sleigh Has A Breakdown! What happens one Christmas, when Santa's sleigh has a breakdown?
Check out these 15 Christmas books that are sure to get you in the spirit. Dear Santa: A Novel. Hardcover $15.99 $21.00. Dear Santa: A Novel. Debbie Macomber In Stock Online ... A Christmas story about friendship, relationships, and the things you do for the people you love. The importance of family shines through this novel as Christy tries to ...
Best Christmas Books for Children Aged 4-7. Our list of the best children's books about Christmas features books that celebrate the traditional Christmas Story as well as stories about the joy of gift-giving, magical snowmen and winter celebrations. Get into the festive spirit with our hand-picked recommendations of children's books all ...
BOOK LIST 15+ Festive Books About Christmas Teach students about holiday traditions and customs with these books. They're perfect for read-alouds! December 1, 2022 Grades PreK - 5 If you're teaching the holidays, share Christmas traditions with your students through these festive read-alouds!
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