written by Emma
‘Tis the season for Christmas standards including trees, stockings, presents and carols. But when it comes to books, we all have different tastes. That’s why we compiled a list of varied Christmas books for you to read during the holidays. Pay a quick visit to the world of your favorite book in between visits from real-life family and friends or while dinner is still simmering on the stove. This list may also give you inspiration for that perfect holiday gift, because what’s more comforting than reading a book set in the cozy atmosphere we long for all year round? So Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! It is time for hot cocoa and a wonderful Christmas read.
Have yourself a nostalgic, spooky, romantic or magical little Christmas!
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
Let’s start with a true Christmas classic: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This story is so nostalgic, from its cobblestone streets to its flickering oil lamps and goose for dinner. The Christmas spirit is perfectly captured by the story’s moral: true happiness is attained by being grateful and generous. A Christmas Carol also has a delightfully spooky side in the form of eerie ghosts that appear to the sulky Mr. Scrooge, giving him a Christmas he will never forget! A chilling but thoroughly heartwarming Christmas story.
The Nightmare before Christmas – Disney/Tim Burton
The Nightmare Before Christmas, originally a quirky stop-motion film, is now also a book! This story is famously set between Halloween and Christmas, which makes it perfect for lovers of all things spooky. What makes this a true Christmas story, however, is how the grim inhabitants of Halloween Town light up as Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, brings them Christmas. But being used to only scary things, they give it their own twisted twist, making for some hilarious scenes. In the midst of all the chaos is shy ragdoll Sally. Held back by Dr. Finklestein, the scientist who brought her to life, she finally escapes and confesses her love to Jack. Christmas in this story is above all a time of living your dreams. Delightfully imaginative and surprisingly sweet.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling
Maybe this one does not cross your mind immediately when you think of Christmas stories, but I would say that Christmas holds a prominent place in this book: it’s on Christmas Day that Harry gets in touch with both his lost and new families, and family is what Harry has always longed for. Harry finds the Invisibility Cloak once owned by his father. Mrs Weasley, Ron’s mum, sends Harry a green, fuzzy ‘Weasley sweater,’ similar to Ron’s maroon one—a sign Harry is now also part of the Weasley family he feels so close to. And of course, Hogwarts serves the best Christmas dinner you’ve ever read about: “A hundred fat, roast turkeys, mountains of roast and boiled potatoes, platters of fat chipolatas, tureens of buttered peas, silver boats of thick, rich gravy and cranberry sauce.” Visit Harry’s world for a cozy and magical Christmas!
Hogfather – Terry Pratchett
This is the 20th volume in Pratchett’s famous Discworld series. The Auditors of Reality, advocates of normalcy, have taken away Hogswatchnight (a feast similar to Christmas) from children by kidnapping the Hogfather (a Santa Claus-like figure). This is a fun read in which even Death himself understands the need for this old tradition, and as such, dresses up as Hogfather to preserve the children’s belief. In the meantime, Death’s granddaughter Susan is trying to find the Hogfather. As in all of Pratchett’s novels, this book is full of fantastical creatures, adventure and humorous situations. An exciting and fun Christmas story.
The Christmas Bookshop – Jenny Colgan
What’s more romantic than an old bookshop? We know: an old bookshop at Christmas time! This book is perfect for lovers of all things cozy and romantic. Carmen always had a difficult relationship with her sister Sofia, but she has to move in with her when she loses her job. Sofia gets Carmen work at an old bookshop, where she is hired to freshen up the place to attract new customers. Carmen meets all kinds of new and interesting people and she even falls in love. Family, love and books constitute the perfect ingredients for this mushy Christmas read.
