Originally published on the Hope College Blog by Rachel Leep.
Looking for a good read over the holiday season? If you are wanting to extend the Christmas season a bit more, try reading one of these stories!
Short Stories:
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843)
It would be impossible to start this list with any other story but “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable and cold-hearted businessman, despises Christmas cheer and charity. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley, and three spirits representing Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. These visits force Scrooge to confront his selfishness, the pain he has caused, and the lonely future awaiting him. Scrooge is forced to face his actions and make amends or continue to live the way he has been and face the consequences. Pair a reading of the story with one of the many movie versions (though I am biased towards the Muppets adaptation). The Project Gutenberg has this story for free here!
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry (1905)
Every year when thinking about finding the perfect gift for someone, this short story pops into my head. In the story Jim and Della, a young couple with little money but plenty of love, are determined to surprise each other with meaningful Christmas gifts. Their quest for the perfect present leads to heartfelt sacrifices on both sides that reflect their deep devotion. The story celebrates the beauty of selflessness while offering a tender look at the complexities of love.
The Dead by James Joyce (1914)
At a Christmas gathering in Dublin, Gabriel Conroy navigates social dynamics, delivering a speech that reflects his intellectual self-assurance. The evening takes a poignant turn when his wife, Gretta, reveals a memory of a boy who loved her and died young, leaving Gabriel to confront his own insecurities and emotional detachment. This reflective story is less about Christmas cheer and more about existential introspection, human connection, and epiphany. Set during a festive backdrop, it explores themes of love, mortality, and identity. If you are looking for a more complex story and like other works by James Joyce, this is a great one to check out.
Picture Books:
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (1985)
For fans of the movie, there is also a children’s book version (that also doesn’t feature the slightly scary animation for better or for worse). On Christmas Eve, a boy boards a mysterious train that appears outside his home, whisking him away to the North Pole. Along the way, he meets fascinating companions, faces challenges and adventures, and uncovers the magic of belief. As a plus you can use reading the book as an excuse to play both “Hot Chocolate” and “Believe.”
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis (2000)
Set in Ghana, the story follows seven squabbling brothers who must learn to cooperate to honor their late father’s wishes. According to his will, they must spin gold from seven spools of thread by sundown, or risk losing their inheritance. Guided by ingenuity and teamwork, they create beautiful woven cloth, which brings wealth and unity to their family and village. Though focused on Kwanzaa’s principles, the story’s values of cooperation, creativity, and family make it a meaningful holiday tale for all. It provides a rich cultural narrative tied to festive celebration and tradition. If you participated in The Big Read Lakeshore’s program last year and are missing some of the awesome cultural aspects brought up by Homegoing, this story can be a way to reconnect to new knowledge in a familiar area.
Longer Works:
Hogfather by Terry Pratchett (1996)
The book focuses on the absence of the Hogfather, a mythical creature akin to Father Christmas, who grants children’s wishes on Hogswatchnight (December 32) and brings them presents. Death takes on the Hogfather’s role, delivering presents while his granddaughter, Susan, investigates the cause of his disappearance. This book is technically part of a longer series, but you don’t need to read the others to go through this book. Good for middle school through adults, many people treat this as the perfect Christmas fantasy book to read again and again.
No Room at the Inn by Jeanette Winterson (2005)
In this modern retelling of the nativity story, Winterson reimagines Joseph and Mary as a homeless couple searching for shelter on Christmas Eve. Through sharp and vivid storytelling, the tale draws parallels between the ancient story and contemporary issues of homelessness and compassion. The characters’ struggles highlight the timeless relevance of seeking refuge and human kindness. It’s a thought-provoking piece with a social justice perspective that I think is important to read, especially around this time of year. Winterson’s lyrical prose makes it a great Christmas read.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas (1952)
This nostalgic recollection of Christmas in a small Welsh town paints a picture of childhood wonder and holiday traditions. With lyrical prose and humor, Thomas shows a childhood view of Christmas time–the excitement of snow-filled days, and the simple joys of the season. Though light-hearted, the story also evokes a sense of yearning for the innocence of youth. If you want a cozy read for the season, this would be a great pick!
A Very Scalzi Christmas by John Scalzi (2019)
This collection features a series of short stories, essays, and personal reflections centered around Christmas. From satirical takes on holiday specials to imaginative interviews with Santa’s lawyer, the anthology explores the festive season through a science fiction lens. The stories blend humor with poignant observations, offering a fresh perspective on traditional holiday themes. If you are looking for a good combination of humor and deeper insights into modern Christmas culture, this book keeps a good balance while also switching things up to keep you engaged.
What other books are great to read this time of year? Leave a comment with your favorite holiday story.
The post Christmas Stories for the Holiday Season appeared first on Big Read Lakeshore.
