And it's officially that time of year again! It's time to break out your christmas tree or your menorah or whatever it is that you do. Most importantly perhaps, it's time to put away your books and relax, right? I mean it's winter break after all!
Well, sort of. It's time to put away your school books and relax, but, for those of you who are like me, putting away those school book means getting to take out all the rest of the novels you've been wanting to read all semester.
And what is better to read over Christmas time than a few Christmas related books, am I right?
From classics to some more modern prose, here are the 5 Christmas books I recommend you read over break:
1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Now, we all know the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, and his journey to find Christmas spirit. I'm sure you've seen at least one of the film adaptions of this novel at some point in your life. (My personal favorite is The Muppets Christmas Carol.) But how many of you have actually read the original work that it was based on? This is definitely a good pick because I mean, come on, its Dickens! So you will be in for some beautiful prose, with a story that is already near and dear to your heart.
2. The Twelve Terrors of Christmas by John Updike
This book is definitely a bit Scrooge-y in nature, itself. In fact, the term "Christmas cynicism" comes to mind. This collection poem of the 12 terrors of Christmas is very Tim Burton-esque. If that sort of dark, but witty humor appeals to you (as it very much does to me) this book is right up your alley.
3. The Ecco Book of Christmas Stories by Alberto Manguel
This is a collection of Christmas stories brought to you from acclaimed authors of the past 60 (or so) years. It brings just over 20 stories, from heartwarming, to funny, to perhaps depressing. If you aren't as good at finishing books, or perhaps lack time to read this holiday season, this story collection might be the right pick for you
4. In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd
This autobiographical collection of stories was inspired by Jean Shepherd's childhood. Stories from the book were then pulled to make the classic Christmas movie, A Christmas Story. Yes, the "You'll shoot your eye out!" one that plays on a loop for 24 hours on Christmas Eve/Day.
I again propose the same question as I did previously: How many of you have actually read the original work it was based on?
If you enjoy light-hearted, quick and easy reads, this will be the choice for you.
5. Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davis.
Again, another classic book to film adaption. Well, actually, after a quick fact check, I've come to learn that this is a book adaption of the film.
However, that doesn't mean it's not worth reading! If you love the movie then you should give the book a go. The plot follows almost exactly, with the added bonus of Davies' heart-warming and whimsical prose.
If you're looking for a quick and fun read of one of your favorite classic stories, please, give this one a try.
So I hope you pick up one of these books over the holiday season, and find warmth, inspiration, or the spirit of Christmas throughout it's pages.
