Happy Holidays, everyone! I hope you and your family are enjoying this time of year. Last year, I previewed a Christmas story that I'd written, and this year, it's officially released to the public this Wednesday! Below, I'll review some of my favorite holiday stories to celebrate. Check out my episode of Readers that Write, where I talk about this as well.
Check out my takes on my favorite Holiday Books on the Spotify and YouTube links below. It is also available where podcasts are available.
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
This is a series of letters that Tolkien wrote to his children pretending to be Father Christmas. They tell several stories of life at the North Pole, and in true Tolkien fashion, the story includes a fight with some troublesome goblins who live in the caves below the North Pole. These are amazing short stories that make a great nightly read that will keep you and your family in the Christmas spirit.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.
Yes, I know this isn't the most adult book, but I still love it. It might be childhood nostalgia, but the depth of this book is amazing the more I read it. It helps teach kids that people who are different should still be included and the power the holidays have to bring people together despite their differences. After the last few years, this message is very much needed.
3. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
If you know me, you know that I love traditional literature, and this is one of my favorites. If you haven't read this or seen some version of this story, I will be surprised. Similar to the Grinch, Scrooge is a person who has grown cold to the world, but he is forced to see reality and change his life. This redemption arch has always been one of my favorites, and I hope to someday find a story that will let me tell a story with a redeemed character. If you haven't read this yet, please do and let me know what you think.
4. Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Demon by James Lovegrove.
Unlike my last three recommendations, this is a recent discovery. James Lovegrove wrote this series in 2019, and it is a perfect addition to the Sherlock Holmes world. Yes, this is basically what it sounds like. Sherlock must save Christmas from the demon that is trying to destroy Christmas and make people's lives miserable.
This book is filled with murder and intrigue while including just enough Christmas spirit to make it a good change when you get sick of the normal holiday stories.
5. Silent Night by Stanely Weintraub
In history, this is one of my favorite stories of humanity rising above its own horrors. This book is the definitive story of the Christmas truce at the Bella Wood in France when both armies refused to fight and instead went so far as to meet with each other, host a few soccer matches, and exchange gifts. If you haven't heard this story, please read this. It is incredibly heartwarming and is one of the books that are perfect for the holiday season.
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