Every year there are certain movies, TV shows and books that survived the test of time and are re-watched and re-read year after year, think of --- A Charlie Brown Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and this list of books:
A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, illustrated by Edward Ardizzone
In humorous, magical prose, poet Dylan Thomas recalls the church-going, the tree-trimming, the food, the carols and games of his childhood Christmases and, of course, Mrs. Prothero and the firemen. It is one of Thomas’ most popular works.
Always on Christmas night there was music, he writes. An uncle played the fiddle, a cousin sang “Cherry Ripe,” and another uncle sang “Drake's Drum.” It was very warm in the little house. Auntie Hannah, who had got on to the parsnip wine, sang a song about Bleeding Hearts and Death, and then another in which she said her heart was like a Bird's Nest; and then everybody laughed again; and then I went to bed. Looking through my bedroom window, out into the moonlight and the unending smoke-colored snow, I could see the lights in the windows of all the other houses on our hill and hear the music rising from them up the long, steady falling night.
First published on December 19, 1843, A Christmas Carol was an instant classic: Londoners thronged to hear Dickens read it in person and bought out the first printing in days. Its reception was so ecstatic that it is credited with helping to revive interest among the Victorians in Christmas traditions, including caroling and holiday cards, as well as inciting an unexpected wave of charitable giving from Britain’s Industrial Age robber barons. Originally conceived as a pamphlet against exploitative capitalism before taking its current form, it has inspired dozens of theatrical and movie adaptions, and its characters, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim, are forever inscribed in our hearts and minds.
Few characters embody the spirit of Christmas more fully than Kate Douglas Wiggin's Carol Bird. This classic Christmas story by the author of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm features a child as memorable and charitable as Dickens's Tiny Tim. Born on Christmas Day, Carol is the Bird family's special Christmas baby. As her tenth birthday approaches, declining health threatens young Carol's life. Her only concern, however, is for the happiness of the less fortunate neighbor children, for whom she plans an unforgettable holiday celebration. Since 1888 this bittersweet holiday classic has been cherished by generations of young readers, reminding them of the true nature of Christmas through a child's joyful and generous spirit.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…
Since it was first published nearly 200 years ago The Night Before Christmas has enchanted readers young and old with the story of St. Nicholas landing on a snowy roof, climbing down the chimney, and filling all the stockings with gifts before riding off in his sleigh, wishing Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Originally published in 1957 and still entertaining generations of readers and TV viewers.
Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!
Not since 'Twas the night before Christmas has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for readers young and old.
Consider this recently published book as a new holiday tradition:
It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church.
Small Things Like These it talks about the shame of Ireland’s Magdalene laundries and the complicity of the church and town in this shame. The character, Bill Furlong teaches us how to be in the world in this story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy. This story "snuck" up on me, and I see it becoming a new Christmas classic.
HAPPY HOLIDAY READING
TAKE TIME TO CELEBRATE YOUR TRADITIONS
MAYBE MAKE A FEW NEW MEMORIES!
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