Top 10 books to read this Christmas

Reading during the festive season is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Apart from stimulating your creativity and imagination, a good book can heal your soul.

Give some of these books a try.

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

This timeless classic is probably Charles Dickens’ most celebrated literary contribution. The book was originally published in 1843, and the phrase ‘Merry Christmas’ has been popularised ever since. The simple allegory of an old miser portrays a moral transformation and teaches readers to honour Christmas and spread love, joy and charity.

The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg

Before Christmas, reading The Polar Express has become a festive tradition for many children. Alongside beautifully illustrated pictures and a relaxed narrative, the story carries a deeper meaning which can apply to adults. The story follows a young boy who boards an enchanted train on a snowy Christmas Eve. He heads to the North Pole and meets Santa, who offers him any gift he desires. The tale explores themes of trust and the power of imagination, and mingles with the magical essence of Christmas.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis

Long before the movies, this novel captured the imagination and wonder of children from around the world. This book was the first of seven published in The Chronicles of Narnia. This fantasy novel is set in the deep winter, in the fictitious land of Narnia. It features talking animals and mythical creatures, and is ruled by the evil White Witch. Set in London at the onset of WW1, the Pevensie children find the entrance to Narnia.

The Snow Queen, by Hans Christen Anderson

This tale of mystery focuses on the struggle between good and evil by Gerda and Kay, two children. When the boy’s grandmother tells them the tale of the Snow Queen, who rules over snowflakes, they begin to see the supernatural being in the snow. It features wicked goblins, magic mirrors and mischievous demons, and tells a story of the endurance of childhood friendship. The novel is brought to life by evocative illustrations.

Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott

This is one of the most cherished festive season reads. The tale of the March sisters began on Christmas Eve with the famous line: ‘Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents.’ The girls are determined to have a wonderful Christmas despite genteel destitution and their father’s absence. The book follows the sisters through the year, highlighting their characters, traditional Victorian customs, and problematic relationships. It finally comes full-circle and ends in another Christmas scene.

The Nutcracker, by E.T.A. Hoffmann

The Nutcracker is recognised as one of the most famous Christmas tales to date. Since publication in 1816, adaptations have fascinated audiences the world over, and have inspired ballets and composers such as Tchaikovsky. The tale follows young Marie Stahlbaum and her favourite Christmas toy, the nutcracker, who comes alive and takes her away to the magical kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

How the Grinch stole Christmas, by Dr Seuss

This family favourite teaches children the importance of redemption and love. The Grinch steals all the Christmas presents, only to give it all back when he hears the joy-filled voices of the gift-empty town. Children will love the rhymes and the whimsical nature of the story.

The Night Before Christmas, by Clement C, Moore

As Santa and eight reindeer descend onto the roof of a Victorian house in a snowy New England village, the famous Christmas poem begins and is narrated by the father of the family. Illustrated by Jan Brett, the spirit of Christmas is captured in brilliant reflections of this memorable night. The story unfolds with antique toys and exquisite ornaments.

The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry

Della only has $1.87 to buy her beloved husband a Christmas present. She has nothing else to sell except her greatest treasure – her long brown hair. This novel is set in New York at the turn of the twentieth century, and is a classic piece of American literature. It tells the story of a young couple and the sacrifices they make to buy each other a gift.

Letters from Father Christmas, by J.R. R Tolkien

Every December and envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R. Tolkien’s children. The letters were from Father Christmas and told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole. From how the reindeer got loose and scattered presents everywhere, to how the accident-prone North Pole Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas’s house, this book is full of life and humour. This charming addition to your Christmas literature list is guaranteed to be an asset to any household.

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