Old multi-colored books and a pair of glasses against the backdrop of the winter forest ()
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens (1843)
This timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s visits by three ghosts of Christmas is a great reminder of what the holidays should be about. For more family fun, find one of the many stage adaptations and act out the parts with your friends and family.
“My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories” edited by Stephanie Perkins (2014)
No matter how you celebrate (or don’t celebrate) the winter holidays, there is a story in this anthology for you. Each story is written by Y.A. authors and features tales of falling in love.
“The Adults” by Caroline Hulse (2018)
Ex-spouses Claire and Matt decide that it would be best for their seven-year-old daughter Scarlett to celebrate Christmas as a blended family all together with their new partners. Awkwardness and hilarity ensue with imaginary friends and post-bedtime drinks.
“Kwanzaa: Living on Principle” by Venus Jones, Scot Brown (Foreword) (2018)
Learn how to incorporate the principles of Kwanzaa through mantras, poems, essays and more in this book. Jones shares some of her personal stories and connects with the reader while teaching about this holiday.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss (1957)
“All the Whos down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville, did not.” This is a family-friendly classic to read with the kids and then continue the fun by watching the three cinema/television versions.
“The Matzah Ball” by Jean Meltzer (2021)
Christmas-loving, Jewish author Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt has made a career around writing Christmas-time romances. When her boss challenges her to write a Hannukah romance, she finds that her inspiration is lacking. She attends the Matzah Ball to try and rekindle her relationship with the holiday and along the way may potentially find love.
“Hercule Poirot's Christmas” by Agatha Christie (1938)
It’s not the holidays for Poirot without a good murder mystery. See if you can solve who killed Simeon Lee, who announced shortly before his untimely demise he was cutting off his four sons, before the end of the text.
“Kwanzaa Angel” by Shirley Hailstock (2012)
16 years after being stood up at prom by the only boy she ever loved, Erin has flourished in life by opening up her own department store. However, as she begins her annual Kwanzaa celebration, her arch-nemesis returns to town and old wounds open. Will they rekindle their love during the holiday?
“Silent Night: The Remarkable Christmas Truce of 1914” by Stanley Weintraub (2001)
History enthusiasts will appreciate this in-depth all about the famous Christmas Truce of World War I. Despite protests from their superiors, soldiers sang carols, exchanged gifts and shared in temporary holiday merriment during this brutal war.
“Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham (2004)
Chaos ensues when the Kranks decide that they will not celebrate Christmas this year. No need to purchase gifts, put up a tree or host the relatives because they will be on a Caribbean cruise. Read the book that inspired the movie “Christmas with the Kranks.”
