As the winter break draws near, there is an opportunity to embark on a journey through tales that encapsulate the enchantment of seasonal customs, the spirit of giving, and the endless charm of winter. Here are some books to spend this magical time of the year with!
1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
This book tells the story of Scrooge, an old man who hates Christmas and everything related to it. His former business partner, Jacob Marley, pays him a visit on Christmas Eve and warns him of the repercussions of his selfish, cold, and stingy behaviour. As he continues his cruel ways, three spirits—the ghost of Christmas past, the ghost of Christmas present, and the ghost of Christmas yet to come—show him visions of his past, present, and future.
2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This novel explores the lives of the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in New England during the American Civil War. Alcott emphasizes the importance of love, sacrifice, family, and pursuing one’s aspirations. The sisters struggle with their father’s absence, their financial situation, and the 19th-century societal expectations of women. The realistic depiction of women’s lives in the 19th century in the film adaptation is one of the movie’s greatest qualities as it has become one of the most well-liked holiday spirit novels over time.
3. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
Skipping Christmas follows Luther and Nora Krank, the couple who choose to skip the traditional Christmas rituals in favour of a cruise. Their choice to skip the neighbourhood’s holiday parties sparks debate and raises eyebrows. As they attempt to avoid the traditional Christmas festivities, the Kranks encounter obstacles and societal pressure. Questions of community, social expectations, and the commercialization of Christmas are all explored in the book. Their endeavour to stop Christmas customs results in humorous and endearing scenarios that ultimately highlight the significance of the holiday season.
4. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
Frequently quoted for its message of selfless love and the genuine spirit of giving, The Gift of the Magi highlights the idea that a gift’s true value lies in its emotion rather than its price. It narrates the tale of a young married couple named Jim and Della Young, who are incredibly in love and struggle with financial difficulties. As Christmas approaches, they both make a sacrifice to give each other a Christmas gift. As they exchange presents on Christmas Day, they realize that they each sacrificed something valuable to offer the other a gift.
These novels can be borrowed at a local public library alongside hundreds of other available Christmas reads to sparkle up the holiday season!
