Between the Lines - Six Christmas Stories
These six holiday books are some of my favorite Christmas stories. I have fond memories of reading them to our children. In early December, I would organize our Christmas books into one tall stack and each night the kids would choose one (and usually more) for me to read aloud; this, maybe more than anything else, marked the beginning of the season. Remembering these stories now is a reminder of how fast time passes. My youngest is 16 years old and has not asked me to read aloud to her for years. The good news is with one grandson and more on the way, I can dust off these classics and share them with a whole new generation.
The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. (Find it here.)
Published in 1985, The Polar Express has become a beloved classic. Beautifully written and illustrated, you’ll love joining this young boy on his magical trip to the North Pole, as you and your little ones are swept away into this tranquil and dreamy world filled with wonder and awe. The book concludes:
“At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”
Don’t miss the movie which was released in 2004.
Twas the Night Before Christmas, by Clement Clarke Moore. Find it here, here and here.)
This poem was first published anonymously in 1823 but later, in 1837, its authorship was attributed to Clement Clarke Moore. Twas the Night Before Christmas may well be one of the most well-known poems in America. It is credited with defining our vision of Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, and Christmas gift giving. I found that idea interesting because I have 7 different copies of this book specifically because I was drawn to the different ways the illustrators drew their visions. Some in my collection feel very old fashioned with nostalgic images of a bygone era, others are more modern and realistic, some are colorful while others are drawn in cool shades of blue and white and finally some are cartoonish or childlike in style. I always made a point to mix up which versions I would read to the kids and often read more than one of them a night; this sort of repetition allowed my children to join in on many of the verses. In those years, I was always on the lookout for a new copy. I guess it’s time to start adding once again to my set.
Auntie Claus, by Elise Primavera. (Find it here.)
This is such a fun, fun read. Children will love solving the mystery that is Auntie Claus. It is probably better suited for the older child as it is more complex than a picture book. However, the illustrations are fantastic and help to move the story along even for the younger crowd. And you won’t miss the age-old lesson illustrated once again that is “It is better to give than to receive.”
The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry. (Find it here.)
First published in 1905, The Gift of the Magi is a lovely short story about self sacrifice, generosity and deep love. In this gift giving holiday season you are reminded that the gift is in giving and that material things pale in comparison to the greatest gift of all, which is “Love.” I was first introduced to this love story in grade school; I hope kids today are still reading it in their classrooms. More than a century later, the message still resonates.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss. (Find it here.)
Kids love this one, and you’ll have a good time reading it to them. Your heart too may “grow three sizes” like the Grinch’s when you are reminded that Christmas is a little more than presents and feasting. I know I am guilty of forgetting that truth myself when I get caught up in the shopping and work and stress of the season.
You Are My Miracle, by Maryann Cusimano Love. (Find it here.)
Structured like her popular book, You Are My I Love You, this story is a playful love song between parent and child with the backdrop of the Christmas season. You and your child will most certainly enjoy this book for many years. It concludes: “I am your hush now; you are my lyrical. I am your peace on Earth; you are my miracle.” What parent hasn’t looked upon their child like the great miracle they are?
To borrow a line from Clement Clarke Moore, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
Kathryn