Top 9 Christmas Books
By MK Thomson
December 14 2023
With all the football games, holiday parties, and marathons of “A Christmas Story” and “Scrooged”, why not take some time away from all the screens and curl up with a good book this Christmas? We’ve compiled the best Christmas books to enjoy this season to keep with the holiday spirit. So skip the film or made-for-TV versions and enjoy these literary works with some great marijuana edibles or pre-rolled jays. Caution: there are some spoilers!
In John Grisham’s holiday novel, the author steps away from his usual law-based genre and writes about Luther and Nora Krank who decide to forgo traditional Christmas festivities, planning a Caribbean cruise instead, as their daughter Blair will be away on a Peace Corps assignment. However, their attempt to skip the holiday faces strong opposition from neighbors, charities, and even their daughter who unexpectedly returns with her fiancé. The Kranks’ refusal to partake in Christmas traditions causes chaos, with protests, carolers, and misunderstandings. As they desperately try to conform to the holiday expectations, comic mishaps unfold, including a misguided attempt to borrow a Christmas tree, an accident involving Frosty the Snowman, and a near-arrest.
In a surprising turn, the neighbors they alienated come together to create a festive celebration for Blair, teaching Luther the true meaning of Christmas. Overwhelmed by the community spirit, Luther abandons his cruise plans and learns to embrace the holiday joyfully, ultimately gifting the cruise tickets to a neighbor facing a difficult time. The 2004 comedy, “Christmas With the Kranks” is based on the book. It stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen in the lead roles.
The holiday short story was first published in 1905 but is timeless in its message of overcoming daily struggles, especially during the Christmas season. The story centers around a young couple in the 19th century who are facing the challenge of exchanging Christmas presents with minimal funds. The poignant story gives a valuable moral lesson on the essence of gift-giving and is a beloved choice for Christmas movies and TV adaptations. Set on Christmas Eve, the tale follows Della and Jim, a financially struggling couple who sacrifice their most prized possessions for each other’s gifts. Della sells her hair to buy a fob chain for Jim’s heirloom watch, while Jim sells the watch to purchase combs for Della’s hair.
The sentimental twist demonstrates the depth of their love, emphasizing the value of heartfelt gestures. True love is the central theme of this short story, and possessions – no matter how much they seem to matter to us – are nothing compared to this love.
Despite the sentimental storyline, the story hasn’t been made into many film adaptations (c’mon Hallmark channel!). Though there is a musical (really?) movie version that was released in 1958 and a 2010 made-for-TV movie that probably isn’t worth watching as it only received 21% positive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Yeah, we agree: read the book version instead.
OK, I admit. This is my favorite Christmas story and one of my all-around favorite books when I was a kid. This is a great story for everyone but even better to whip out during the holidays for parents with children still at home. The story is told through the eyes of one of the characters, Beth Bradley. She is the daughter of the director of the town’s annual Christmas play.
The notorious Herdman children, known for their disruptive behavior and troubled family background, unexpectedly take center stage in the Christmas pageant. Despite their rowdy reputation, the Herdmans bring authenticity to the performance, injecting realism into the traditional narrative. Their unscripted approach and unique interpretations surprise the town, transforming what was anticipated to be a disaster into the most genuine and moving Christmas pageant ever witnessed. From uncertain movements reflecting the real-life struggles of the Holy Family to unconventional gifts and heartfelt moments, the Herdmans’ portrayal resonates deeply. The unexpected emotional resonance and sincerity make it a standout event, challenging preconceived notions about the children and leaving a lasting impact on the town’s Christmas traditions.
It’s a great book for everyone of all ages and at any time of the year. The final nativity scene with all its blunders is the best part of the pageant – and the book itself. Not surprisingly, it was adapted into the made-for-TV movie in 1983 starring M*A*S*H’s Loretta Swit and Fairuza Balk.
This nostalgic story, loosely based on Capote‘s own childhood, centers around an unnamed seven-year-old boy, known as Buddy. He recounts his enduring bond with an eccentric older cousin referred to as “my friend” (later named Sook). Living in modest circumstances with stern relatives, including a dog named Queenie, the impoverished duo anticipates Christmas each year, diligently saving for fruitcakes and procuring whiskey from a friendly bootlegger. A drunken celebration brings reprimands, but the spirit of Christmas persists. They embark on an arduous journey to chop down a magnificent tree and craft heartfelt decorations and gifts. On Christmas morning, disappointing presents reveal the contrast between material possessions and the profound joy of exchanging handmade kites in a heavenly meadow, marking their final Christmas together.
The heart-string-pulling narrative goes on as time separates the boy and his friend, ultimately ending in a heart-wrenching farewell due to the aging cousin’s dementia and eventual passing. It’s pretty sad but still nevertheless captures the spirit of Christmas, family and friends, and the overall reason for the season (which is joy, love, and sharing).
A Christmas Memory didn’t escape the screen adaptation with a TV version released in 1966 and a Hallmark Channel version in 1997. But if you’ve ever read anything from Truman Capote, you know you’ll want to read the book version. And if you haven’t read anything from Capote, we highly recommend checking out any of his books. They are modern classics that will stay with you for a very long time (subtext: read “In Cold Blood“!).
Happy Holidays and the best for 2024!