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Rediscover the Magic of Christmases Past: 5 Classic Christmas Reads for All Ages
Ya'll know I'm all about that reading . . . and about that history. After all, my motto is Bringing the Past Into the Present ~ One Book at a Time.
So, below are 5 holiday reads to not only bring the past into the present, but to create holiday memories to cherish for years to come! Each is a great read-aloud, even if that read-aloud may take several days.
And please - for the love of all that is good and Christmasy - do not opt for the movies! The movies are never as good as the books!
1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Nothing takes readers back to the past quite like Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Set in Victorian England, this tale explores the timeless themes of greed, generosity, and the power of forgiveness. The rich descriptions of Victorian life will emerse you in an earlier time, and the conversation starters about the importance of family, community, and love are endless.
2. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Published in 1985, The Polar Express, written by Chris Van Allsburg, is a beautifully illustrated tale about a young boy who boards a magical train to the North Pole. The vivid illustrations paired with the heartfelt narrative inspires readers of all ages to believe in the timeless and never-changing wonder of Christmas.
This story is set neither in the present nor the past, but with over 10 million copies sold, this beloved book is a go-to-choice for sparking the holiday spirit. Reading it aloud can rekindle that childlike joy and wonder during the festive season regardless of your age. So, dress in some pajamas, grab some hot cocoa, and take a magical journey to the North Pole on this most magical of all trains.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
This delightful and old tale by Dr. Seuss has charmed generations at Christmas time, making it a favorite in the decades since it was published.
The Grinch, in his attempts to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville, soon realizes that the essence of Christmas is not found in gifts but in love and community. The colorful illustrations and catchy rhymes make it a fun read for all ages, and the book fosters great discussions about charity and forgiveness.
And please, don't opt for the Jim Carey movie. Dr. Seuss's book is perfect without the modernization!
4. The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
“The Night Before Christmas,” published by by Clement C. Moore in 1823, has become a staple of Christmas Eve festivities. This enchanting poem sets the mood for the magic of Christmas through its vivid imagery and rhythmic and rhyming text. It's oftentimes hard to remember that the poem was written before the advent of electricity, cars, and indoor plumbing!
A number of illustrated books can be found of this poem, and for fun, a number of other versions can be read aloud as well. One of my favorite versions is The Cajun Night Before Christmas by James Rice.
5. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Few books capture the spirit of Christmas in such a humorous, endearing manner as Robinson's The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The Herdmann children are the most unlikely of candidates for the annual Christmas pageant at the local church, and when they invade the annual pageant with their own interpretation of the Chirstmas story, laughter and antics ensue.
While the Herdmann children's wild ideas - such as the Wise men were a bunch of spies - wreak havoc on the production, ultimately this zany family leads the town, and themselves, into finding the true, timeless meaning of Christmas.
A great book for all ages, this book is a fun reminder to everyone about what the true spirit of Christmas, both past and present, is all about!
Making Holiday Memories
Making holiday memories is what the season is about, and reading as a family is one the best ways to do so.
So, make some magic this holiday season! Grab some hot cocoa, put on your wam pajamas, and spend some time making memories both old and new this season!
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About Donna
Donna Hechler Porter has always had stories in her head. When they were not swirling and gnawing, she had her head in a history book - both fiction and non-fiction. Now, she puts her love of old things, including her genealogy, to good use by writing both genealogy books and novels. She has published five historical novels, several of which have won awards, four genealogy books on her family history, and several smallish books including a book on the 1778 Big Siege of Fort Boonesborough and a book with tips and tricks for bringing history to life for young people. A graduate of Texas A & M University, Donna recently embarked on a career in real estate. She lives northIeast of Houston with twin sons who are launching into the world on their own and way too many animals that are not. She dreams of life in a log cabin in the woods, even as she is addicted to antique and thrift shopping.
If you live in southeast Texas and would like Donna to come speak at your reading, genealogy, or history club, please contact her. She is more than likely to say yes!
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