1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Ebenezer Scrooge, a lonely old miser who spends his Christmas Even counting money, but that night he is visited by three ghosts of the past, present, and future that changes his life forever.
2. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
A humble young married couple wants to exchange Christmas gifts, but they must sacrifice a great deal in order to give to each other.
3. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis
Four children stumble upon an old wardrobe, but inside lies a magical land where winter is always in season and an evil White Witch threatens the land..
4. The Polar Express
The only children’s book on the list, The Polar Express is a mystical train that leads to North Pole, but only those who believe are able to experience a true Christmas.
5. The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R Tolkien
A series of letters written by Father Christmas tell of the misguided adventures of he, his helpers, and a few trusty polar bears across the North Pole.
6. A Christmas Memory Truman Capote
A simple story of a boy growing up in the 1930’s named Buddy who shares his Christmas memories with his elder cousin, his only friend.
7. The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
Richard and Keri, a poor disheartened married couple, move in with a lonely elderly woman, Mary, as her caretaker, but when they find a beautiful Christmas box filled with her personal written letters, they learn the true meaning of family.
8. The Nutcracker E.T.A Hoffman
Clara receives a magical Nutcracker that transports her to a world unlike any other, full of coffee, chocolates, candies, and an evil Mouse King.
9. A Letter from Santa Clause by Mark Twain
In true Twain tradition, the short story is innovative and quirky—sure to make you smirk.
10. “The Thought Fox” by Ted Hughes
Brew up a cup of coffee or pour a cup of tea and read this little poem as you enjoy the warmth of your place and gaze at the crisp cold outside.
11. Papa Panov Christmas Story by Leo Tolstoy
The short story about an elderly shoe maker in Russia reflects the need for generosity.
12. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost
Fantastic Poem, if you haven’t read it, read it. If you have, read it again.