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Language Level: B1/B2
Every year I hope for a white Christmas in Greifswald - the opposite of the hot summer Christmases I grew up with in Australia. The idea of snuggling under a blanket with a cup of hot tea in one hand and a book in the other is a cosy beacon in the long, dark winter days.
But what to read? Considering more than 2 billion people in more than 160 countries consider Christmas to be one of the most important dates of the year, it shouldn’t be surprising there is a book for every genre or taste. I was surprised, nonetheless. Who knew there were Christmas romance novels, or Christmas mysteries?
The following books are a tiny examples of the many, many Christmas books available. Most, if not all, are available in English, German and other languages.
CLASSIC TALES
1. A German Christmas: Festive Tales from Berlin to Bavaria (2022)
This is a collection of stories by the masters of fairytales, the Brothers Grimm, to more contemporary German, Austrian and Swiss authors. Get into the Christmas spirit and immerse yourself into each story, while sipping on a warm Glühwein.
Authors: the Brothers Grimm, Thomas Mann, E.T.A. Hoffmann, Martin Suter & Peter Stamm
TOLKIEN FANS
2. Letters from Father Christmas (1976)
J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) is most famous for his extraordinary works of fiction like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Between 1920 and 1943 his children received illustrated letters from Father Christmas with tales of adventure, battles and mischief. This unique literary collection would make a great Christmas gift for fans of Tolkien.
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
CURIOUS ABOUT CHRISTMAS
3. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (1902)
From the creator of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the story begins as a wood nymph discovers an abandoned baby in the forest. Raised by immortals, Claus is taken to see the world of humans when he comes of age. There he wishes to help humans, especially the little ones.
It answers many questions boys and girls may have about Christmas, such as: Why does Santa travel by reindeer? How does he manage to deliver all those toys on one night?
Author: L. Frank Baum
MYSTERY
4. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas (1938)
Agatha Christie sets her classic mystery at a family reunion on Christmas Eve. After a scream and a crash, the tyrant of the family is found dead. As luck would have it, a detective by the name of Hercule Poirot happens to be staying not too far away and takes on the case.
Author: Agatha Christie
ROMANCE
5. The Christmas Tree Farm (2024)
A Christmas romance by the author of the TikTok sensation, The Pumpkin Spice Café. Set in Dream Harbor, Kira has moved across the country to become the owner of a Christmas tree farm. She has a run in with Bennett, who wants nothing to do with the grumpy woman.
Author: Laurie Gilmore
NOSTALGIA
6. A Christmas Memory (1956)
Based on Truman Capote’s childhood experiences in the Deep South, his emotional stories paint nostalgic portraits of his youth to unsettling darkness beneath the festive glitter. A book about the importance of family connection and friendship.
Author: Truman Capote
VICTORIAN GHOST STORIES
7. The Valancourt Book of Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories (2016)
First of five editions. Printing ghost stories in 19th century periodicals during the Christmas season was a tradition in the Victorian era. This is the first-ever collection of those Victorian ghost stories, best told by a fire or the light of a candle.
Authors: Arthur Conan Doyle & Sir Walter Scott
HORROR
8. Krampus: the Yule Lord (2015)
Krampus seeks to destroy Christmas after escaping thousands of years of imprisonment by the one and only Santa Claus. A dark fairytale featuring the author’s chillingly beautiful artwork.
Author & illustrator: Brom
HUMOUR
9. Skipping Christmas (2001)
A year without Christmas means no crowded shops, office celebrations or unwanted presents. These are the inspirations for Luther and Nora Krank to skip Christmas, but as December 25 draws nearer they realise there are consequences for their actions.
Author: John Grisham
EMPATHY
10. The Family Under the Bridge (1958)
An old man enjoying his carefree existence returns to his favourite place under a bridge to find three children who adopt him as their grandfather. Despite his initial resistance to care, he soon realises he needs to help this family. An illustrated story that reframes the idea of home and homelessness.
Author: Natalie Savage Carlson Illustrator: Garth Williams
PICTURE BOOK
11. Pick a Pine Tree (2017)
For many families and friends, the joy of picking a Christmas tree each year is an annual tradition. The rituals of choosing and decorating the tree are beautifully described and drawn with warmth.
Author: Patricia Toht Illustrator: Jarvis
HARRY POTTER POP-UP
12. A Hogwart’s Christmas Pop-Up (2019)
Though technically not a book, the makers of the Harry Potter series of books have created and advent calendar with a pop-up Christmas tree in the centre of the Great Hall. It contains 25 surprises with a softcover booklet of Christmas themed scenes or references from the Harry Potter films.
By Insight Editions
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