Throughout the world this time of year, people of many faiths enjoy their favorite holiday traditions and make special memories with family and friends. Baking gingerbread cookies. Hanging mistletoe. Watching holiday movies. Singing carols. All these traditions are near and dear to my heart and perhaps to yours as well.
Recently, I came across an article about the Icelandic tradition of exchanging books on Christmas Eve. What a wonderful idea! In countries like Norway and Iceland, people gift special books to their loved ones, gather around a crackling fire, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or cappuccino, and spend a cozy night reading alone but in the warm company of others. Sweet! I may have to adopt this tradition next year and I’ll certainly keep an eye out in the coming year for special books to give next Christmas Eve.
That led me to think about popular holiday-themed books and stories for children and adults alike: “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens; “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry; “Twas The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore; “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” by Robert L. May; “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss; and “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg.
In recent years, I’ve enjoyed reading novels set at Christmastime by Richard Paul Evans. His books with titles like “The Christmas Promise” or “A Christmas Memory” are always heart-warming and touching. Another of my favorite authors is Karen Witemeyer and she has written a trio of Christmas historical romance novellas in one book titled “Under the Texas Mistletoe” which I plan to read on an upcoming trip during the holidays.
I’m certainly going to be on the lookout for special Christmas-themed books and maybe even non-holiday books that I know a loved one would be delighted to receive next year.
How about you? What are your favorite books to read during the holidays? Let me know in the comments below. Merry Christmas and happy reading!