Three Iconic Christmas Books
“I have always thought of Christmas-time […] as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time” (Dickens,10)
The year has a habit of arriving slowly, then gathering incredible momentum towards its grand finale of December. I want to share three iconic Christmas books from the 1800s, 1900s, and the 2020s. These are favourites of many during this season.
A Christmas Carol- Charles Dickens- 19th December 1843
Potentially the most famous Christmas novel of them all. This is a truly heart-warming story of the need for kindness and charity at Christmas and indeed all year round. My monthly quote reflects Scrooge’s nephew who is a happy soul. We all associate Christmas with being a time to be “kind,” “forgiving” and many people like to give to a “charitable” cause to help others. The important lesson that Scrooge learns, is that money is not everything. The power of having a kind heart is worth its weight in gold. Also, A Christmas Carol reminds the reader that the past is gone and the future is unknown, so it is important to live for the present time. I find the way Scrooge goes through this transformation presents the way Christmas really does work magic on all people. The moral is clear – always be kind hearted and you will have a much more enriched Christmas (and life!).
The Snowman- Raymond Briggs- 1978
This beautifully illustrated children’s book has inspired the fantastic music of the TV show and film that we associate with Christmas. The Walking in the Air song, reminds us that again, magic happens at Christmas and the beauty of a calm sleeping world before Christmas Day is peaceful. The snowman is only a temporary being while the snow lasts, but gives the boy much joy. The season is fleeting yet stays in our hearts all year round. I find the simple yet powerful nature of this tale, what makes the heart of Christmas and something all age groups enjoy. The book is short yet gives so much enjoyment and fun. A true Christmas classic.
Elf- Kim Smith- 2020
In an unusual reversal, the hit 2003 film Elf, with Will Ferrell, has been turned into a cartoon book. The film is another staple for many people’s Christmas’s and this book provides the reading experience to it. Again, aimed at children but a delightful follow up to all fans of the film. The way Smith has captured the magic of the film in this book, is wonderful. The plot of Elf is an adult who was raised by Santa’s Elves and is now living in the real world. It is a timely message that Christmas, more than any other time of year, lets everyone embrace childhood enjoyments. There is a sense that you are never too old to relive many happy Christmas traditions gone by and current.
All three books seek to present Christmas as being a time of magic, kindness and childlike fun and merriment. Long may they be enjoyed and celebrated.
Work Cited-
- “Amazon”. Amazon.co.uk. 26th November 2024. Amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Carol-Puffin-Classics/dp/014132452x
- Dickens, Charles. A Christmas Carol. 2nd Philadelphia and New York: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1915. 2019.