Ho ho ho! Gather ’round, bookworms (or candle-wasters according to the English playwright and poet Ben Jonson), because it’s that time of the year again when the nights draw in, the open fire crackles, and we can’t help but crave a good book to match the festive cheer. Yes, you guessed it – it’s Christmas and the season to be reading!
Like pets and children, books are not just for Christmas – but it is a fantastic time of year to give and receive them (books that is). Christmas-themed books are perfect to help everybody get in to the festive spirit, especially children.
So let’s jingle all the way into the heart of Christmas books, shall we? For the little elves and pixies (ahem, I mean children), there’s nothing quite like a storybook filled with magic, wonder, and a sprinkle of snow to ignite their imaginations. Picture this: snuggled up in bed, hot chocolate in hand, as they embark on a sleigh ride through the pages of A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig, eating chocolate with Charlie Bucket at the chocolate factory with Charlie and the Christmas Factory and Other Stories, inspired by the characters of Roald Dahl as imagined by various authors, or following the adventures of The Christmas Pig by J. K. Rowling. Pure magical bliss!
But what about the grown-ups, you ask? Fear not, for the literary world has gifted us with many a tome to delight the adult crowd. Delve into The Snowflake’s Guide to Christmas by Dave Skinner for a light-hearted survival guide for the liberal minded modern millennial to navigate the perils of the ethical and political Christmas festivities. Maybe a heart-warming, humorous story of a family rediscovering the magic of Christmas in The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas by James Patterson and Tad Safran will bring a smile to your face. Or perhaps you would like to have an hilarious read about the festive frenzy that is healthcare during the holidays and is anything but a silent night in Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay! There’s a treasure trove of tales that capture the spirit of the season and sometimes, the hilarity of family gatherings.
Let’s not forget the joy that reading brings, especially during the Yuletide season. It’s a time to unwind, to escape the hustle and bustle, and to travel to distant lands without ever leaving the comfort of your reindeer-patterned pyjamas. Reading at Christmas is like opening a present from yourself to yourself – it’s personal, it’s thoughtful, and it never goes out of style.
So, whether you’re a Santa or a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas, there’s a book out there that’s perfect for you. And if you’re feeling generous, why not gift a book to someone special? It’s a way to say, “I care about you… and your brain.”
Whether you’re reading to your heart’s content (Christmas-themed or not) or listening to the dulcet tones of an audiobook while decking the halls, remember that books are the ornaments of the mind. So, let’s raise our glasses of eggnog and toast to the joy of reading at Christmas. Because really, what’s better than a book in your hand and a heart full of holiday spirit?
Happy reading, and merry Christmas to all! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go help Rudolph find his copy of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. It seems he’s taken quite the liking to Russian literature.
