These heartwarming Christmas classics will get everyone, young and old, into the Christmas spirit.
Yes, Virgina, There is a Santa Claus, Francis P. Church
In 1897, Virginia O’Hanlon asked her father if Santa Claus existed. Not prepared for the question, Virginia’s father suggested writing The Sun (a New York newspaper) and ask them. Francis Church’s (one of the paper’s editors) response has become a beloved holiday tradition and the most reprinted editorial ever.
A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
Ebenezer Scrooge is a bitter old man that thoroughly dislikes Christmas. He, in fact, calls it a “humbug.” On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer is met with the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come on Christmas Eve. Through his encounters he’s transformed into a kinder, compassionate and generous man.
The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg
One Christmas Eve, a boy anxiously lies in his bed listening for Santa’s sleigh bells after being told Santa does not exist. He doesn’t hear sleigh bells but ends up seeing a steam engine outside his house. He hops aboard with other children and is transported to the North Pole where Santa is giving the first gifts of Christmas. He loses the bell he’s chosen as his gift on his way back home and is amazed to find the bell under his Christmas tree. He continues to believe in the spirit and magic of Christmas.
The Night Before Christmas, Clement C. Moore
A man is getting ready to go to bed on Christmas Eve when he hears Santa flying above his house. He goes to see what’s happening and runs into Santa himself. He watches Santa fill the tree with gifts and flies away wishing a “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.”
The Gift of the Magi, O. Henry
James Young and his wife Della are living modestly with only two real possessions, Della’s long hair and a shiny gold watch from Jim’s grandfather. With very limited money, Della sells her hair and Jim sells the watch to buy Christmas gifts for each other. When presented their gifts, hair combs for Della and a watch chain for Jim, they have both given gifts the other can’t use. They quickly realize what they would do to show their love for each other and how priceless love it.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Robert L. May
Rudolph, a young reindeer, has an unusually red nose and he’s made fun of by other reindeer for it. However, one fateful Christmas Eve Santa notices Rudolph’s shiny red nose and asks him to light the way for the sleigh that Christmas.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss
The Grinch, a grouchy creature, attempts to ruin Christmas by stealing Christmas items from the people of Whoville. But to his dismay, the people of Whoville do not let the stolen Christmas gifts dampen their holiday. The Grinch then realizes Christmas is more than just gift giving.
Do you have a favorite Christmas classic from your childhood? Or a memory of reading one of these favorites with your family at Christmas? Share it below!
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