The Bookmark: Great Christmas Stories for Children, Young at Heart
From Staff Reports
December is filled with opportunities to make magical memories, particularly for families with young children.
Christmas commands a lot of thought and attention, and parents know such efforts are worth it to see smiles on children’s faces. Stories help set the holiday scene and enable children to hold tight to all of the magic.
Whether they are read together as a family or children read them on their own, these literary works can enhance special holiday moments.
“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry: This story tells the tale of a young married couple who have to sacrifice in order to buy Christmas presents for one another.
“The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear: A Christmas Book for Kids” by Stan and Jan Berenstain: Kids of all generations have grown up reading Berenstain Bears books. This volume has Mama and Papa showing Sister and Brother that the true meaning of the holiday is about giving.
“Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree” by Robert Barry: When Mr. Willowby’s tree arrives for Christmas, it is too tall for his parlor. He must cut off the top so it will fit, and that top is passed along again and again to spread holiday cheer.
“The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern: Written in 1943, this story is about a man named George who is contemplating his life while standing on a bridge on Christmas Eve. This tale became the basis for the classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss: Famed children’s writer Dr. Seuss was a master of imbuing life lessons in his stories and this book is no different. Isolated and angry, the Grinch learns to appreciate his neighbors in Whoville and comes to realize that Christmas is about being with loved ones and not material gifts.
Gospels of Matthew (1 and 2) and Luke (1 and 2): Families can read about the birth of Jesus Christ, whose birth is primarily narrated in these passages. Matthew focuses on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, while Luke speaks to the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, Christ’s birth and visits from shepherds.
“Nutcracker and Mouse King” by E. T. A. Hoffman. The famous holiday ballet is based on this short story. Don’t want to spoil it, but there’s a nutcracker, candy coated castles, chocolate monarchs and more.
And more Christmas stories
“A Redbird Christmas” by Fannie Flagg. A stranger visits a small town in Alabama, meets locals and learns the magic of Christmas.
“A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote. A short story that tells of one of Capote’s childhood Christmases and his visit with his elderly, childlike cousin.
“Letters from Father Christmas” by JRR Tolkein. Tolkien wrote these letters as Father Christmas to his children from 1920 to 1943.
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott has many Christmas scenes. And some other stuff happens.
“The Christmas Box” by Richard Paul Evans. A workaholic learns the meaning of family, Christmas.
“Skipping Christmas” byJohn Grisham. Empty nesters decide to skip Christmas, go on a Caribbean cruise, and it’s not smooth sailing. Fun read.
Before they were Christmas movies
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens: No Christmas season would be complete without reading (or watching) “A Christmas Carol.” When three ghosts visit Ebenezer Scrooge, he learns an important lesson about charity, friends and family. There’s many movie versions of this famous tale.
“The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. Read the book.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson. So funny!
“A Christmas Story” by Jean Shepherd. ‘You’ll shoot your eye out kid!”
“Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer” by Robert May. Can you read the title and not with a sing song voice?
“Miracle on 34th Street” by Valentine Davis. Book. Then movie.
There are lots of Christmas tales to read this holiday season.
And the best part is you can probably find them at any of your local libraries. Or bookstores. You can also get the movies from the libraries. It’s not just books.
Check out Newnan Carnegie Library at newnancarnegie.com. Just down the street is Newnan Book Company. Corner Arts Gallery Studio & Gift Shop has local authors’ books that make excellent holiday gifts! There’s the newest book store – Morally Gray on Perry Street for some spicy Christmas reads. Don’t forget Senoia, Book Love.
Of course there’s your Coweta Public Library with 4 branches offering holiday reads and holiday events.
Just a few upcoming events include December 12 at Central Library …Miniature Ornament Party – Teen Crafts 4 to 5 p.m. December 22 at 11 a.m. Ken Scott presents Frosty’s Magic Show and there’s a Grinchmas Lunch at Grantville Branch at noon. December 23 Ken Scott presents Frosty’s Magic Show at Powell Branch at 11 a.m. and there’s Story Time and Pictures with Mrs. Claus at Senoia Branch at 1 p.m. Lots of fun.
Check their website for info cowetapubliclibrary.org.
Wishing you joyful reads this holiday season.
