Christmas Books to Get You in the Festive Spirit

What better way to celebrate the festive season than by cosying up with a good book? Whether you usually prefer classical literature, thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, or dramatic romances, we can all agree that nothing truly beats a Christmas read.

Often taking us back to childhood with nostalgia running through their pages, Christmas books have a different feel to them than regular reads. That being said, we’ve tried our best to harness some of that Christmas spirit with 5 recommended reads below.

1. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens (1843)

Some candles and holly sit on pages of sheet music.

We simply have to begin with the timeless Christmas classic that no list of festive books would be complete without: A Christmas Carol.

Made into countless plays, films, and other media over the years, this well and truly is the ultimate Christmas read. Despite its modern renditions, though, we cannot help but insist on a return to the original 1843 novel.

A beautiful, educational tale of kindness, generosity, and redemption, this book not only feels like Christmas in its wintry description, but it teaches readers about the true meaning of Christmas too. With lovable characters and warming lessons, curl up with A Christmas Carol this December.

2. The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg (1985)

A festive steam train blowing out smoke at night.

Skipping forward over 100 years, we’ve chosen a more modern classic Christmas book for the next contender on our list — The Polar Express.

As a result of the success of the 2004 film version, very few people actually know that this story first warmed the public’s hearts in the form of a book. While both the film and the book follow the same charming storyline, we strongly suggest that you give the short novel a read as the prose captures perfectly the themes of childhood excitement and wonder. Another reason to read the book is its breathtaking illustrations — from the train itself to the scenes with Father Christmas.

Following a young boy’s journey aboard a train to the North Pole, this story, like A Christmas Carol, reminds its readers to keep their faith in Christmas and the spirit of giving — no matter their age.

3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Dr. Seuss (1957)

A Santa hat with a shadow shaped like the Grinch.

Up next, we simply have to include Dr Seuss’s famous Grinch work on our list if we are to truly tick all the boxes for feel-good, joyous, Christmas reads. This modern classic has been etched into our collective consciousness by Jim Carrey’s fabulous portrayal of the disgruntled green character. And, yet, the book itself, like The Polar Express, has so much to give on its own.

As the perfect antidote to the materialism and tendency for over-consumption at Christmas, this book playfully enlightens its readers — children and adults alike — to relocate the true meaning of Christmas in human connection and community in a highly imaginative way.

4. The Christmas Chronicles, Nigel Slater (2017)

Up next, we’re switching genres completely and recommending a recipe book with an indulgent, intimate style, conjuring up images of roast dinners and fir trees.

The Christmas Chronicles by well-known chef, Nigel Slater, is perfect for anyone looking for the perfect combination of festivity, recipes, personal memoirs, and heartwarming stories. Worlds apart from large-scale didactic works like A Christmas Carol, Slater’s book uniquely blends a series of mouth-watering recipes with fables and reflections on the Christmas season to provide a cosy guide to wintertime.

To give you an indication as to the feel of this book, we thought it better to quote Slater himself. He says, “The simple act of making someone something to eat, even a bowl of soup or a loaf of bread, has a many-layered meaning. It suggests an act of protection and caring, of generosity and intimacy. It is in itself a sign of respect.” Just like Slater’s take on making bread, this book itself has a “many-layered meaning” offering something different to everyone who reads it.

5. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott (1868-9)

Two Victorian girls holding candles outdoors.

Lastly, we return to another all-time classic to complete or list. Although not distinctly ‘about’ Christmas, this coming-of-age novel is shrouded in festivity. Being set at Christmas time, this touching story unfolds against a background of red and green — making it the perfect read for the holiday season.

Similarly to A Christmas Carol, this novel unpacks what it means to be kind, exploring human connections and generosity as Christmas stories so often do. If you long for the nostalgia of your childhood Christmases, this book can take you right back there in just a few pages. Telling how the children awake in the early morning to see their stockings, this book captures the joy and comfort we gain from tradition.