Seasonal books for Christmas is a selection of books that I love reading at the appropriate winter season, namely Advent, Solstice, Yule, Christmas, 12 Days of Christmas and Epiphany.
Some of the books are ones I’ve had for years- as suggested by the state of the covers! And some are newer, given to me as tree presents or found in my stocking. You’re surprised the grown-ups in the family have stockings too? Well of course I have a Christmas stocking, always have! And as it happens, the actual stocking is the same one I’ve had since I was a child. But that’s another story for another time.
There are quite a few volumes of short stories, firstly as I enjoy the short story format anyway, and secondly as that’s often easier to find time to read. Although I admit there’s a preponderance of crime short stories as that’s one of my favourite genres. But you can also spot children’s books in there. The three stories for older children are wonderful seasonal books for Christmas even if you’re an adult. Or perhaps especially so, as they’re well written. All involve magic, but in very different ways.
The most recent book in there is ‘The Christmas Tree’ by Barbara Segal which I had this year. And my all-time favourite is the young children’s picture book ‘Morris’s Disappearing Bag’ by Rosemary Wells.
Seasonal Books for Christmas – a few brief Reviews
‘Morris’s Disappearing Bag’
Naturally, I’m starting with this most delightful of picture books by Rosemary Wells.
Morris is the youngest of four rabbit children and he receives a bear for his Christmas present. But his elder siblings seem to have much more exciting gifts and Morris feels left out. That is, until he spies a parcel still left under the tree …
Perhaps, as the youngest of my siblings, I especially empathise with Morris. But this is such a delightful book that everyone from small children to great grandparents will smile over it.
Originally published in 1875, there are second-hand and even hardback first editions available.
‘The Christmas Tree’
The story of the Christmas tree is a tale ancient and modern of how and why this plant came to be such a potent symbol of goodwill and hope. Barbara Segal brings her horticultural knowledge to bear, creating a fascinating book to sit and digest whilst nibbling a mince pie. I also love the range of photos and illustrations that jostle for space alongside facts and folklore.
I was lucky enough to receive one of the last copies from Barbara herself, but you may find a second-hand copy. The original publication date was 1995.
Crime Fiction
Even if you only read the occasional crime fiction book, a collection of short stories by a range of authors noted for their expertise in the genre is a good Christmas present. Classic writers from the earlier twentieth century give a feel for Christmas past. But the vagaries of human nature they relate are just as true to us now as those the contemporary authors tease us with.
The settings range from country house parties to redundancies but I’m loathe to pick out just one tale as it’s the combinations that make the collections good. The book titles, such as Murder in Midwinter, Murder on Christmas Eve, encourage me to space out my reading. For example, the former being a Solstice delight.
And of course, a whodunnit, just like a panto, is always a winner at Christmas!
And finally
Susan Cooper, who wrote ‘The Dark is Rising’, one of the three books mentioned above for older children, was also a poet. Her beautiful melancholy poem, ‘The Shortest Day’ for the Winter Solstice can be found here. It’s one of my all-time favourites for winter
