One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the opportunity to indulge in holiday books, plays, movies, and music. I binge watch holiday classics as I wrap presents and address cards.
The sound of the tinkling bell when the angel gets his wings in It’s a Wonderful Life, Frank Capra’s iconic film, heralds the start of the season. And who can forget the memorable classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, featuring the ghosts of the past, present and future. The hilarious Christmas with the Kranks, based on the novel Skipping Christmas by John Grisham, strikes a chord with Empty Nesters like me. Remember the ugly leg lamp in A Christmas Story? My neighbors display a replica in their front window!My kids loved to watch Home Alone – luckily, they didn’t replicate any of the crazy antics. In addition, there are many timeless animated tales, such as A Charlie Brown Christmas. Which are your favorites?
There are also lots of holiday books. The time-honored lyrical poem The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore has been oft repeated over the years. The sing-song quality of the rhyme endears it to children. A lesser-known poem by Eugene Field entitled Jest ‘Fore Christmas became a holiday staple in our home because it reminded the kiddos to behave. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is always a fan favorite. The Gift of the Magi, a short story by O. Henry, and The Littlest Angel, a children’s book by Charles Tazewell, were well-loved tales in our home. Both storylines are tender, illustrating the depths of love. We have boxes of holiday books for all ages, and I look forward each year to reuniting with old friends. And, of course, there are plenty of holiday cozy mysteries to explore. Check out some of the new releases: A Merry Little Murder Plot by Jenn McKinlay, Rockin’ Around the Chickadee by Donna Andrews, and The Knife Before Christmas by Kate Carlisle. Happy holiday reading!
