Top Ten Christmas Stories of All Time
My top ten Christmas stories of all time. Whose idea was this, again? Yeah, I know that only makes it more awkward.
Because after picking the topic myself . . .
After having the images created specifically for it . . .
After pushing off writing it until the last possible minute . . .
I am forced to own I’m kind of stressed out about this post. It was supposed to be super easy. I love Christmas. I love books. Pair them up together, and this was going to be the no-brainer, super-easy, Christmas-treat post that I was looking forward to writing.
But Top Ten of All Time?
On a subject like Christmas, no less?
And suddenly, I was dreading putting this list together. Who, after all, is qualified to select the top ten Christmas stories, of all time?
What I really wanted to compile was a list of ten Christmas stories I like to read. Ten Christmas stories I want to recommend. Ten Christmas stories I hope you’ll go check out, if you haven’t read them before. Or will be motivated to pull back off the shelf and re-read, if you already know and love them.
I’m pretty sure, after I post this, I’m going to remember more titles that should have been on here. Next year we’ll pick something easy like Twenty-Five KINDS of Books to Read Before Christmas; or Why Books and Christmas Belong Together; or How I Wanted A Christmas Carol On This List—and Why I Still Read It, Even Though It’s Not. (Seriously, I need to do that last one sometime. But we definitely don’t have space for it today!)
But in spite of, and in light of, all the above disclaimers, please accept my list of Ten Christmas Stories. Whether they’re the top ten, much less the top ten of all time, remains an open question.
What I am confident of is that they’re ten stories that are worth reading this Christmas. And many Christmases, yet to come.
My Ten Christmas Stories
Larry’s Little Lamb by Beth Vardon If I could pick only one story to highlight for Christmas, it would definitely be this one. On Christmas Eve, all the school children are allowed to bring a pet to the Christmas pageant. But is Larry’s beloved lamb simply too irresponsible to take along? Larry’s Little Lamb has been a tradition in our family since my dad was a kid. It is simply one of the sweetest little stories—with the most adorable set of illustrations—that I’ve ever come across.
The Legend of the Christmas Tree by Rick Osborne This was a yearly favourite growing up as well. Exploring the tradition of the Christmas tree from a surprising new angle, this story of a family, a tree farm, and a fascinating legend will give you a fresh perspective on highlighting Christ in every aspect of our holidays.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
This is a classic picture book, with illustrations that do a wonderful job of capturing the feel of the old-time woodcarver who stands at the centre of a story about hope, healing, and Christmas. And just to add a little bonus, it’s available as sweet, clean movie adaptation as well!
A Family Christmas by James Dobson This is a collection of stories, all of which are cozy Christmas tales, but it’s totally on my list for the one told in the first person by young Bergen Birdsall—a near-penniless child determined to buy his mother the perfect Christmas vase in a San Francisco department store, at the turn of the century. Delightfully humorous, and at the same time thought-provoking, “A Christmas World” is unquestionably my highlight of the collection.
Glad Tidings by Angie Thompson This book also functions as an advent calendar—with a short story for every day leading up to Christmas. The stories are heartwarming. I always remain in awe of the author’s ability to craft a vivid, loveable snapshot out of so few words—and produce a full, satisfying read time and time again. The format of the collection also makes it a perfect ongoing family read aloud.
Snow-Globe World by Chelsea Burden Okay, there may be a bit of a conflict of interest here. However, SAW publication or otherwise, I honestly do love Snow-Globe World. It has delicious Christmas vibes, and a beautiful message for anyone struggling with the conflict of Christmas in a broken world. And if you happen to like sequels—it’s got that, too.
Sincerely, Jem by Kate Willis This Christmas novella, inspired by Daddy Long-Legs, is a fun read about a die-hard introvert, an anonymous pen-pal, and a series of Christmas parties where the heroine would prefer hiding behind the Christmas tree to coming out and socializing. Sincerely, Jem was originally published as part of A Very Bookish Christmas—which is a great place to start if you’re looking for a further list of holiday novella recommendations!
The Vision of Sir Launfal by James Russell Lowell This story is actually a poem. And it’s a long poem. And you’ll be starting the second half before you figure out why it’s a Christmas poem. Most famous for the iconic line, “What is so rare as a day in June?” The Vision of Sir Launfal does indeed go on to some delightful Christmas imagery—and a powerful lesson about what it really means to see and serve Christ with sacrificial love.
The Mansion by Henry Van Dyke A wealthy businessman, illustrious citizen, and irreproachable church member, John Weightman has never done anything but succeed. He’s confident his mansion in Heaven rises as opulent and successful as his mansion on earth—at least until a Christmas Eve dream opens his eyes to a baffling revelation. And if you think the revelation is going to be cliché, then take my word for it: it’s not! There are one or two mild expletives that I’d probably have edited out if I were publishing it myself, but they’re easily omitted reading aloud. And the rest of the story is definitely worth it!
The Lost Clue by Mrs. O. F. Walton This novel (which in my opinion is hands-down Mrs. Walton’s best book!) doesn’t often get classified as a Christmas story. However, the opening and a substantial share of the major events all cluster around Christmas. And if a gentle mystery, loveable characters, a gospel message, and (spoilers!) a happy ending all make your list of qualifications for the perfect Christmas book, then The Lost Clue is a story you won’t want to miss!
What Are Your Top Ten Christmas Stories?
If you’ve got any more talent than I have for confining yourself to ten—and then slapping that awful “of all time” label on top of them—by all means go ahead and share your list in the comments section below.
Or, if it’s just one or two titles that pop to mind, and you’ve been wanting to let someone know how much you’ve enjoyed them—go ahead, and drop that in the comments as well!
Either way, I’d love to hear from you. And I hope you discover at least one new holiday favourite from today’s Top Ten Christmas Stories list!
Still haven’t had enough of Christmas books? Check out the newly-released Homewood Christmas collection:
I’ve read Chelsea’s, Kate’s, & Angie’s, of course, and love them. Also The Mansion. I totally need to check the rest out. Thank you for this post 😀
You’re very welcome!
And true to my own prediction, I did find another one that should have been on this list, too. The First Christmas Tree (also by Henry Van Dyke). It has some of the most amazing prose descriptions I found anywhere. You can definitely tell the author is also a poet!
I love “Tidings Bringing”! And “Sincerely, Jem”! And “Another Homewood Christmas,” and . . . I could go on, but since I am sharing 24-Books-before-Christmas for the 7th year on my own blog, I won’t rewrite all the titles here. 🙂
😉 Yes! I remain in awe of how many Christmas books you spotlight every year!