Christmas Books- There a lot of options! (Blogmas #9)

As I’ve mentioned in recent posts, I was lucky enough to take the “History of Christmas” in my undergraduate coursework. As such, I was given a license to read all of the Christmas literature I could get my hands on! (Quite a bit, as it turns out 🙂 ) I have some recommendations if you are looking for some festive reads! Half of this post will look at non-fiction works, and half at fiction. On we go!

I find the history of Christmas fascinating. At first glance, it appears that Christmas is fairly standard across the board; once we start looking at different families, different cities and towns, different regions, different countries, different religions, we can see just how many variations that there are. I can say from personal experience, it makes the holidays that much warmer to know all of the different traditions that people are experiencing! It is surprising to me that there have not been more studies of Christmas.

Santa Clause: A Biography, Gerry Bowler

Santa Clause is pretty much the centre of the North American secular Christmas; Dr. Bowler does a fantastic job of unpacking Santa throughout all of his identities. From St. Nicholas to the modern Coca-Cola Santa we follow his evolution! Without all of that information, it can be somewhat difficult to make a connection from the warrior St. Nicholas who murdered people to the modern Santa who rides reindeer around. Definitely an interesting read for the holidays!

The World Encyclopedia of Christmas, Gerry Bowler

Dr. Bowler’s encyclopedia covers a staggering amount of topics. From countries and regions to songs and movies to saints and characters, the reader is taken throughout the entire holiday season- technically mid-November to early February! It is incredible to think that he researched every single one of these topics, but research he did! This is a wonderful coffee table book to have out at this time of year.

Nutcracker Nation: How an Old World Ballet Became a Christmas Tradition in the New World, Jennifer Fisher

I’ve posted about Nutcracker Nation before, but it is a well-researched, easy-to-read book about a long-standing North American tradition! Fisher interviews dancers, parents, public figures, and even just members of the public, on their thoughts and experiences of the Nutcracker. If you are interested in the Nutcracker at all, I would give this a go!

And now for the fiction! Some of us are looking to escape everything in this busy and sometimes stressful time of year, and Christmas fiction is perfect for that!

The Gift, Cecelia Ahern

I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, I love Cecelia Ahern! She has a touch with writing that many writers are lacking; she has this wonderful  way of incorporating magic without it feeling like fantasy. Lou is buried under work and stress, and never takes the time to spend time with his loved ones until a chance accident and meeting with a stranger give him a second start with his family at Christmas. It carries a bit of weight with the topic, but it isn’t too long, and it still makes you think!

Skipping Christmas, John Grisham

If you have made it to 2015 without seeing Christmas with the Kranks, I don’t know if I should be amazed or sad for you. Skipping Christmas is the basis for the movie, a older couple decide to skip the bustle and stress and debt of Christmas and go on a cruise. That is, until their only child decides to come home for the holidays. Cue the hilarious mishaps and effort of friends, family, and neighbours to pull together for the holidays. Just a cozy story all around! (No one on death row here…)

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, Abby Clements

English chick lit at it’s finest! Two old friends swap houses for the holidays, as one needs to stay in London while the other wants to escape. It is wonderful to spend time with both Laurie and Rachel, and is warm and Christmas-y without being too in your face! A nice, easy read in a busy time of year.

Until tomorrow,
The Historian!