Tomorrow will be already the 2nd Saturday of Advent! What are you up to? I hope to find at least some hours to lay on my sofa and indulge in a yearly tradition of mine: Every year I pick out one holiday book – a story about X-Mas and all the wonders and obscurities happening around it. Admittedly, most of these books are rather kitschy, but I don’t care. It’s a kitschy time anyway these crazy last weeks of an old year. And among all the stories I read these last Christmases, there were at least some that were making a strong impression onto me. Here are my four favorite holiday books.
What are you reading currently? THIS one is this year’s holiday book I’m indulging in (yeah, it’s kitschy).
The classic: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Personally, I find Dickens‘ tale about a grumpy man who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past pretty spooky and I would never ever read this one to any kids. But still – it’s a wonderful story about what is really important in life.
The controversy book: Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
The opinions about this book range from fantastic to forseeable and boring (look only at the Goodreads reviews!). I read it several years ago and have to admit that I didn’t fall for the plot or the style BUT I loved the Kranks, the nerdy couple starring the story! I still have to think about them every year on December 24 in the supermarket doing last-minute emergency shopping (yes, every year!) and experiencing the craziness (!) around me.
Not only for the kids: Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies
Yeah, we all saw the film as kids. And yes, it may be a story for kids, but isn’t the message not as important for us grown-ups, too? – You just have to believe in your dreams strong enough and they will all become reality!
Some magic for grown-ups to think about: The Gift by Cecilia Ahern
Cecelia Ahern is an author you wouldn’t normally find in my book-case. The story with this book is a bit funny – two years ago I bought it as my X-Mas read. Then another book found its way into my hand and I skipped The Gift for it. Last year I finally took the book home and read it the days before X-Mas. And guess what I found under the X-Mas tree? A German copy of the same book. Okay mum, I never let you know – but thanks anyway! The story is about two totally different men; one is successful in his job but has never enough time. He meets a beggar in front of his office and helps him to get a job in his firm. Somehow, the beggar gets more and more involved in the life of the successful men. He seems to be everywhere, every time… but how is this possible? A story about what really counts in life, and about the issue of time. Inspiring!
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