3 Stories You Still Have Time to Read Before Christmas | Blogmas Guest Post
3 Stories You Still Have Time to Read Before Christmas
It’s so very nearly Christmas, and I haven’t read any Christmas themed books this year! I know I know, what am I thinking? I just am not much of a seasonal reader, my reading is decided by my mood. So, I asked Arwen at I Love A Good Book and @TheTechChef on Twitter to do a guest post for me. I hope you enjoy!
It’s almost Christmas and if you are looking for a last-minute Christmas read pick up one of these. They are all quick reads that you can finish in a day or two or three. Just in time for Christmas.
The Gift of the Magi and Other Short Stories by O. Henry Published by Dover Publications on February 5th 1992
Pages: 96
Goodreads
Here are sixteen of the best stories by one of America's most popular storytellers. For nearly a century, the work of O. Henry has delighted readers with its humor, irony and colorful, real-life settings. The writer's own life had more than a touch of color and irony. Born William Sidney Porter in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1862, he worked on a Texas ranch, then as a bank teller in Austin, then as a reporter for the Houston "Post." Adversity struck, however, when he was indicted for embezzlement of bank funds. Porter fled to New Orleans, then to Honduras before he was tried, convicted and imprisoned for the crime in 1898. In prison he began writing stories of Central America and the American Southwest that soon became popular with magazine readers. After his release Porter moved to New York City, where he continued writing stories under the pen name O. Henry.
Though his work earned him an avid readership, O. Henry died in poverty and oblivion scarcely eight years after his arrival in New York. But in the treasury of stories he left behind are such classics of the genre as "The Gift of the Magi," "The Last Leaf," "The Ransom of Red Chief," "The Voice of the City" and "The Cop and the Anthem" — all included in this choice selection. A selection of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.
A classic Christmas story set in the depression. A young wife wants nothing more than to buy a Christmas present for her husband, but all her months of saving have resulted in only a handful of coins. A sweet tale of love and sacrifice.
I Saw Three Ships by Elizabeth Goudge, Richard Kennedy
Published by Brockhampton Press on October 1st 1969
Pages: 71
Goodreads
A special Christmas story from the author of The Little White Horse. Christmas is coming and Polly Flowerdew is bursting with excitement. What will she find in her stocking? Will the Wise Men visit as she has always hoped? Who knows what may happen at this special time of year? In the event, this Christmas isn't like any she has ever known, especially when three ships sail into the harbour. This charming and light-hearted period tale will appeal both to new readers and existing fans of Elizabeth Goudge's work.
I’m reading this one to our 8 year old right now. She’s excited because it’s set in a warm climate, probably the Caribbean, but she like to pretend it’s Australia because they were just learning about Christmas in Australian in her class. It’s an excellent Christmas story full of intrigue and hope. A book full of hope and a happy ending full of Christmas Joy.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (The Herdmans #1) by Barbara Robinson
Published by HarperCollins on April 12th 2005
Pages: 128
Goodreads
Laughs abound in this bestselling Christmas classic by Barbara Robinson! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the outrageous shenanigans of the Herdman siblings, or “the worst kids in the history of the world.” The siblings take over the annual Christmas pageant in a hilarious yet heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds, and six rowdy kids.
Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman are an awful bunch. They set fire to Fred Shoemaker’s toolshed, blackmailed Wanda Pierce to get her charm bracelet, and smacked Alice Wendelken across the head. And that’s just the start! When the Herdmans show up at church for the free snacks and suddenly take over the Christmas pageant, the other kids are shocked. It’s obvious that they’re up to no good. But Christmas magic is all around and the Herdmans, who have never heard the Christmas story before, start to reimagine it in their own way.
This year’s pageant is definitely like no other, but maybe that’s exactly what makes it so special.
My Grandma had this book and would read it to us every year. So not only is it a good, sweet, and funny story, but it’s wrapped up in good memories of my Grandma Thora. Last year I read to it the then 7 year old and she laughed and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Arwen, yes that is her real name, given to her by her parents, is a married 30 something Oregonian farm girl, who oddly enough grew up in Albuquerque. And who really, really, really loves books.
Check out Arwen’s blog, I Love A Good Book, or connect with her on Goodreads
Thank you for the Guest post Arwen!
I hope you guys enjoyed it, what Christmassy books are you reading?
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3 Comments
These sound great!
Thank you for this post! Despite my best intentions, I have accomplished very little Christmas reading this year! These are all great ideas
Glad you enjoyed it. I just finished reading “I Saw Three Ships” to the eight year old and she enjoyed it. It’ll really help give you the warm-fuzzys for Christmas.