It’s a pretty straightforward list this week, but we’ve yet to do one: the classic Christmas novels! Some you will definitely know, and some will hopefully come at you a little left-field. But, what are the best classic reads for the festive season that still hold up today? Here we’ll go over five of them in our rundown of some of the greatest.
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We’ll start Christmas with one of the masters: Mr Terry Pratchett himself. As the twentieth novel set in the Discworld, like the many others, it’s not essential to read them all. It’s a fantasy world filled with whimsy and good humor, and this festive entry really is no exception.
In Discworld, it’s not Saint Nick that jumps down people’s chimneys, but an equally jolly fellow who goes by the title of ‘The Hogfather.’ But something’s changed this time round, and now Death has taken his place, delivering the presents. And it’s a race against the clock to get things back in order, otherwise not only will Xmas be cancelled, but the morning and sunlight as well.
As with any Pratchett novel, there’s plenty of good humor throughout, and lots of great satirical stabs at the real world. But it’s his accessibility which makes it so appealing. You don’t have to know the lore (despite there being enough of it for the hardcore fans). It’s a perfect Christmas addition to the already vast franchise.
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Obviously we’re going to pick this, obviously. There’s no clearer signal that the festive season has begun than the sight of a curmudgeonly Michael Caine being surrounded by puppets. And this novel. Obviously.
You all know the score pretty much by now. Ebenezer Scrooge is a miser who won’t pay his staff, even on Christmas, counting every last penny of his riches. He’s alone and miserable. Then on Christmas Eve, three ghosts visit, showing him the error of his ways. Can he change by morning? Will he? It’s up to you to find out…
Anyway, there’s a reason Dickens is one of the greats. People often forget how he extensively documented the times he lived in. Many give Tolkien credit for his world-building, but historians have a lot to be grateful for when it comes to Dickens and his bringing Victorian London to life. Not only that, but he was also able to tell a great story with a strong moral lesson at its heart.
And, in these times of corporate greed, it’s a story that will continue to hold sway for a long time yet.
Agatha Christie – Hercule Poirot’s Christmas (1939)
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Of course it wouldn’t be Christmas without a good mystery (Knives Out notwithstanding). Everyone’s got their family together, so what better way to celebrate it than with a reunion gone horribly, horribly wrong?
Here, Hercule Poirot is called in alongside Colonel Johnson to solve the case of Simeon Lee, a multi-millionaire who’s been murdered on Christmas Eve. Previously threatening to disinherit his four sons, it would seem there’s plenty of motive, but who’s the real culprit here?
Setting a straightforward murder mystery around the open fire, Christie puts Poirot’s skills to the test in another classic case. Filled with twists and turns, Christie does what she does best, keeping the readers on their toes constantly guessing. If you haven’t read it yet (or seen one of the many adaptations), you won’t get it, I promise you.
Jean Shepherd – A Christmas Story (2003)
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So sure, this one might be more about the film, but it remains an American classic, and one that’s tinged with genuinely funny humour that rings true. Originally a part of the 1966 short-story collection ‘In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash,’ it would go on to inspire the 1983 film, which Shepherd would also write, followed by this posthumous novel in 2003.
Filled with nostalgia, this story takes place in Depression-era Indiana, following Ralphie Parker. All he wants for Christmas is an air-rifle, much to the protestations of the adults around him. And he’s determined that Santa will deliver it. That and he wants to see the local bullies leave him alone.
Comprised of autobiographical asides and memories, Shepherd draws from his own life growing up. The comedy is astute, and it really captures the universal experience of growing up, regardless of where you’re from. Even if you only remember the film (as it’s an annual Xmas tradition for many), checking out the book is definitely worthwhile.
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Okay, I know this isn’t really a ‘Christmas novel’ as such, but I wanted to feature it more than anything. And, hopefully start the next ‘Die Hard is a Christmas movie’ debate (we need a change up on that…and it is). Besides, it’s just a good book more than anything.
The story follows the March sisters, Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy, as they grow up, finding their way in the world in New England. Set during the Civil War, they each have their own personalities, hopes, and dreams, as they struggle to survive during troubled times.
So, is it a Christmas novel or not? That’s up to you to decide. There are themes of family and coming together. They’re there for each other, discovering who they really are as they step into adulthood as women. This coming-of-age story, with much of it taking place at Xmas, is a classic of its own genre, let alone the festive season.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A lifelong lover of quality storytelling, Sam grew up in rural England with little else but reading (okay, and some gaming). Starting with Charlotte's Web, he developed a passion for ghost stories and comedy. With his background in narrative and scriptwriting, he writes for Book Notification, providing recommendations both good and not so terrible.