My Favorite Fictional Christmas Stories

My recommended story selections for Christmas:

1. The Snowman – Dianne Jackson, Raymond Briggs. (Animated without words with one song, “Walking in the Air,” you can purchase the DVD at Wal-Mart or B&N for less than ten dollars.) It's the story of a little boy who builds a snowman, and overnight the snowman comes to life magically. A relationship develops between the boy and the snowman who whisks the boy away to the north pole to meet Santa Claus. Even though the storyline is simple, it is so well constructed with music, animation, and the clear tones of an English boy's choir, it will touch your heart. A DVD story perfect to share with a youngster, or your inner child.

   This is a very special Christmas story for me. Maybe because it is one I watched with two of my granddaughters every year when they were little. Or maybe because while living in Connecticut, I had the distinct privilege of singing ventriloquially through my little girl puppet, “Walking in the Air” accompanied by the Meriden Symphony Orchestra.

2. A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
   Is anyone not familiar with this story? Hard to imagine. A poor man – with a happy but struggling family that includes a small crippled boy – works for Scrooge, a bitter and parsimonious boss. Scrooge finally comes around to the meaning of Christmas through a dream, or nightmare that becomes the major part of the story. So stinginess, and selfishness give way to generosity and kindness. I like the story not just because of a stingy attitude that transforms into a generous one, it's the journey of how the main character arrives at that altruistic place that makes it so outstanding and such a classic.

3. The Gift of the Magi – O Henry

   Grab your tissue box. This story comes with tears, even with a good ending. Doesn't matter. I still get all soppy, because the gift of each person in this story is sacrificial. It's a level of giving that comes from deep love. A noble and selfless gift makes this a beautiful story.

4. The Other Wiseman – Henry Van Dyke

   Artaban is the fourth wiseman, who carries gifts to the newborn king. However, after he sets off on his journey he feels compelled to stop when he sees others in need, using his gifts for the Christ child to pay to help the needy. All of these good deed delays him. By the time he reaches the stable, the Holy Family have moved to Egypt. The story has a beautiful ending and reinforces the belief that spending time with those we care about, and showing kindness are our greatest gifts.

Enjoy your week,

Judy