Saturday Read: Classic Christmas Stories!

With exams and packing this week, I have to be honest, I’ve had little time to read. But, I have been getting myself into the holly, jolly season that is Christmas and thinking about my favorite Christmas stories! Sure, most of them have been turned into movies, but it’s the books (and memories of curling up next to the big tree to read ‘em) that really make me happy this time of year.

By Alex

I’ve compiled a list that will hopefully get you thinking of fond memories from your younger years and maybe even help you find a new favorite! I know that they are mostly children books, but isn’t Christmas all about being a kid again?

1. The Jolly Christmas Postman
This one was always SO much fun. The Postman books have pages with pockets full of fun things like letters and puzzles. Basically, it tells the story of a Postman who delivers various Christmas letters, cards and packages, and the readers get to play with their own version of each one! I have such fond memories of this one and could spend hours leafing through the novelty letters. Even now.

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Everyone knows the Grinch! The Hollywood movie featuring Jim Carrey is eons more popular, but the classic is really where it’s at. Dr. Seuss is a genius in the realm of children’s stories and his take on Christmas is just as fun as all his other work! Maybe compliment this one with a viewing of the television cartoon special?

3. The Polar Express
Another one that’s been made into a movie. The Polar Express was originally published over 25 years ago but is still going strong. It tells the story of a young boy who gets to ride an old-fashioned train to the North Pole to meet the big man in red, aka, every child’s dream! I can vividly remember reading this one and ringing the bell that came with it. Sigh. So good.

4. The Night Before Christmas
Absolutely the #1 Christmas classic of all time. I think it’s safe to say that everyone can recite at least a part of this one (“and all through the house…”)! This is still my favorite Christmas story, even though I’m twenty. Yeah, I said it. Fun fact: I bet you didn’t know that this one was originally published in 1823. That’s close to 200 years ago! This has clearly stood the test of time and will continue to thrill families for years to come.

There’s not much to do on Christmas day after you stuff your face and open all your presents, so dust off those Christmas classics and take a trip down memory lane. Then text all your friends and tell them what you raked in this year.