Top 10 Christmas Books

"The best of a book is not the thought which it contains, but the thought which it suggests; just as the charm of music dwells not in the tones but in the echoes of our hearts." Oliver Wendell Holmes. The quote explains the importance of books in our life. It is often said that a room is not complete if there are no books in it. Books are not only a great company but also provide enrichment in all forms. To read is to soar in the sky of imagination and to see the world from a different perspective. It is like a voyage to greater altitudes of knowledge and expertise. Reading book everyday and on every occasion is a great habit but more often than not we chuck books aside the moment there is any greater occasion or festivity. We would rather party than be tagged as boring or dorks by reading. What we don't know, however, is that by reading on festivals such as Christmas, we can make the whole ‘Christmassy' thing more romantic and beautiful. Reading on Christmas could be made a ritual like and it is surely a nice way to spend quality family time together. You could snuggle with your loved ones near the fireplace and read aloud the books based on Christmas. Read on to know the top ten books on Christmas you could read and enjoy.

Best Books On Christmas

10. The Box of Delights - John Masefield
Although the "Box of Delight" is meant for children, it would serve as a delight to the adults as well. A fantasy novel about guarding a "magical box" entrusted to an adolescent will keep you on your toes till the end. The adventures of Kay Harker and his return from boarding school will enchant you till the end. It's a magical read especially if you would like to read to your young children. The wonderful description and amazing narration of different escapades of Harker makes it an interesting read for the Christmas night.

9. The Greatest Story Ever Told- Fulton Oursler
This book says the story of Jesus Christ wherein the author has instilled the New Testament gospels with life, adorning it them with his detailed description. The book has in all ways showed justice to the scriptures throughout, though with a fictionalized narration. The author has succeeded in bringing in the true essence of the benevolent yet powerful Son of God and his mission amidst the political, religious, and social turmoil of the early first century. The book makes a wide appeal and succeeds in conveying the timeless messages.

8. The Gift Of The Magi - O. Henry
This short story makes up for a wonderful read especially if you are reading to your beloved. This story of a husband and wife who go to every extent to buy secret gifts for each other and how they don't hesitate to part away with their most loved possessions to be able to afford a gift is an incredible read. James and his wife Della adore each other and despite the poor economic condition, they go to every extent to buy the Christmas gift for each other. In the fragile economic state of the world, the story will not only act as a pleasant read but will also bring both of you closer.

7. The Crippled Lamb- Max Lucado
Joshua the Lamb is crippled which makes him a loner in the stable. The tale tells how his tears of loneliness turn to joy, however, because of his difference, he gets to be right there when Jesus is born! This is a mix of the classic art with a surprise ending; this tender story will help all children see that God has a very special plan for their lives.

6. The Polar Express- Chris Van Allsburg
This tells the tale of a young boy who on the Christmas Eve goes to the bed only to be a part of magic train called the Polar Express that is going to the North Pole. As the train reaches the North Pole, the boy finds many elves standing there to wave Santa bye for his Christmas trip. The boy finds himself to be lucky to be handpicked by the Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas. Knowing that he could choose from anything, the boy asks for one beautiful sounding bell from Santa's sleigh. The boy places the bell in the pocket of his robe and all the children watch as Santa takes off for his yearly delivery. Later on the train, the boy discovers that the bell has fallen through the pocket. To his surprise, his sister finds a small gift wrapped, hid under the bush the Christmas morning. They find that it is the same bell in the gift box. They both rejoice and keep ringing the bell, listening to its beautiful sound. But their parents can't hear the bell's sound signifying that only the people who believe in Santa could hear the sound.

5. One Wintry Night- Ruth Bell Graham
The story tells how an injured mountain boy, caught in a snowstorm at Christmastime, is taken in by a woman who lives in a log home, the boy's grandfather helped build years before. After the snowbound pair becomes acquainted and the grandfather is notified of the boy's whereabouts, the woman launches into a telling of the Christmas story-beginning with the Creation and ending with the Resurrection. The double-spread Nativity scene truly commands attention, particularly the striking face of the young girl Anna, who has come to see the Christ child.

4. The Christmas Box - Richard Paul Evans
The story is about a young couple, Richard and Keri who accepts the position to take care of a lonely widow, Mary Parkin in her vivacious Victorian mansion. As Christmas approaches, Mary becomes anxious about Richard's obsession with success and failure to make time for the family. Though she urges to reconsider his priorities that he little heeds to until on her dead bed Mary reveals her secret sorrow. There is a strong message of love that lies beneath the story.

3. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Barbara Robinson
It was always the same Christmas story from the Bible been told each year. While Alice Wendleken is always Mary, Elmer Hopkins, son of the minister, is always Joseph every time. But this year that changes. It was when usual director, Ms. Helen Armstrong, broke her leg that housewife Grace Bradley steps up to direct. This is bad news for her children, Beth and Charlie, who are always in the pageant, but never want to be, as well as her husband Bob, who puts his best effort into staying home for the pageant. But only to get things worse The Herdmans (Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Ollie, Claude and Gladys), who are deemed the worst kids in the world, learns about the pageant. The Herdsman show up and get all the leading roles because no one wants to be anywhere near them. During the weeks leading up to the show all of the rehearsals are a disaster. And just as it looks like the pageant would be terrible as well, the Herdmans seem to pull their act together to turn it into the Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

2. How The Grinch Stole Christmas- Dr. Seuss
The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Who-ville's holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday.

1. A Christmas Carol- Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol is one of the finest novels by Charles Dickens and one of the classic and must read for the Christmas. This Victorian morality tale narrates a power-packed story of mankind and its ability to change itself for good. It consists of everything-inspiration, humor, emotions and weaves a story of an old and bitter miser and his profound emancipation. Ebenezer Scrooge is a hoarder of wealth and holds everything non-monetary with scorn. In keeping with the musical analogy of the title, A Christmas Carol, Dickens divides his literary work into five "staves" instead of chapter adding a little humor and music to the work.