Christmas 2023 Special: Classic Christmas Books That Every Student Should Read

Christmas 2023 is around the corner, and it is time to frolic. From seeing twinkling lights outside to decorating your Christmas tree at home and settling with a cup of hot chocolate and cosy blanket, the Christmas spirit escapes a few.

For students, while it is time to study for the upcoming examinations next year, there are some Christmas classics that will not only help brush up your English but also give you a break from your usual study schedule.

Here are a few well-known Christmas classics that every student should read:

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

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First published in 1843, A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.

The novel is, in fact, a part of the Class X standard CBSE course structure as well.

The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry

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The Gift of the Magi is a short story about the personal sacrifices we are willing to make for the ones we love.

The book can be read here for free: The Gift of the Magi.

Written by O. Henry and first published in 1905, the story is of a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money.

Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien

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Imagine getting letters from Father Christmas (Santa Claus?) himself every winter time during Christmas. That is exactly what happened to J.R.R.Tolkien's children.

Every December, an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R.Tolkien's children. Inside would be a letter.

The Letters From Father Christmas is thus a collection of letters written and illustrated by J. R. R. Tolkien between 1920 and 1943 for his children from Father Christmas.

The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern

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Written in 1943, The Greatest Gift follows a man named George Pratt who stands on a bridge on Christmas Eve, ready to commit suicide. Before he can jump, an old man approaches him. As George admits to the man that he wishes he was never born, the man tells George that his wish has been granted. Right enough, when he returns to his town, George finds that no one recognises him. It is then that he realises how much he values his life.

This story became the basis for the classic film It¡¯s a Wonderful Life.

A special mention, which may not be a classic book, but a special one indeed, is The Amazing Peace by Maya Angelou. Published in 2005, in this poem, Maya Angelou inspires readers to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world.

Penguin Random House

"So, my dears, I hope you will be happy this Christmas and not quarrel, and will have some good games with your Railway all together. Don¡¯t forget old Father Christmas, when you light your tree.¡±

- J.R.R. Tolkien, Letters From Father Christmas.

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