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SALT LAKE CITY -- One of the best ways I get into the Christmas spirit is by books. There is something about the written word that can't be compared by anything else. A carefully written story, like Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol," can inspire me to become more giving, or Dr. Seuss' "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" can help me remember that the holiday season isn't just about the presents underneath the Christmas tree. Here are 10 novels in no particular order that I'm sure you will enjoy.
1. "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
This classic novel follows Ebeneezer, an old mean grinch who despises Christmas. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by three heavenly beings: the ghost of Christmas past, the ghost of Christmas present and the ghost of Christmases yet to come. During the night, Ebeneezer discovers who he has become through a journey of a lifetime that will influence readers of all generations to maintain the meaning of Christmas all year long.
2. Forgotten Carols by Michael McLean
Throughout Constance's life, she has followed her parents' orders to the letter. There was no better obedient child than Constance. After her mother's death, she becomes an obedient nurse at a local hospital, much to the dismay of the patients. But then her supervisor asks her to look after an old patient who teaches her a lesson of a lifetime.
3. "The Christmas Box" by Richard Paul Evans
Rick, Keri and their 4-year-old daughter accept a job as live-in caretakers for the widow Mary, who has become very ill. This job opening came at the right moment because Christmas is just around the corner and finances have been very tight for the young family. What begins as just a business relationship soon develops into something greater as the young family realizes what it means to accept the greatest Christmas gift ever.
4. “The Christmas Sweater” by Glenn Beck
Eddie and his mom have been experiencing financial hardships lately. However, Eddie still maintains a hope that Santa will not forget him this year and give him a brand new bike. When Christmas morning comes, however, all that is under the tree is an “ugly homemade sweater” his mom made. After her son's rejection of the present, his mom dies from a broken heart.
5. “The Life of Our Lord” by Charles Dickens
This novel is perhaps one of Dickens' lesser known works. Dickens wrote this story at the end of his life for his children relating the life of Jesus Christ. He begins the novel with “My Dear Children” and proceeds to speak directly and gently to his young audience, speaking with reverence about a life that has influenced mankind for centuries.
6. “Autobiography of Santa Claus” by Jeff Guin
In this charming tale, Santa Claus writes this autobiography for the whole world to read. His tale begins at the very beginning: Saint Nicholas (as he was known way back in the day) was born in a Middle Eastern country to wealthy parents who died when he was very young. He soon became an orphan but due to the generosity of the townspeople of Lyria, he develops the well-known ability to give gifts to children. In this wonderful novel, Santa Claus tracks his life over centuries, revealing details of how he met his wife, the story of Rudolph, and any other important story that has been told about Santa Claus.
7. “The Mansion” by Henry Van Dyke
This short story is a favorite of President Thomas S Monson. He recounts the story as follows:
“John Weightman wanted the best of everything. He surrounded himself with beauty and riches, and was very careful with how he spent his money. No pennies in beggars hats, he liked to say. Until one night he dreamed that he died. … Finding himself with a group of travelers dressed in white, John joins them on their journey to the Celestial City where each individual will be rewarded with a mansion based on treasures set aside. Thinking that his mansion will be the most grand, John Weightman learns what it truly means to lay up treasures in heaven.”
8. “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
This short story is a wonderful classic about sacrifice between a recently married couple. She only has a dollar and a few pennies, he only has his pocket watch that is a family heirloom. Yet, they still desire to give each other a Christmas present. In their attempts to find worthy Christmas gifts for each other, they realize the best gift of Christmas is what they already have given: their love.
9. “The Ultimate Gift” by Jim Stovell
Red Steve was a millionaire. He gained everything a person would want but lost and ruined what should have been valued most: his family. As his last will and testament is read, his various companies and estates were being divided up among his greedy prosperity. Except for his great-nephew, Jason. In a final attempt to make amends, Red Steve tries to teach Jason specific gifts that show what life is really about. Each month, Jason receives a new assignment, and each month he needs to complete the assignment in order to qualify for the long anticipated ultimate gift.
10. “Christmas Jars” by Jason F Wright
It's Christmas Eve, and Hope is quietly grieving the death of her adoptive mother when her apartment is robbed. But when she almost gives into despair, she discovers a jar of coins left on her doorstep. Her reporter instincts kick in and Hope goes on a journey to find the source of the donor, only to discover a story that requires her to learn more about herself and the spirit of giving.
Lauren Zachary is a recent graduate from Southern Utah University with an English degree. She works at a local library.
