So, maybe you’ve pulled all your hair out, but the shopping is done and behind you, or the shopping hasn’t even started but the hair-pulling has and you’re needing a pill or something to keep the panic back, or you’ve given up completely (gift cards for everyone!). Whatever state of shopping or non-shopping you’re in, I wanted to pause a moment to talk about some of the definitive books for this time of year. There are lists galore on the subject, but here’s my take on a few key standards:
A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens, 1843). By now you’ve seen a movie or kids’ play on this one, so you know the story even if you haven’t read Dickens’ work. Mean, old, killjoy Scrooge is full of bah-humbug, wanting nothing to do with the warmth and gladness of the season. And then he gets visits from three of his ghost pals who have a few things to say about his past, present, and future … Written darker than the story’s message, Dickens’ classic is great for those reading for the beauty of words (as well as the story).
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Dr. Seuss, 1957). This classic story, stressing the non-materialistic meaning of Christmas, is best remembered for its 1966 television special. Yes, movie remakes have been made, but some things should be left alone, as little compares to Boris Karloff’s voicework here. And the scene with Max and the Grinch on that snowy hill … Nothing but belly laughs for me every time. But back to the book itself: Theodore Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss) rhythm and rhyme only enhances the story about a grumpy curmudgeon of a hermit who decides to kill the Christmas vibe by being Reverse Santa Claus. The Grinch doesn’t succeed of course. Now that I think about it, maybe the title should have been: How the Grinch Didn’t Steal Christmas.
The Greatest Gift (Phillip Van Doren Stern, 1943). The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” is based on this work, so it’s likely you know this story, too. Oddly, I don’t. Despite all the touting and repeated airings every Christmas, I’ve never seen “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It’s on my “To Do” list for this holiday. I’m more of book-first-then-movie person, but this will be an exception.
The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Keats, 1962). Not necessarily about Christmas, per se, this award-winning tale focuses on young Peter enjoying the first winter’s snowfall. His excitement and sense adventure are conveyed in simple language any six or sixty-year-old would appreciate. Perhaps some holiday cheer is woven unseen betwixt the text.
“Twas the Night Before Christmas. A Visit from St. Nicholas” (poem by Clement Clarke Moore, 1823). A poem, not a full-length book, but this piece of literature is likely part of a household’s Christmas traditions (usually read on Christmas Eve before the kiddies head off to bed). The work has been revamped into versions reflecting various cultures and remains a holiday staple.
I’m pretty much finished shopping (hair still intact), so I guess I’ll finalize plans to watch “It’s A Wonderful Life,” adding it to my ‘Christmas Binge-watch’ list. The end of the year is my time to detach from Dr. Naomi Alexander (and crew); if only briefly.
Speaking of Naomi, I have the feeling she’ll be doing more reading than ‘binge-watching’ this holiday. She’ll likely be curled in her reading chair, duly absorbed, Glock and ‘bat-phone’ close at hand …
Book three in the series, Broken Benevolence opens with events during the Christmas season—but a warm holiday tale it is not. Look for it in 2019.
Learn more at sfpowellbooks.com.
Happy Holidays!
