I love Wikipedia! Whatever your Christmas reading wishes, you can probably fill them here. This particular site presents lists of literary works which are set at Christmas time, or contain Christmas as a central theme.
Novels
It lists fourteen novels alphabetically by author, ranging from Cecelia Ahern (The Gift) to Anthony Trollope (Harry Heathcote of Gangoil). There are classics by Dickens and a mystery by Agatha Christie, some more like fables and others geared toward children.
Short stories and collections
Short stories and collections are treated the same way. Fourteen are listed in this category, from Hans Christian Andersen (The Fir-Tree) to Kurt Vonnegut (While Mortals Sleep). Again there are mysteries by Agatha Christie, but also by Arthur Conan Doyle. Moving. Emotional themes range the gamut, and I venture to say that things with Christmas themes are often strong on emotion.
Poetry and Nonfiction
Poetry and Nonfiction have fewer offerings, only four, so I’ll mention them all.
- Clement Clarke Moore (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, originally published as A Visit from St. Nick).
- Dr. Seuss (How the Grinch Stole Christmas).
- Anne Sexton (“Christmas Eve”)
- Francis Pharcellus Church (“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”—a newspaper editorial)
This is just one handy list. You can also search for Christmas Traditions, History of Christmas, Mysteries set at Christmas, etc.
If you love Wikipedia, too, you might consider logging on and making a donation of $3, $10, or whatever. They are currently fundraising to keep the site free to the public, and it is the season of giving.
