Every year when the Christmas crazies hit, I promise myself not to get caught up in it all. You know, all the buying, the stressing, the endless eating. I need to stay centered.
For me, reading good books keeps me on the right track. And it doesn’t matter if it’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas or A Christmas Carol. The act of sitting down with a book in hand soothes me and keeps my mind and spirit in the right place.
So I’ve created a short list of my favorites …
#5 Skipping Christmas by John Grisham: I like it. It’s funny. Great little novel to read while traveling or a lite night-time read.
#4 The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Because I read it to my son endlessly when he was only three years old. And he is now 25 years old. *sniff* The illustrations are splendid. The writing, lovely.
#3 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: This one … is spectacular. Please, please tell me you’ve read it to your kids.
#2 The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger. This classic is absolutely gorgeous. Zwerger is one of my all time favorite illustrators. And it’s only $6.99 on Amazon. That’s insane. She also illustrated A Christmas Carol (OOP) and The Nutcracker (which is now on my wish list!).
#1 ~ The Story of the Other Wiseman by Henry Van Dyke: This one makes me cry. Every time. It’s my favorite Christmas read. Such a beautiful story. I love to haunt used books stores all year for this one ~ and every once in a while I score. (Like the vintage copy in the first photo.) But you can buy an inexpensive copy on Amazon if you like. You won’t be disappointed.
Just a few of my favorites.
I’m wishing for a great Advent read. My friend, Kristen, loves God with Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas … comes highly recommended!
And now it’s your turn ~ please share your favorites!
