Christmas Favorites

We are officially two weeks shy of the winter break, the media center is decked out in garland and twinkling lights (thanks to Mr. B and some media center elves), and Christmas is just around the corner.  At the primary and elementary schools, kids come in asking for Christmas books just after Halloween.  They are excited to get into the spirit of giving (ok - maybe the spirit of receiving), and they are just thrilled when they have that first holiday themed book in their little hands. 

In the high school, we have a tendency to forget that excitement.  We're busy with extracurricular activities and midterm exams - nothing says Christmas like a giant test.  All that said - to spark your holiday enthusiasm, I've compiled my top 5 Christmas books of all time in this week's post.  You are welcomed to comment and add your own favorites or scrutinize my rankings.

5.) - Skipping Christmas by John Grisham - This is probably going to be the only book on this list that some of you don't know.  It was published in 2001, so it is by far one of the newest books on my list.  John Grisham steps about a million miles outside his normal style in this hilarious but touching story about two parents who decide they are just not going to go through the trouble of Christmas one year.  Between the crazy neighbors and the all important Frosty decoration, this book is certainly worth the read. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis star in the movie adaptation, Christmas with the Kranks.

4.) - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson - If you didn't read this one when you were in Elementary school, it's not too late.  I guarantee you will still love it.  This tale of the worst group of kids ever - who "accidentally on purpose" set fire to a neighbor's shed in the first chapter and stick around to watch it burn - will make you laugh and at the same time realize that sometimes the good in people is buried far beneath the surface.

3.) - The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg - I fought with where to put this one on my list.  Part of me really wanted to set it at the number one spot, but I have my reasons for leaving it at number three.  This book won the Caldecott medal for its incredible illustrations that somehow transport you to the North Pole along with the main character.  The recent movie adaptation that has Tom Hanks as the voice of several of the major characters does a great job of capturing the magic of the book as well.  This book reminds everybody why it is important to believe. 

2.) - "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement C. Moore -  This poem has shaped the way we celebrate the Christmas holiday.  According to the Wikipedia article on the poem, prior to its writing, there were very different views about St. Nicholas.  The look of Santa Claus, his preferred method of transportation, and many other aspects of our "traditional" views came from this work which was originally entitled "A Visit from St. Nicholas."  There is some controversy about the actual author of the poem, since it was orginally published anonymously, but Moore traditionally receives the credit.  Whoever wrote it - they have inspired our view of Christmas and the reading of the poem has become a tradition in many homes around the world. 

1.) - A Christmas Carol  by Charles Dickens - This, to me, is one of the greatest novels of all time, so it certainly is deserving of the number one spot among Christmas books.  The book can be read as a tale of redemption, as a strong social commentary, or simply as a fun ghost story - not to mention it has one of the greatest first paragraphs ever written.  "Old Marley was dead as a doornail" - what a way to start a book!  The book has inspired numerous renditions on the stage and screen - everything from Mickey Mouse to Patrick Stewart's now incredibly famous one-man show.  Even people who have never read the book know that being a "scrooge" means that you detest the holiday season.  It's message of compassion represents almost everything that is good about this time of year. 

So that's my list!  Feel free to disagree vehemently.