My Favorite Christmas Novels

It’s Black Friday. People are shopping. Of course my favorite shopping includes books. And now that Thanksgiving is behind us, my books, like my music, will reflect the Christmas season. So here are some of my favorite Christmas reads.

1. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

I first read this book aloud to my siblings on a road trip to Colorado to ski. That was over thirty years ago. I’ve read it to my own kids. We’ve seen various stage productions of it, and my daughter even had a part in one of them. The story still makes me laugh–and cry. It’s a short book. A quick read. Read it aloud once and it will become a family tradition.

2. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I love Dickens, but this one is still totally wonderful in every way. If you’ve never actually read it, you should!

3. How Far to Bethlehem? by Norah Lofts

This is a novel of the wise men and their trip to Bethlehem. Such a unique perspective.

4. Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge

I loved Rene’s “Boo” series, and this was no exception. A quirky town with quirky characters–what’s not to love?

5. The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson

I downloaded this one free last Christmas and fell in love with it. Such a sweet story.

6. A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer AlLee

This one is a brand new release, but I got to read it early. Jennifer AlLee is also the author of The Pastor’s Wife and The Mother Road, two books I love. She has a real knack for creating believable characters in a believable story. And since in this one the hero is a history buff, well then, all the better! 

7. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

So much better than the movie! (Although the movie has its moments.) Loved this one.

8. A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

Ah, Richard Peck. His books are so fun and such quick easy reads. (They are, after all, children’s books!)

There are three Christmas-themed novels I’m looking forward to reading this holiday season: Julie Lessman’s A Light in the Window, Liz Curtis Higgs’s A Wreath of Snow and Amanda Cabot’s Christmas Roses.

Do you look for Christmas novels or novellas to read during the holiday season? Have I missed any of your favorites?