Gifts that last

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Dare I admit that I identify with Ebenezer Scrooge? It’s easy to wallow in selfishness or turn a blind eye to others’ needs. He reminds me of my own shortcomings. But I cry happy tears when he sheds his dark ways and chooses a new life. This is one of my favorite books. Reading level: Young adult +

How The Grinch Stole Christmas Giggle and grimace as you turn the pages and follow the Grinch’s plot to ruin Christmas. Then laugh and let your heart grow along with the Grinch’s when he discovers Christmas is not about presents, decorations, and stuff. Reading level: Early readers +

The Crippled Lamb, by Max Lucado. This touching picture book captures the loneliness of a crippled lamb, excluded from the flock, who learns God has a special place for those who feel left out. The sweet message crosses all generations. Reading level: Middle grade +

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson. The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, and swear. When these outlaw kids take over the annual church Christmas pageant, they cause havoc for everyone, but they lead the town in finding the true meaning of Christmas. Entertaining for all ages. Reading level: Upper middle grade +

Skipping Christmas, by John Grisham. Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip the frenzy and high cost of Christmas and plan to enjoy a Caribbean cruise. However, friends and neighbors lash back when they cancel Christmas parties and refuse to put up a tree and house decorations. The Kranks stumble through the season to discover a better way to celebrate Christmas. This inspired the movie, “Christmas with the Kranks.” Reading level: Young adult +

The Gift of the Magi, by O Henry. Published in 1905, this short story continues to grab hearts by the ironic plot twist at the end. Self-sacrifice is the greatest love. This has been republished in numerous anthologies, picture books and ereaders. Reading level: Young adult +

The Christmas Miracle of Johnathon Toomey, by Susan Wojciechowski. This beautiful picture book captures all ages and includes a touch of romance. Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle. Reading level: Middle grade +

The Daze Before Christmas, by Laurie Germaine. Struggling artist Gwynn Sadler escaped a teenage tragedy nine years ago. Then an unsettling encounter with a jolly old gentleman three weeks before Christmas triggers a hasty return to her mountain roots, where she collides with her former crush and wrestles the dark secrets in her past. Young Adult Christmas romance and intrigue

 Tinself in a Tangle by Laurie Germaine. After accidentally destroying Santa’s gift reserves, Tinsel, a Christmas elf, has to muck the reindeer stalls for Santas’s hotshot grandson, Niklas. She’s desperate to redeem herself, but mischievous reindeer and Niklas make it difficult. Young Adult Christmas romance.

Tinsel in a Twist, by Laurie Germaine. Tinsel, a Christmas elf, loses her job caring for reindeer and learns that Krampus, Santa’s enemy, plans to takeover Christmas. Since she is gifted with reindeer language, Tinsel travels to find the Silver Reindeer in order to save Christmas and redeem herself. However, she runs into danger and heartbreak. Young adult Christmas romance.