Christmas-themed books come in many different flavors, from Jean Shepard’s humorous Christmas musings that were the basis for A Christmas Story movie to Chris Van Allsburg’s classic children’s book, The Polar Express, and so many more. The following are mini reviews of Christmas- or holiday-themed books that I’ve that I’ve read or listened to with my gingerbread cookie rating (1-5 cookies). Keep coming back as this alphabetical list will continue to grow and grow! These mini reviews are merely meant to give you my opinion on the book. I won’t completely dissect them in order to preserve the reading experience for you. They are likely available wherever books are sold or lent (e.g., Barnes & Noble, your local library, etc.).
Our latest book review!
Christmas in America by Penne L. Rested
Christmas in America by Penne L. Restad is a fascinating academic look into the origins of Christmas and its traditions in the U.S. Restad, a lecturer in American history at the University of Texas, examines the most popular traditions from Santa to Christmas trees to how we celebrate the holidays today.
While sections of the book can be heartbreaking (e.g., how the holidays were recognized by owners and their slaves in the 1800s), Restad moves sensitively through these topics while examining in detail so many of the traditions we know and love today. I highly recommend it for any Christmas enthusiast.
You can find the book online either in paperback or hardback via all the usual platforms as well as online used bookstores for as little as $10. Well worth the price!
My Gingerbread Rating (out of 5)
C
Christmas in Plains by Jimmy Carter
Former President Jimmy Carter published a wonderful holiday memoir in 2001 in which the one-time peanut farmer walks us through his Christmas memories from early childhood to his time in the White House and beyond. From the simplest celebrations in his childhood home to his time in the Navy to the elaborate decorations in the White House, President Carter’s heartfelt holiday memories come alive for the reader in this brief (155-page) but engaging memoir, which was illustrated by his daughter Amy.
Included in the book are descriptions of simple gifts he gave and received as a child (e.g., a homemade broomstick) to his uncle Earl Carter’s “famous” recipe for eggnog. And finally, he saves the best for last with memories of his favorite Christmas.
My only issue with the book, and it’s a big one, is that it’s too short. I would have loved to hear more detail about his various traditions, specific holidays, and how they came up with the White House holiday themes each year. But I still enjoyed this well-written and engaging read.
My Gingerbread Rating (out of 5)
Christmas in America by Penne L. Rested
Christmas in America by Penne L. Restad is a fascinating academic look into the origins of Christmas and its traditions in the U.S. Restad, a lecturer in American history at the University of Texas, examines the most popular traditions from Santa to Christmas trees to how we celebrate the holidays today.
While sections of the book can be heartbreaking (e.g., how the holidays were recognized by owners and their slaves in the 1800s), Restad moves sensitively through these topics while examining in detail so many of the traditions we know and love today. I highly recommend it for any Christmas enthusiast.
You can find the book online either in paperback or hardback via all the usual platforms as well as online used bookstores for as little as $10. Well worth the price!
My Gingerbread Rating (out of 5)
F
Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
In this unique holiday-themed children’s book, Raymond Briggs uses whimsical illustrations, no text, to capture Santa during his most important night of the year. You’ll find a Santa in this wonderful story that can get a bit grumpy at times as he toils away up at the North Pole, but also one that is endearing and sweet. Briggs’ amazing illustrations are the centerpiece of this story as we follow the big guy on his Christmas eve travels across the globe with his dedicated reindeer in tow. I loved this book as a child, loved sharing it with my kids, and love looking through it today when Christmas rolls around each year. And if you love this one, don’t miss the sequel, Father Christmas Goes on Holiday, as well as his other, The Snowman and Fungus the Bogeyman.
My Gingerbread Rating (out of 5)
H
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
One of my favorite holiday-themed book has become quite the Christmas classic in David Sedaris’ short story collection called Holidays on Ice. Featuring hilarious travails of his time as a Macy’s Department Store elf and other brilliant holiday humor, Sedaris brings his unique narrative style to the holiday season in this must-read book. And truth be told, I’d highly recommend the audio book as Sedaris himself acts as the reader of this holiday classic and makes it all the more funnier as a result. Frankly, I’ve never read a David Sedaris book because I always listen to him read it, which is so much funnier in his unique voice. The printed or audio book is available where all great holiday books are sold, available as a download from Audible, and likely available at your local library.
My Gingerbread Rating (out of 5)
W
Wishin’ and Hopin‘ by Wally Lamb
A delightful holiday tale filled with interesting and lively characters set against the backdrop of 1964 and the fictional St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School.
The tale follows the antics of Felix Funicello as he, and his schoolmates, work to make their December holiday program a success for the entire community.
Lamb weaves a wonderful tale filled with eclectic characters in a book that’s now taken its rightful place amongst my other cherished Christmas books.
My Gingerbread Rating (out of 5)
Check out our Christmas- or holiday-themed mini movie reviews as well, which come with my gingerbread cookie rating (1-5 cookies) as well as a link to various websites that can tell you whether they think the movie is appropriate for you and your family. I also provide a review of each movie’s soundtrack, if one was released.
