The Christmas Spirit: The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2011

Christmas was not celebrated immediately after Jesus's birth, or his death, as some might think. Christians were persecuted in Rome until Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in the 4th century A.D. After this, Christianity took hold and spread across the land. Christmas began being celebrated on December 25 in 336 A.D. In 350, Pope Julius I declared December 25 the official date, and, in 529, Emperor Justinian declared Christmas a civic holiday. Jesus was not actually born on December 25. His birth probably took place in the summer months because shepherds and their flocks (the Nativity story portrays that they were present at the birth) would not have been roaming the hills at night in the winter. The reason the Pope chose December 25 as the official date was an attempt to incorporate the winter solstice festivals important to the cultures of pre-Christian Europe and Asia. Christian leaders wisely believed that the best way to get the pagans to accept Christianity was to include their most deep rooted traditions in to Christian worship and celebration. Here are some popular pagan traditions that still survive today:

The Yule Log--this tradition has very deep pagan roots. The massive logs were burned in winter ceremonies in celebration of the sun. The selection of the log was crucial and included much ceremony because the log started the celebration fires and would last for the duration of the winter festival. To justify this pagan ritual, the Christian church gave it a new significance, that the fire signified the light that came from Heaven when Christ was born. The log was lit on Christmas Eve and left burning throughout the twelve days of Christmas (see below for the tradition behind the twelve days of Xmas).

Greenery--evergreens were revered by pagan people because they could stay alive during the cold dark winters. Considered magical, greenery decorated the inside and outside of houses during the winter solstice festivals. Church officials again justified the continued use of greenery by saying it symbolized Christ, who in his triumph over death gave the gift of everlasting life to the world. The most common Christmas greenery in use today: holly, ivy, mistletoe, and, of course, the most revered Christmas tree.

Mistletoe--this Christmas greenery was actually worshiped in pagan times. Druids and Romans thought it sacred, for healing and as a charm against evil. It was considered a symbol of peace; warring soldiers who found themselves under mistletoe quickly put down weapons and made a temporary truce. Ancient Britons hung mistletoe in their doorways to keep evil away. Whoever entered the house safely were given a welcome kiss--thus the custom of kissing under the mistletoe!

Sitting under the mistletoe
(Pale green, fairy mistletoe)
One last candle burning low,
All the sleepy dancers gone,
Just one candle burning on,
Shadows lurking everywhere:
Someone came and kissed me there.

Tired I was; my head would go
Nodding under the mistletoe
(Pale green, fairy mistletoe)
No footsteps came, no voice, but only,
Just as I sat there, sleepy, lonely,
Stooped in the still and shadowy air,
Lips unseen--and kissed me there.

~Walter De La Mare, 1873-1956

The Origins of Santa Claus (St. Nicholas)--as a young man, became Bishop of Myra while still a teen, earned him the nickname of Boy Bishop. Bishop Nicholas, through courage and generosity, touched the lives of many people, saving many from famine and despair. He founded an orphanage and became known for his love of and wonderful relationship with children. He was imprisoned by the Roman Empire during a time of religious persecution. He was finally reprieved by Emperor Constantine who was developing a softer attitude toward Christianity. Nicholas died on December 6 in approximately 343 A.D. (This day is still celebrated as St. Nicholas's Day in many European countries) Nicholas was very popular throughout Christendom and he was named the patron saint of children, sailors, thieves, hobos, pawnbrokers, and bankers--and also Russia, Greece, and Sicily.

A Poem Suitable for the Season

The merry halls may jingle in the good, old-fashioned way; In merriment we mingle, with the music holding sway. The "Gloria in Excelsis" is sounding everywhere, But, really, 'tisn't Christmas, if Mother isn't there. She hangs a newer halo round the mistletoe on high; A spirit of bravado drew away the weary sigh-- For sorrow is no mistress, and life lets go its fear Amid the joys of Christmas, when Mother, dear, is here. The fire upon the hearthstone lights up with ruddier glow; The laughter is more mirthsome, bubbling forth in frolic flow; The Christ Child truly comes to us, in all His heavenly cheer, If the advent of old Christmas finds mother, also, here.

~William Hopkins ..

Item: Those Inconsiderate Last-Minute Shoppers

Way of women at Christmas puzzles a woman

Why not start list now (December 5) and do your Christmas giving sensibly, with regard to feelings of others, as well as for time, strength, and money? Leaving everything until last minute makes season harder for clerks and spoils holiday!

(Headline of an article in the December 5, 1926 Providence Journal urging procrastinating wives to show a little more thought during the holiday season. The article is accompanied by an illustration of an unnamed acquaintance of the author's who "used to dread Christmas and spent the whole holiday in bed, utterly spent, and with ice-bags at her head and feet.") ..

Item: Pearl Harbor brings a different kind of Christmas

While preparations are going on here, in a mild way to be sure, due to wartime conditions, our little British cousins across the seas have not been overlooked. Old Santa, that kindly bewhiskered man, will pay them a visit through the thoughtfulness of the relief agencies here...Of the many thousands (of) toys of various types and descriptions sent across the seas by Bundles for Britain, most of them are soft dolls and animals made from scraps of materials in the sewing looms...

(The New York Times, December 21, 1941)

Item: The Choice

If Western civilization dies in a rain of nuclear explosions, it will be written in a later day that the tragedy of our century was the inability of man to apply to the problems of peace the genius that loosed a most fearful Armageddon. "Peace on earth," the angels sang 2,000 years ago, but peace today is as tremulous as thin fog at dawn along the shore...Today is a day for happiness...but we shall end by trading that happiness for horror if we cannot recapture the humility, the simplicity, the understanding, the faith, the affection, and the lack of fear that marked the shepherds who saw His tiny fists wave in the lamplight of a stable at Bethlehem.

(From an editorial in the Providence Journal, December 25, 1957)

Item: The Immigrant's Puzzlement

Understanding Santa is troublesome for Laotians on their first American Yule

Khamehanh Chantharangsy was preparing about a dozen of his fellow Laotians for their first American Christmas...They had never heard of Santa Claus...Now that the refugees are in America, he said, "We try to do everything like American...." Khamchanh interpreted [for his friend Xiong Tong]: "He says it is quite strange, quite interesting but quite impossible for this man to penetrate the roof of his house with such a large sack of toys."

(From the Providence Journal, December 24, 1976)

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2011

Welcome to the third year of hosting my Christmas reading challenge! This is the second year that I'm hosting the challenge here at The Christmas Spirit. I've added some fun levels to The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge this year, including additional levels for watching Christmas movies and for reading childrens books for those of you who like to read with your kids. I hope you like the new additions!

Now, on to the details and sign up:

challenge will run from Monday, November 21, 2011 through Friday, January 6, 2011 (Twelfth Night or Epiphany).
cross over with other challenges is totally permitted AND encouraged!
These must be Christmas novels, books about Christmas lore, a book of Christmas short stories or poems, books about Christmas crafts, and for the first time...a childrens Christmas books level!
visit this POST for a list of new Christmas books for 2011. Two books I highly recommend for this season that I have read and reviewed...The Christmas Village by Melissa Ann Goodwin and The Reindeer Keeper by Barbara Briggs Ward (click the titles to read my reviews).
Levels:

            --Candy Cane: read 1 book
            --Mistletoe: read 2-4 books
            --Christmas Tree: read 5 or 6 books (this is the fanatic level...LOL!)
Additional levels:
--Fa La La La Films: watch a bunch or a few Christmas movies...it's up to you!
--Visions of Sugar Plums: read books with your children this season and share what you read
*the additional levels are optional, you still must complete one of the main reading levels above

the most important rule? Have fun!!!
I will have a review linky posted as a page the day the challenge starts. You will find it at the top of the right sidebar.
Sign up in the linky below (link to your post with your reading list...you can change up your list during the challenge...I just want to be able to stop by to welcome you and see what you plan to read).

GIVEAWAY!

All challenge participants in the U.S. will be entered to win a mystery box of Christmas titles handpicked by me (these will be gently used books). I will pick an additional winner from any International participants and I will purchase a book or eBook of your choice under $5.00 (U.S.) from Book Depository or Better World Books and have it shipped to you. I will verify that these retailers do indeed ship free to your country. If they do not, you will have to choose an eBook or I will choose another winner. All challenge participants will be asked to complete a wrap-up post, share it in the wrap-up linky, and include your country of residence with your name to be eligible for the giveaway. If you have any questions, please leave me a comment below.

Grab a button:

Sign Up Linky:

69 comments:

Book Dragon said...: Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor would also be a good one for this...too bad I read it last month. Same with Christmas at Timberwoods.; November 7, 2011 3:01 AM
Book Dragon said...: Thanks for stopping by, I edited my post to add: A Highlander for Christmas

I'll read Christmas stories any time of year :) sound familiar?; November 7, 2011 5:48 AM
mike said...: I can't wait for this Christmas! does the harbour have any Christmas Markets? As i bet that it would be a great location!; November 7, 2011 6:13 AM
Sallyford said...: This is perfect for me as I started reading Christmas books a couple of weeks ago and am now totally in the spirit! I have a stack to work through. Great idea, Thanks so much, Sally @ Enlightenment for the Sleepy xx; November 7, 2011 7:43 AM
Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com said...: I'm in :); November 7, 2011 8:33 AM
Aisha said...: Im so excited i will be doing both the Fa LALAla and Christmas tree levels YAYYAYAYAY i cna't wait for Yuletide cheer to be here!!; November 7, 2011 1:30 PM
Melissa said...: I have been looking forward to this for some time. I am going to be doing both Fa La La La and Christmas tree levels.; November 7, 2011 4:15 PM
raidergirl3 said...: I've joined up.; November 7, 2011 8:04 PM
AlleluiaLu said...: I've been waiting and waiting for this challenge to be posted! Thank you so much for all your Christmas Spirit and for hosting this challenge!

I can't wait to get started...; November 7, 2011 9:05 PM
Risa said...: I'm still debating on whether or not to take part in this challenge. I'd slotted Dickens in for my Christmas reading, but I've just made the decision to keep reading on hold while studying for an exam. This is so tempting though! And I don't want to wait another year before I read the Christmas Carol! Ahhhhhh!

I think I might sign-up, Michelle. I guess, the fact that this running on till after Christmas makes it easier for me. :D I should have a sign-up post up in a day or two!; November 8, 2011 2:50 AM
Sam said...: Thank you for the challenge!; November 8, 2011 5:48 AM
....Petty Witter said...: I'm so excited to find this challenge, many thanks for hosting it. I'm planning on reaching Christmas Tree level with the added extra of some childrens books.; November 8, 2011 8:41 AM
Melissa said...: This sounds like fun!!

♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf; November 8, 2011 8:54 AM
Julie said...: Sounds like a fun challenge! I'll sign up later when I have time to write a post! I'm going to be reading Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett. It's available on NetGalley in case anyone else is interested in it. Also, I have to say thank you for having Baby, It's Cold Outside playing. I love that song!; November 8, 2011 1:11 PM
Silsbee said...: This is a wonderful idea! I'm very excited to be along for the read. :); November 8, 2011 10:02 PM
Melissa Ann Goodwin said...: I'm joining! I always re-read Dickens' A Christmas Carol, so I'll put that down for now, and all of Louise Penny's cozy mysteries take place at Christmas, so I'll add them - I have to go find the names. :-); November 9, 2011 7:51 AM
Leah @ Flying Monkeys said...: I wasn't going to join any challenges until 2012 but yours was too good to resist. Especially when I'd already planned to read A Christmas Carol and we have a Christmas movie marathon every December :) Thank you for hosting!; November 9, 2011 11:40 AM
Erica said...: This is such a great idea! I am signing up for the "Mistletoe" level, as well as the "Fa La La La Films." I'm so excited!; November 9, 2011 12:40 PM
Suzie @nowriggling said...: Great idea! Shall write a quick blog post to put some ideas for titles down on virtual paper! Always re-read A Christmas Carol and have 'Santa - a Life' by Jeremy Seal from the library.Shall be getting the Christmas movies out from the 1st Dec too :-) Suzie (@keatsbabe on twitter); November 9, 2011 3:41 PM
Ryan said...: You know I couldn't resist this one. Can't wait!; November 9, 2011 4:21 PM
brizmus said...: yay! I don't know if I'll participate this year or not - it depends on whether or not I can get my hands on some Christmas books here in Japan, but I'll definitely be watching lots of Christmas movies!
Any movie recommendations?; November 9, 2011 5:41 PM
Cheryl said...: Love your blog, Michelle and I look forward to participating.

Cheryl; November 10, 2011 1:38 AM
Cheryl said...: Proving I should never do anything this late at night, I didn't use the link to my post in the Linky. Here it is:

http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/the-christmas-spirit-reading-challenge-2011/; November 10, 2011 1:57 AM
Regina Hott said...: I'm in too!; November 10, 2011 9:07 AM
Darlene said...: I love all the beautiful Christmas scenes on this blog, Michelle! It is definitely getting me into the Christmas spirit!

I'm aiming to read just one book for myself, but I know I'll be reading a ton of Christmas books with the kids.

Thanks for hosting this seasonal reading challenge!; November 10, 2011 9:25 AM
Wall-to-wall books said...: I'll post about this in a couple days.
Please come join mine - http://wall-to-wall-books.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-in-july-in-december.html

What fun we are all having!
I am going to do the Christmas Tree: read 5 or 6 books; November 10, 2011 11:26 AM
Beverly said...: Can't wait! Thanks for hosting! I am hoping to at least make Mistletoe - bevsharp@desch.org; November 11, 2011 1:05 AM
Risa said...: I seem to be having trouble submitting my link through the linky. So I'm posting it here as well...just in case.:); November 11, 2011 3:59 AM
Nan said...: I've just signed up! The post is here:

http://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2011/11/not-weekend-cooking-but-weekend-booking.html

You have to scroll down just a bit because I combined the announcement with some 'book notes.' I've tried the Mr Linky twice now, with no luck. But I can't see any links past number 22 because the sidebar blocks them. I tried reducing the font but it didn't work. Just want you to know I'm in! And I thank you for offering such a wonderful challenge.; November 12, 2011 11:43 AM
Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews said...: Woohoo! Can't wait to start!; November 12, 2011 2:34 PM
Jenn said...: So excited! Thanks for hosting. :); November 13, 2011 2:05 PM
Tiffany A Higgins said...: Finally got myself signed up! Things have been so crazy around here. I will probably be late in starting, as I am generally late at everything LOL. Here is the link to my reading list for The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge. http://tiffany-a-higgins-book-reviews-news.blogspot.com/2011/11/bag-of-bones-read-long-christmas-spirit.html Thanks for hosting Michelle. I am looking forward to it. :); November 15, 2011 6:46 AM
Susan said...: I'm in...can't resist. Going for Christmas Tree level. Very glad the challenge extends beyond Christmas, since I plan to read the entire Christmas series by Anne Perry.; November 15, 2011 8:24 PM
Stephanie Barko said...: Hi Michelle-

Looking forward to your challenge and just including your bright & shiny energy in my holidays.

Would you do me a favor and send me a link to an edited version of your button? The button I want to post would have your graphics, but
"Holiday" Reading Challenge instead of "Christmas". My following is eclectic and I don't want to leave anyone out.

Thanks so much for all you do.

Your loyal publicist/fan,
Stephanie; November 16, 2011 11:38 AM
The Lit Bitch said...: What a great idea for a challenge :). I was totally not going to do any more challenges this year but I want to read The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig this holiday season so this comes at a very opportune moment :)
Thanks for hosting!!; November 18, 2011 11:59 AM
Joy said...: Hope I did that right.. am I supposed to let you know the books I plan to read ahead of time?; November 18, 2011 5:44 PM
Carole Estby Dagg said...: If I can count books I read to my grandchildren as well as adult books, I should have no trouble reaching the Christmas Tree level!; November 18, 2011 8:03 PM
Bev Hankins said...: I'm in again this year! Really enjoyed it last time.; November 19, 2011 6:56 PM
Sallyford said...: Hi Michelle, I have now posted my reading list ready for tomorrow. Please recommend any other Books! Thanks for running this, I can't wait, Sally xxx; November 20, 2011 10:34 AM
Erin Al-Mehairi said...: I look forward to doing a Christmas one, how fun and thanks for including being able to read with the kids. ;) Yay!! I'll get my pre-post up later this week.; November 21, 2011 12:23 AM
Jillian said...: Thanks so much for hosting this!! It will be fun. :-); November 21, 2011 9:05 AM
Maria said...: Hi Michelle! This is a great idea for a challenge. I almost started one myself! Had a name picked out and everything, but then I found yours!

I want to run out and buy a bunch of Christmas books now!; November 21, 2011 6:34 PM
Anonymous said...: My first reading challenge - what a fun one this is going to be! Thank you for hosting, Michelle!!!
Merry Christmas :); November 22, 2011 4:20 PM
Mary said...: Oops - forgot to put my name on the post - lol.; November 22, 2011 4:22 PM
Jane Harfeld said...: Thank you so much for hosting this brilliant christmas challenge. I will do both the Fa La La La Films and Christmas tree level.
I love Christmas and have already got a huge list of Christmas films to watch now I will make a list of Christmas books too.; November 22, 2011 6:05 PM
busy91 said...: You know Ill be in the Falalala category by default. LOL! Thanks for the suggestions on books. Also thanks for starting it early.; November 22, 2011 7:30 PM
LianneLavoie said...: If we celebrate a different winter holiday can we read books about that instead and still count them? If so I'll definitely participate! I'll go for the Christmas Tree level, only I'll call it the Yule Tree level. :P; November 25, 2011 1:58 PM
Lisa Potts said...: I love a challenge, especially a holiday challenge. I've just recently found your site and wanted to express how wonderful I think it is. I'm all signed up!; November 25, 2011 5:36 PM
naida said...: Sounds like fun, thanks for hosting ;)
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-spirit-reading-challenge.html; November 25, 2011 6:24 PM
ayearofprojects said...: I am too late to participate but I want to wish you all good luck with the challenge :D.; November 26, 2011 4:13 PM
Margot said...: I'm back for my second year of the challenge. Thanks so much for sponsoring it.; November 27, 2011 11:03 PM
Maria Behar said...: Hi, Michelle!

I LOVE this blog, and am now a follower! Christmas is my favorite time of year; I just ADORE everything related to it!!

I found you through Darlene, at Darlene's Book Nook (thanks, Darlene!!), and am so happy to be participating in this challenge!!!

I'm going to be reading at the Mistletoe Level, but that might change, since I usually read a lot of Christmas-themed romances -- whether short stories or novels -- at this time of year. What a shame I didn't know about your challenge last year.... I read quite a few Christmas romances, and reviewed them on my blog...Oh, well...

Now that I HAVE found out about your challenge, I will not fail to join in every year from now on!!

Thanks for your gorgeous blog, and for this fantastic feature!! : )

(BTW, I am also following your other blog, The True Book Addict, which is beautifully-designed as well!); November 28, 2011 11:13 PM
Better is Possible said...: I'm aiming for at least 5 Christmas Books. Ho Ho Ho!; November 30, 2011 2:20 PM
Raine said...: My first time to enter a reading challenge. :D Thanks for hosting too. :D It was a good thing that I decided to add Christmas-themed books in my usual Christmas movies list too. I don't know yet what I'll watch. I usually depend on Hallmark and their specials. :D; November 30, 2011 9:41 PM
Brooke said...: Count me in! Thanks for hosting!; November 30, 2011 10:31 PM
shaunesay said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; December 4, 2011 10:35 PM
shaunesay said...: Checking in with updates for week 1 and week 2. A couple of books so far, and a few movies, one movie to definitely stay away from, unless you just like bad movies that is! ;); December 4, 2011 10:36 PM
Maria Behar said...: Hi, again, Michelle!

Thank you so much for your very nice comment on my Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge post, in which you officially welcomed me to the challenge! I'm very happy to be participating~!!!

Also, you're very welcome for my compliments on your blogs. They're very much deserved, because you've obviously put a lot of work into them, and they are so well designed! I don't enjoy blogs with boring, uninspired design, but yours are anything but!

Here's to a GREAT month of Christmas reading!! And, of course, Merry Christmas!!

(Oh, and thanks for the lovely Christmas music on this blog!)

Maria @ http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com/; December 7, 2011 9:21 PM
Elizabeth said...: Oh, I wish I had found this challenge sooner. I've already ready several Christmas books this year. I would have loved participating in this!; December 10, 2011 5:12 PM
Elizabeth said...: I'm late getting in on this challenge, but Michelle has been kind enough to let me participate even though December is almost half over! I've read a couple Christmas books already & am really enjoying them!; December 10, 2011 8:32 PM
Linda said...: I've been planning to do this one for a while but forgot to link up. I plan to have my first review up this week.; December 11, 2011 6:53 PM
Elizabeth said...: Sorry, but I have to quit this challenge!; December 13, 2011 7:54 PM
Michelle @ The True Book Addict said...: So sorry to hear you have to quit. =O( Hope nothing is wrong.; December 13, 2011 8:03 PM
Joy said...: Well I have watched several movies now and also read three Christmas titles. I will keep going,Hallmark channel is free this month for us and I am off work right now due to back surgery...sigh..; December 15, 2011 10:17 PM
Cynthia said...: I have listed 2 novels so I guess that puts me at the Mistletoe level :) and here to wish everyone a happy and joyful holiday season.

Be well and Brightest Blessings,
Cynthia; December 20, 2011 9:13 AM
Maria Behar said...: Hi, Michelle!

I have just posted my second review for the challenge, and am currently in the middle of my third book. Oh, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this challenge!! That's because I ADORE Christmas!!!!

I'm SO happy that you have this blog going all year long!! It will be my haven throughout the coming year, when life gets a little too tough, and my spirits plummet...

THANK YOU FOR THIS BLOG!!!!! : ); December 22, 2011 4:06 PM
Joy said...: Do we have a linky for posting tomorrow since the challenge ends then or should we just post our reading results whenever? Thanks for the fun challenge and contest.; January 5, 2012 8:06 PM
Maria Behar said...: Hi, Michelle!

I have really enjoyed this challenge, and am looking forward to participating again this year!! Now I have a question. When are we supposed to plubhish our wrap-up post, and where do we link it up?

Guess that'll happen after the challenge is over...but I was just wondering!

Happy New Year, and Merry Christmas all year 'round!!! YAY!!! : ); January 5, 2012 10:49 PM
Charla said...: Hi, I was not sure where to post the wrap up post, so I am posting it here:
http://booktalkswithcharla.blogspot.com/2012/01/christmas-reading-challenge-2011-wrap.

Thanks so much for hosting this challenge. I loved it!; January 6, 2012 9:00 PM

Welcome to my Christmas Blog!

I am a true Christmas fanatic! I start planning for Christmas around the first of September, but I pretty much think about it all year long. When the Christmas season is over, I am always very sad and I remain that way for a while. I keep the spirit year round, but I really start thinking about Christmas in July. Why you ask? Because it's Christmas in July, of course! What I love the most about Christmas are the feelings of good will and peace that are the message of Christmas. I try very hard to keep this kind of spirit all year long--hence the name of the page.

Other things I love about Christmas: the historical background, the poetry, the books, the movies and the music, music, music! So WELCOME to my blog. Take a look around and see what you find. I will be blogging about Christmas books, movies, recipes, and all matters of Christmas whatnot. I hope you enjoy your time here! Also, be sure to check out my main blog by clicking this button:

If you have a Christmas book, movie, or product you would like me to review, please contact me at truebookaddict@gmail.com

GRAB THE BUTTON!

The Christmas Spirit: Christmas year round

Favorite Christmas Places

Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world.

Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them, for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happens on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins, as have the malady in less attractive forms. His own heart laughed; and that was quite enough for him.

He had no further intercourse with Spirits, but lived upon the Total Abstinence Principle, ever afterward; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every One!

from A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY CHARLES DICKENS, 1812-1870

Christmas Morning

Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise, and slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guide-book for any pilgrim going the long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke, to rummage and find their little books also,--one dove-colored, the other blue; and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day.
..
from LITTLE WOMEN BY Louisa May Alcott, 1832-1888

The Magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are the wisest. Everywhere they are the wisest. They are the Magi.
..
from THE GIFT OF THE MAGI BY O. Henry

Home for Christmas

This is meeting time again. Home is the magnet. The winter land roars and hums with the eager speed of return journeys. The dark is noisy and bright with late-night arrivals--doors thrown open, running shadows on snow, open arms, kisses, voices and laughter, laughter at everything and nothing. Inarticulate, giddying and confused are those original minutes of being back again. The very familiarity of everything acts like shock. Contentment has to be drawn in slowly, steadyingly, in deep breaths--there is so much of it. We rely on home not to change, and it does not, wherefore we give thanks. Again Christmas: abiding point of return. Set apart by its mystery, mood and magic, the season seems in a way to stand outside time. All that is dear, that is lasting, renews its hold on us: we are home again....

from HOME FOR CHRISTMAS BY Elizabeth Bowen, 1899-1973

Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no! We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here! We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny f***ing Kaye! And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse!

Clark W. Griswold in "CHRISTMAS VACATION"

Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspision love actually is all around.

~Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) IN "LOVE ACTUALLY"