Here in New Zealand Christmas happens in the summer. I know for those of you reading this in the northern hemisphere this is a crazy concept that makes little to no sense. A NZ Christmas day generally consists of a BBQ of some kind and some of my favourite Christmas memories are of my family going out for a picnic and then playing a massive game of tag (or touch-rugby) afterwards. Neither of these activities sound very traditional though, right? This isn't to say that here in NZ we don't appreciate a good traditional Christmas. We still do trees, our wrapping paper usually has Father Christmas and snow of some kind on it, roasts are usually eaten, midnight services are attended, and Christmas mince pies are a definite high-point (I mean, we are still a part of the Commonwealth - a fact that is never more celebrated than at Christmas time when British sweets and treats start appearing on grocery store shelves).
Sometimes though it does take some effort to get into the traditional Christmas mood (though this year the weather seems to be working for us, the last week has been about as warm as winter). NZ is largely secular and Christmas is seen more as 'something for the kids' rather than a day to celebrate and cherish the entire family. Presents and the drive towards a 'Kiwi Christmas' tends to take over. However, if you are in the southern hemisphere and want to get into the traditional Christmas spirit or if you live in the northern hemisphere and you're just not feeling it yet I have complied a list of books that you can read to get you there!
-Bonus: the Downton Abbey Christmas CD also works (stop judging, I love it more than life itself at the moment)-
Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
For some reason I always find myself re-reading a Dickens book around Christmas time. There's something about the world of his books that just seems to speak to me at Christmas time (in fairness it's probably because they always put mini-series adaptations on t.v. in December). Oliver Twist is my favourite. It's a classic, everyone knows the story about the little orphan boy and his adventures in London. One of the book's main themes is the importance of kindness and charity which seems very apropos at Christmas time.
Hercule Poirot's Christmas - Agatha Christie
A 'cozy murder', a Belgian detective, Christmas. Similar to Dickens, Christie manages to capture a real sense of classic 'Englishness' in the world of her novels that, to me at least, speaks very well at Christmas. If you're not looking for something quite as heavy handed I would recommend Murder at the Vicarage. It's the first book featuring Miss Marple and is a classic.
Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling
Any Harry Potter book. Because sometimes you need an excuse to re-visit.
Little Women - Frances Hodgson Burnett
A Christmas classic that is not set in England (gird your loins!). The first part of the story is set at Christmas time and balances the stress of trying to find the right Christmas present for your loved ones with the importance of charity very well. To be honest, I love this book (minus the ending - remind me to do a post on this, I have so many thoughts) so much that I couldn't not include it.
What are your favourite books to read at Christmas time? Let me know in the comments!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
xo
*This post was not sponsored. Images are not mine, links in text above.
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