Christmas is the perfect time to snuggle up beneath the blankets or next to an environmentally friendly peat fire burner and enjoy a good read. Reading is also a good way to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of a busy home during the festive period.
We asked staff at CityLibrary for their favourite Christmas books and got some great recommendations.
“‘Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.’
Spot on'”
“This book is basically the song with pictures, I always have trouble remembering all of the rhyme but my kids love shouting FIVE GOLD RINGS !!!!!”
Box of Delights by John Masefield*
“The wolves are running and the evil Abner Brown and his gang are on the prowl. They’re after a magical box, but Kay has it, and he’ll fight to keep it”.
“I don’t read during Christmas, busy enjoying relaxing/socialising with friends and families”
“A festive murder mystery full of family intrigue. A bit like my own dysfunctional family, except more lethal”.
Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
“Shows Father Christmas in an interesting and humorous light and has elements for both kids and adults.”
Hogfather by Sir Terry Pratchett*
“It’s an entertaining look at Christmas and winter traditions through the distorted lens of Discworld, and features Death (tall chap, hood and scythe) being forced to take on the role of Father Christmas/The Hogfather while his granddaughter sorts out the world”.
‘Twas the night before Christmas
“It was a gift for my daughter and is beautifully illustrated” says one member of staff; “because it rhymes” says another.
“The short story The Dead IDK if it takes place at Christmas but there is a party and it has a very evocative scene where a character watches snow falling from the the window.”
“Reminds me of Christmas”
“Just because”
“The Christmas spirits reminding us all of Christmases past, why we should enjoy the present and to help people in need. The amazing change in Scrooge and how it made life better for everyone around him”.
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
“These short stories are quick reads in between meals that never fail to leave me in stitches”.
“A most spooky collection. Spine chillingly good, like a cool slushie”.
“Love the lines about Christmas ‘On þe morne, as vch mon myneȜ þat tyme, joy reigns in every dwelling in the world“.
“I have heard the Christmas story as told in the Gospels every year for many years in church, and I like the familiarity of it”.
“I used to do it in school, taking advantage of the two weeks off. Now I don’t always do it, but I always feel Christmas as Harry’s time”
*All books with asterisks are held by our friends in Islington Libraries. Anyone from City can join with a valid City card.
This year (2017) the Northampton Square Library will be open 27th – 29th December 10 am – 6 PM for self-service and reference only use. Check Library Services website for more information on library opening times.
What’s your favourite holiday reads? Tell us in the comments below.