The holiday season is almost here, and there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a great book (and maybe a cuppa) to capture the festive spirit. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming tales, laugh-out-loud moments, or enchanting adventures, short books are perfect for this busy time of year. These bite-sized gems deliver the magic of Christmas without requiring a marathon reading session. From timeless classics to whimsical stories and even a touch of mystery, this curated list will make your holidays brighter—and your reading list merrier. So here is a list of short books for your Christmas reading.
1. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
Genre: Fiction, Humor, Holiday | Pages: 177
What if you skipped Christmas entirely? Luther and Nora Krank decide to dodge the festive chaos and escape to the Caribbean instead of decking the halls. But the holidays aren’t so easy to abandon, and their neighborhood’s reaction leads to hilariously unexpected consequences. This sharp and witty novella skewers holiday traditions while celebrating the joy they bring. Perfect for anyone who feels a little frazzled during the season.
2. Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
Genre: Epistolary Fiction, Fantasy | Pages: 211
Step into a magical world with Tolkien’s enchanting letters written to his children over two decades. These delightful notes, “sent” by Father Christmas, recount mishaps at the North Pole—from reindeer stampedes to epic battles with goblins. Filled with Tolkien’s imaginative illustrations, this book captures the wonder and humor of the holidays, making it a treasure for readers of all ages.
3. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Genre: Classic, Holiday | Pages: 120
No Christmas reading list is complete without Dickens’s timeless classic. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on his transformative journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. This elegant edition, featuring illustrations by Arthur Rackham, is ideal for reading aloud by the fire. Its message of generosity and kindness never grows old, making it a heartwarming choice for the season.
4. The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke
Genre: Fantasy, Magical Realism | Pages: 112
This enchanting short story by the author of Piranesi and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a wintery escape into a magical world. Merowdis Scot, a girl with an unusual connection to nature, embarks on a mystical journey in the snow-laden woods. With its gorgeous illustrations and spellbinding prose, this book is a gift to fans of ethereal fantasy and holiday wonder.
5. Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling
Genre: Fantasy, Holiday | Pages: 208
Relive the magic of Harry Potter’s first Christmas at Hogwarts, featuring excerpts from The Philosopher’s Stone and breathtaking illustrations. From the Great Hall’s glittering decorations to cozy evenings in Gryffindor Tower, this book celebrates the warmth and wonder of friendship and family during the holidays. A delightful gift for Potterheads young and old.
6. The Golden Spruce: A True Story of Myth, Madness, and Greed by John Vaillant
Genre: Nonfiction, Environmental Biography | Pages: 272
For those seeking a different kind of holiday read, this gripping true story offers a snowy backdrop of mystery and myth. When a revered 300-year-old golden spruce is felled in a shocking act of protest, it sends shockwaves through the Haida community and beyond. This haunting tale of nature, culture, and human folly provides a thought-provoking counterpoint to the season’s usual fare.
7. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Genre: Mystery, Thriller | Pages: 465
Though not a Christmas or short book, the wintry Nordic setting makes this suspenseful mystery a chilling companion for snowy nights. Journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker prodigy Lisbeth Salander unravel a decades-old disappearance amidst corruption and intrigue. If you’re craving a thrilling, atmospheric read to match the cold outside, this bestseller delivers.
(Also read: Fiction Books Recommendations)
As the snow falls and the lights twinkle, there’s something special about finding a story that resonates with the season. Whether you’re diving into a timeless classic, chuckling at holiday chaos, or losing yourself in a snowy mystery, these books offer more than just words on a page—they’re moments of stillness, wonder, and connection. So, grab a blanket, pour a cup of something warm, and let these stories remind you why this time of year feels a little more magical. Who knows? You might just find a new tradition tucked between the pages.
Enjoy Christmas Reading!
Are there any books that should be banned or censored from public consumption, even if they are considered “must-reads” by some? How do we navigate the fine line between freedom of expression and protecting vulnerable individuals from harmful content?”,
“refusal
The book and the words written inside it are powerless without the reader. It is up to the reader to decide whether to follow them or not. Freedom of expression is basic human right, so anyone can say and write anything they want. But if the reader decides not to pick up the book, then its just paper. As much as I dont like certain books or topics, I dont think banning them is a good idea. That will draw negative publicity and humans being curious by nature, would surely read it.