Snow-laden pine trees and roaring fires in the hearth may seem stereotypical, but I tend to think of them as archetypal. Those images open a door in our psyches, and give us access to our primeval memories. The best fantasy novels do the same thing. Here’s a list of books with winter/Christmas/solstice themes. Purchase some for gifts, make a new holiday tradition by reading to your family, or revisit a childhood favorite. And after you gather up that last scrap of wrapping paper on the 25th, there are still 11 more days of this traditional holiday to linger with a good story.
Kringle – Tony Abbott
Yes, that Kringle – you may know him as Father Christmas or Sinter Klaas. This is the imaginative tale of his childhood in post-Roman Britain, replete with goblins, elves, and marauding Norsemen. Abbott interweaves snippets of old tales and traditions, and (of course) includes the flying reindeer.
The Dark is Rising – Susan Cooper
Will Stanton, the seventh son of a seventh son, celebrates his birthday on Dec. 21st by discovering he is last of the Old Ones. This classic tale of the eternal struggle of Light and Dark depicts Will’s search for ancient symbols amid a gathering winter storm. Author Cooper’s poem, The Shortest Day is a welcome addition to any Solstice celebration.
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
The story that helped shaped our “modern” view of Christmas is first and foremost a Victorian fantasy. Spectral visitors and dream journeys are woven through this well-loved redemption story. Try out the film version starring George C. Scott (A Christmas Carol) and the musical with Albert Finney (Scrooge).
The Wind in the Willows – Kenneth Grahame
Without ever mentioning the word “Christmas”, the chapter entitled Dulce Domum evokes the pleasures of deep friendship, convivial company, turning meager supplies into an abundant meal, and the strong call of home. This chapter is also available as a stand alone picture book (A Wind in the Willows Christmas), illustrated by Michael Hague.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis
Lewis’ image of a fawn carrying parcels and an umbrella in a wintry landscape gave birth to this first Chronicle of Narnia, and lives on in countless readers’ minds. The four Pevensies find themselves in the land where it is “always winter, but never Christmas” and learn that “Aslan is on the move”.
Hogfather: A Novel of Discworld – Terry Pratchett
Hogswatch is a combination of Winter Solstice, Christmas, and the Scottish New Year (Hogmany), celebrations all interwoven with the very oldest magic. Things go seriously awry when the Hogfather mysteriously disappears and another anthropomorphic personification (the one with the hooded robe, scythe, and hourglass) enlists his own human granddaughter to insure that the sun will come up the next morning.
Wintersmith – Terry Pratchett
Part of the witches’ cycle of Discworld novels, this Pratchett book is aimed at younger readers but can be thoroughly enjoyed by all who love his trademark humor and insight into human nature. Tiffany Aching, courted by Spirit of Winter himself, must use her nascent witching skills to restore the cyclical turns to the Dance of the Seasons, thereby saving her village and the lambs under her care.
A Traveller in Time – Alison Uttley
Based on night dreams the author had as a young girl, this tale is hard to find, but well worth the search. Penelope Taberner moves seamlessly between the 16th and 20th centuries and relives the sorrows of the captive Mary Stuart. The last two chapters are lovingly-told descriptions of the preparations and revelry of an Elizabethan manor house during the Christmas season.
(This post originally appeared on the website Buy Books for the Holidays, hosted by book blogger, My Friend Amy)
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