Can we start a Christmas books thread?

[ConstantlyCooking]

Last year, thanks to a lovely Christmas reading thread, I was able to add Solstice and various Trish Ashley books to my seasonal reading list. I was hoping to find some more.
I usual read:
A Christmas Carol
A Season to Remember- Sheila Flanagan
How Far to Bethlehem- Norah Lofts
Little Woman
A Little House on the Prairie book which features Christmas eg theLong Winter
Christmas Agatha Christies
The Spanish Lover - Joanna Trollope (the opening chapter has a great Christmas scene)
I am sure there are others. I like the idea of something which is mainly about Christmas or set at Christmas or in deep winter.

I am sure there are other books I re-read but I am on a train and can't check my bookshelves.

[TrickyD]

I bought 'Driving Home for Christmas' having seen it recommended in MN. If anyone else is considering it, don't bother. Poorly written, dull and predictable.

[bedelia]

The Giant under the Snow was marvellous! Led me on to some other, less christmassy books (Tom's Midnight Garden, Moondial, and all of the Unfortunate events books...).

Finished The Snow Child this morning, which was wonderful!

Now looking for another festive read with a touch of magic, or wondering whether to re-read A Winter's Tale...

[PreemptiveSalvageEngineer]

A child's book that we love is A Wish For Wings That Work by Berk Breathed (the guy who did the Bloom County comics). Great story, about how maybe Father Christmas might not bring you what you ask for, but ... well, I won't spoiler.

[FinnFamilyMoomintroll]

Yes! Elizabeth Goudge! Stupid autocorrect on phone, sorry

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Do you mean the Herb of Grace by Elizabeth Goudge, Finn?

I had forgotten Winter Solstice - thanks for reminding me - I will put it on my Christmas reading list.

[FinnFamilyMoomintroll]

The Herbert of Grace by Elizabeth Gordon is a great one for this time of year - its a wonderful book on its own merits bit the whole end part it set around Christmas with the last chapter on Christmas Day. It's a great comfort read I think.

Also Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilchard is a fantastic one and super Christmassy.

[ConstantlyCooking]

My box from book people has arrived so I am looking forward to work tomorrow so I can read on my commute

[OpheIiaBaIIs]

Haunting
Chilling
Mysterious

Lots available from other sellers too

[OpheIiaBaIIs]

I bought DH the Mysterious/Chilling/Haunting Tales books from Amazon and eBay for Christmas a few years ago - he had talked about them fondly for years as he'd had them when he was a child. He got quite emotional when he unwrapped them I've seen them available on both since, they can usually be found used for pennies plus postage.

Ivy I'd say they were mildly creepy, in a sort of comforting way iyswim. Might be fine for DC - DD read first them when she was 8 or 9, DH the same. I love them!

[boo2410]

This is a kids book that takes 5 minutes to read but I still love it and the illustrations are lovely - Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Don't read it much now as my son is 13 but when he was little and I read the bit about Stick Lady Love (Stick Mans wife) he used to squirm and get all embarrassed, I loved it when he did that so I used to say it all the more. Buffalo Child is Christmassy too.

[Taytocrisps]

I've my eye on an illustrated hardback version of 'The Nutcracker' in my local book shop.

[GingerIvy]

Thanks - I'll have a look around.

[mogloveseggs]

ginger its great I've had it since i was about 10. Looks like they're not reprinting though

[BarbaraofSeville]

Watching for ideas. I'll also second the Skipping Christmas suggestion, although I was disappointed with the ending.

[GingerIvy]

mog I like the look of the Mysterious Christmas Tales book. I know it says "teenagers" on it, so probably not best to let dcs read it, but it is the kind that will creep me out (which is okay) or have me glancing furtively every few seconds at the Christmas tree (which may not be okay)?

[Andbabymakesthree]

Letters from father Christmas ( Tolkien)
Children have it on audio!

[FreeButtonBee]

Found the short stories!

Irish Christmas stories edited by David Marcus

And. A literary Christmas - an anthology (British library)

[FreeButtonBee]

And I bought this one lastvyear! Haven't read it yet but looking forward to it

[FreeButtonBee]

Mystery in white is one of the reissued British museum crime thrillers. And very enjoyable. I have a wonderful book of Christmas short stories but I thrill it's in the Christmas box not on the bookcase - but worth looking or for as you can dip into them

[SatsukiKusakabe]

Tolkien's Letters to Father Christmas.

Love Holly and Ivy.

Was rereading My Antonia recently and that had a lovely christmas on the Nebraska prairie scene in it.

Christmas Carol

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Ooh - I forgot The Christmas Factor by Annie Sanders.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Christmas at the Comfort Food Cafe, by Debbie Johnson - it's the sequel to Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe, but I think it would stand on its own.

Jenny Colgan has written Christmas books in a number of her series - the Sweetshop series, the Cupcake Cafe, the Little Beach street bakery.

I've got Christmas at the Little Village Bakery by Tilly Tennant to read - can't say yet whether it is good or not.

Debbie Macomber has written some Christmas books too - they are set in America. So is Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer.

Julia Williams has written a couple of Christmas books - I have read them but ages ago, so can't remember too much about them.

Following this thread, I am definitely going to reread the Dark Is Rising books, and the Box of Delights (and I will watch that on TV too).

[BonusNewt]

As others have said Children of Green Knowe and the Dark is Rising. I also often re-read A Country Child by Alison Uttley - it has two chapters about the build up to Christmas and Christmas day, and is incredibly descriptive and evocative.

[mogloveseggs]

I have this. Looks like it might not be in print anymore though

[bedelia]

Thank you Ophelia, I'll try our local branches. It still surprises me that such great reads can be found in Poundland!

Can anyone provide a link to the Christmas Mysteries books? I've tried searching but nothing seems to be what you're all describing either that or I'm more sleep deprived than I thought!