A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5338.A_Christmas_Carol_and_Other_Christmas_Writings?from_search=true

My first title for this list was by Dickens and it shouldn't come as a surprise that he will be finishing this list for us as well. Most everyone who celebrates Christmas has seen some film or television version of this classic tale. Many even have a favourite, identified by the actor portraying the all important role of Ebeneezer Scrooge: Patrick Stewart, Jim Carrey, Michael Caine, Tim Curry, maybe even Scrooge McDuck. 

Alastair Sim will always be my favourite Scrooge

As much as these versions may differ, the story at their heart is always the same - a cruel miser is visited by three spirits and is transformed into a generous, caring old man. Tiny Tim is saved and Bob Cratchit's family raised from the depths of poverty. Stories filled with Christmas spirit, generosity, forgiveness are found throughout. Dickens' tale has come to be practically synonymous with the meaning of Christmas. 

No matter how many versions you have seen, it's worth reading the book at least once. It's not very long, but the language and detail are worth the time. It's also one of my favourite titles to read aloud, which can be a fun activity with children. Particularly if you're like me and you like to get (a little too) into character. Though it's a busy time of year, stopping to read a few pages here and there is a great way to slow down and take a moment to appreciate the season. 

Well, that's it for the Christmas Countdown this year. I hope you've enjoyed the recommendations and maybe even found you're interested in. I will be taking a break for the next couple of weeks to enjoy the holidays with my family and will hopefully return in the new year. I'm also going to be taking the next while to think about what I want to accomplish with the blog, including whether it's worth continuing, and may be making some changes. If you have any suggestions (more focused posts, themes that you think I should spend more time on, formatting, or absolutely anything) please feel free to send them my way.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Only 1 day to go!