Given the multiple shelves of Christmas books I inherited from Mom and Dad, it felt like high time to read a full month’s worth in December.

The Nutcracker was considerably darker than I’d realized. I noticed my smallish nutcracker collection eying me knowingly as I came to realize the great sacrifice the poor fellow made to rescue Marie (called Clara in the ballet).

The Snow Goose was like a fairy tale, bringing both warmth and a chill to the room as I held one of Mom’s treasured volumes.

Here’s more:

Book 1: The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico

The Snow Goose book was a part of our Christmas growing up, yet I did not read it until this year.

It was always included in the stack of Christmas books Mom arranged on the coffee table.

Set during World War II, the story brings together objects of abandonment and injury. This achingly beautiful tale shows the gradual healing kindness and care can bring, yet not promise to remain.

Book 2: Matchless by Gregory Maguire

Remember Hans Christian Andersen’s story of The Little Match Girl? This is another Dickensian tale that takes place during the same time and place.

This book is by the same author of Wicked. You may have heard of a little film by that name …

Book 3: Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie

There’s nothing quite as Christmas-y as Hercule Poirot solving a murder during the holiday week.

As usual, I suspected everyone of commiting the crime. It’s a lively tale, perfect to read when it’s dark and windy outside.

Book 4: The Nutcracker by Alexandre Dumas

Who knew the backstory to this beloved Christmas tale and ballet was so deep?

When I saw Folio Society released a new version with nightmare-inducing illustrations, it was surprising to see Alexandre Dumas listed as the author. Dumas is known for The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers.

As dark as the Dumas telling is, apparently the original – by E.T.A. Hoffmann – is even darker. It was the Dumas retelling, though, on which the Tchaikovsky ballet is based.

Book 5: Saint Mick by Mick Foley

If you’d like to know more about my friendship with WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, please read this story from a year ago.

Mick’s memoir about donning The Red Suit is utterly charming. He’s a natural storyteller and weaves together his experiences from training to be Santa to dressing as the Christmas icon to visiting children’s hospitals. Truly a heartwarming read.

Book 6: The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R. Tolkien

Here’s another treasure from Mom’s collection:

Tolkien wrote these letters – and illustrated them – to his children from Father Christmas (Santa) from 1920 through 1943. What a gift!

Book 7: Mr. Ives’ Christmas by Oscar Hijuelos

Oh, dear. For some reason I expected holly jolly from this novel. Mom bought the book as soon as it came out 1995, saving newspaper clips with author interviews in the back.

But from the get-go it was tragic, with faith-challenging loss. I won’t spoil the story line for you, but suffice to say it’s a tough, but beautiful, read.

Book 8: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Looking for a final Christmas book to read as the year came to a close, I checked the opening line of Little Women. Here ’tis: “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

I remember enjoying a children’s version of this long ago.

As an adult, I must say: Lordy, those girls are insufferable!

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