Christmas classics and why they still matter

Every Christmas, many of us find ourselves embracing the comfort of a familiar time, often with traditions and activities that offer us a break from the demands of the rest of the year. The Christmas season is a period full of traditions, marked by customs that families and friends come together to celebrate, creating a sense of stability and warmth. Year after year, the practices endure, giving us a sense of belonging and continuity that helps define our experience of the holiday. For example, many of us have personal traditions, like watching the same movie every Christmas Eve or hearing a grandparent tell the same funny story year after year. Christmas, then, becomes a time not just for celebration but for revisiting the things that make us feel grounded and loved.   

Just as we return to certain holiday movies and songs, we also often find ourselves drawn to familiar books each year. I’m sure when I mention Christmas classics we all have a few titles that come to mind straight away like A Christmas Carol, Little Women, Harry Potter, and The Snowman; all classics that seem to emerge in the later months of the year. These books, read by all ages, possess an enduring quality that invites us to experience the warmth of the season through stories we know and love. Interestingly, many Christmas classics don’t centre entirely on Christmas itself. Little Women, for instance, is a story about family, resilience, and kindness, with the sharing of their Christmas feast playing a significant role in highlighting the warmth and love between the characters. Similarly, in Harry Potter, the Christmas scenes show Harry and Ron’s friendship, small acts of kindness, and the joy of simple gifts, reminding readers of the happiness that comes from the season’s simple gestures. These stories don’t rely on Christmas as their sole narrative; instead, they use it to reinforce themes of generosity and compassion, reflecting the kindness and connection we feel so strongly during this time of year. 

So why are these books still so important, and why do they hold such a special place in so many of our hearts? Part of it is the pleasure of reading a well-loved, familiar story, but the connection runs deeper.

These classics are part of our childhoods, bringing us back to memories of family gatherings, cosy evenings, and quiet moments shared with loved ones

These classics are part of our childhoods, bringing us back to memories of family gatherings, cosy evenings, and quiet moments shared with loved ones.  The act of reading these books each Christmas connects us to these memories, creating a bridge between past and present. Similarly, having so many timeless classics can offer us a shared tradition: a way to become closer with loved ones, allowing us to bond over books and stories that ignite these rich feelings of connection and comfort.  

Furthermore, I believe that Christmas classics offer us kindness, a core value of the season

Furthermore, I believe that Christmas classics offer us kindness, a core value of the season. A Christmas Carol, perhaps the most famous holiday story, teaches the importance of giving and generosity, portraying Scrooge’s journey from selfishness to kindness in a way that has resonated for generations. Each of these characters’ stories manage to showcase the traditional festive values of generosity and gratitude, values that should remain relevant and important to us. Sometimes, these stories serve as reminders, encouraging us to pause, reflect, and appreciate what truly matters – generosity, connection, and love.  

Returning to these stories each year offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the values they embody. These classics remind us of how we might add a little more kindness in our own lives and give us a sense of grounding as we head into a new year. In reading, whether we choose to race through a short tale or immerse ourselves in Little Women, we find a quiet escape from the rush and stress of the season, a way to slow down and engage with timeless lessons. These Christmas classics offer warmth and insight, reminding us of the values that help make the holidays truly meaningful.