A small brass rocking horse filled with the magic of Christmas moves from story to story, as seven authors tell tales of lives altered by the renewing hope of the Christmas spirit.

A boy gets a rocking horse for Christmas that takes him to faraway places.

The 'Big Book of Christmas Tales' is a captivating anthology that traverses the vivacious literary landscape of Christmas narratives. Encompassing a wide range of literary styles, from the whimsical to the solemn, this collection presents an unparalleled amalgamation of stories that both illuminate and celebrate the myriad facets of the holiday season. Its significance is bolstered by the inclusion of seminal works from a pantheon of authors renowned for their contributions to literature, narratively weaving through the themes of hope, generosity, redemption, and the human condition. The diversity of tales, from Dickenss evocative portrayals of Victorian Christmases to Andersens timeless fairy tales, showcases the universal and enduring appeal of Christmas storytelling. The contributing authors and editors of this anthology bring together a veritable tapestry of cultural, historical, and literary backgrounds, united by the theme of Christmas. Their collective works resonate with various movements and epochs in literature, from Victorian sentimentalism to the poignant realism of Dostoevsky, reflecting the profound ways in which Christmas has been celebrated, challenged, and depicted throughout literary history. The anthology stands as a testament to the rich interplay of cultural narratives and individual creativity, offering a holistic exploration of Christmas through the lenses of some of the greatest writers in history. 'Readers seeking a comprehensive exploration of the Christmas spirit through literature need look no further than the Big Book of Christmas Tales. This anthology not only offers a unique opportunity to engage with the holiday season through a multitude of perspectives, styles, and themes but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in capturing the essence of human experiences connected to Christmas. It invites readers to delve into a literary feast, promising both enlightenment and entertainment, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the ways in which Christmas has been immortalized in literature.

The Big Book of Christmas Tales is an ambitious anthology that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas through a dazzling array of literary styles. From the haunting prose of Dostoevsky to the playful narratives of Beatrix Potter, this collection spans a vast landscape of literary traditions and periods, offering insights into the human condition and the universal significance of the holiday season. The anthology stands out for its inclusion of pieces that range from the deeply philosophical to the whimsically heartwarming, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Christmas itself. Notable are the contributions that explore themes of redemption, compassion, and familial bonds, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural and emotional resonance that transcends geographic and temporal boundaries. The diversity of the collection is its greatest strength, inviting readers to experience the holiday through a multitude of voices and contexts. The Big Book of Christmas Tales is enriched by the varied backgrounds of its contributing authors—Nobel laureates, pioneering women writers, and literary giants among them. Together, they represent a wide array of cultural, historical, and literary movements, from Victorian England's social critiques to the introspective American short story tradition. This amalgamation of voices not only deepens the anthology's thematic complexity but also highlights the shared human experiences underlying the festive season's celebrations worldwide. By integrating such a broad spectrum of perspectives and literary styles, the collection offers a unique lens through which to explore the essence of Christmas and its impact on individuals and societies over centuries. This anthology is recommended to anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the rich literary heritage that Christmas has inspired over the ages. The Big Book of Christmas Tales presents a unique opportunity to explore an extensive range of narratives that illuminate the joy, sorrow, humor, and profundity of the Christmas season. Readers eager to enrich their understanding of global literary traditions will find this collection an invaluable addition to their shelves, inviting a reflective engagement with the stories that shape our perception of one of the most beloved times of the year.

This carefully edited collection has been designed and formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. Contents: Christmas Tales A Merry Christmas & Other Christmas Stories (Louisa May Alcott) The Gift of the Magi (O. Henry) The First Christmas of New England (Harriet Beecher Stowe) The Holy Night (Selma Lagerlöf) Little Gretchen and the Wooden Shoe (Elizabeth Harrison) A Letter from Santa Claus (Mark Twain) A Kidnapped Santa Claus (L. Frank Baum) The Christmas Angel (Abbie Farwell Brown) Toinette and the Elves (Susan Coolidge) Christmas at Thompson Hall (Anthony Trollope) The Mistletoe Bough (Anthony Trollope) The Fir Tree (Hans Christian Andersen) The Little Match Girl (Hans Christian Andersen) The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Hans Christian Andersen) The Snow Queen (Hans Christian Andersen) A Little Book of Christmas (John Kendrick Bangs) Christmas Every Day (William Dean Howells) Jimmy Scarecrow's Christmas (Mary E. Wilkins Freeman) Little Girl's Christmas (Winnifred E. Lincoln) The Elves and the Shoemaker (Brothers Grimm) Where Love Is, God Is (Leo Tolstoy)… The Heavenly Christmas Tree (Fyodor Dostoevsky) A Visit From Saint Nicholas (Clement Moore) Happy Hearts (June Isle) The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe (Amanda M. Douglas) The Chimes (Charles Dickens) Doctor Marigold's Prescriptions (Charles Dickens)…. Poems & Carols Silent Night King Winter The Night After Christmas The Three Kings (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) Christmas Bells (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) Christmas At Sea (Robert Louis Stevenson) The Twelve Days of Christmas Minstrels (William Wordsworth) Ring Out, Wild Bells (Alfred Lord Tennyson) Christmas In India (Rudyard Kipling) The Magi (William Butler Yeats) The Mahogany Tree (William Makepeace Thackeray) Hymn On The Morning Of Christ's Nativity (John Milton) A Christmas Carol (Samuel Taylor Coleridge) The Oxen (Thomas Hardy) The Savior Must Have Been A Docile Gentleman …