With Christmas just around the corner, readers across Limerick are finding their own ways to spark the festive spirit.
Some bring home towering Christmas trees, others decorate their rooms with colourful lights, while many turn to a good book to capture the warmth of the season.
From timeless classics to modern favourites spanning a range of moods and genres, here are five classic and modern Christmas-themed reads curated by from the UL Literary society to keep you cosy this holiday season:
1. Hogfather by Terry Pratchett (Fantasy)
One of the 90s and early 2000s classic, a Christmas book from the popular Discworld series (fourth book from the separate cycle about Death) talks about the nature of belief, the source of magic, and wonder. Pratchett’s classic British humour wonderfully crafts satire and unforgettable original characters. A must-have for a fan of original and non-typical Christmas fantasy stories.
2. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Ghost Story/ Victorian Novella)
It’s difficult to find a single child who hasn’t heard of this story in one way or another. A Christmas Carol teaches the real meaning of Christmas, forgiveness and generosity. A great pick for someone who would like to enjoy a story that has stood the test of time.
3. Christmas Eve/ The Night before Christmas by Mykola Hogol (Ukrainian Classics/Mystery)
A lesser-known part of the Ukrainian mythological story is a young artist who manages to outwit the Devil to reach his lover. Exceptionally unique in its language, Christmas Eve blends magic, mischief, and moments of both humour, and unease. A hidden gem, it is also an excellent choice for readers who want to try something new from non-English speaking authors.
4. Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R Tolkien (Fairytales/ Children’s Literature)
Ideal for those who were intrigued by the concept of Pratchett’s Hogfather, but wanted something more magical and fairy-tale-like. Letters from Father Christmas is written and published as a series of letters sent from Tolkien to his children. The story follows the adventures of Father Christmas and his polar bear from the North Pole. A perfect read for parents who want to be a part of the magical world along with their children.
5. A Child‘s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas (Ordinary Life)
This book is an anecdotal reminiscence of good-old Christmas through the eyes of a young child, a continuation of a piece an author wrote for a BBC radio, filled with warmth and a child-like wonder. A good choice for someone who prefers to read by the fireplace, and reflect during the holiday period.