Holiday Classics

This is a first person narrative from Saint Nicholas' point of view of the Christmas classic. The line about his pipe has been deleted (he gave it up when it was learned to be a health hazard). A few words have also been updated. (How many people today know what "sugar plums" or "coarsers" are? How many use the word "droll"?)

Originally published in a 1892 edition of Strand Magazine, "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" was one of 12 short stories to be included in the first Sherlock Holmes collection, the 1892 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. In this tale, Holmes and Watson investigate two cases - one involving a Christmas goose and a hat and the other, the theft of the Blue Carbuncle, a priceless jewel. The cases are quickly revealed to be intertwined, and the spirit of the holidays influences the tale's end.

On a cold New Year's Eve, a young, poor girl tries to sell matches in the street. She is already shivering from cold. She shelters in a nook and sits down. The girl lights the matches to warm herself. In their glow she sees several lovely visions, including a Christmas tree and a holiday feast. The girl looks skyward and sees a shooting star; she then remembers her grandmother saying that such a falling star means someone is dying and is going to Heaven. As she lights the next match, she sees a vision of her grandmother, the only person to have treated her with love and kindness. She strikes one match after another to keep the vision of her grandmother alive for as long as she can.

"The Snowman" is maybe one of the most touching stories by Hans Christian Andersen. It is a tale about unrequited love, and an occasion of reflection on the mysteries of existence and passion. In a small winter garden, a snowman glimpses a stove glowing by the window of the nearby house. He soon falls in love, and longs for the stove's companionship despite the warnings of his friend, the dog, who say the stove's heat would melt him.

A Noël, Clara reçoit un magnifique cadeau de son oncle : un casse-noisette. Mais Fritz, jaloux, brise le cadeau. La nuit venue, Clara décide d'aller voir son pauvre casse-noisette brisé dans l'armoire et voilà qu'il est devenu un prince ! Le prince emmène Clara en voyage autour du monde mais surtout au pays des fleurs, des glaces et même des bonbons, rencontrer la fée Dragée et la reine des neiges.

Given as a Christmas gift to a young boy, the Velveteen Rabbit lives in the nursery with all the other toys, waiting for the day when the boy will choose the wisest resident of the nursery, who reveals the goal of all nursery toys: to be made "real" through the love of a human.

E' una vigilia di Natale fredda, anzi ghiacciata, perchè nell'ufficio del Signor Scrooge, non si accende il camino, costa troppo. Il suo contabile, il signor Bob, ha le dita intirizzite, ma Scrooge non ammette lamentele, non gli importa di quell'uomo; lavora per lui ma non vuole sapere niente della sua vita...

"The Christmas Tree and the Wedding" is a bittersweet story written in 1848, the year of revolutions throughout Europe. The story has an undercurrent reflecting the tumultuous changes of that year. The narrator, attending a Christmas party with the Christmas tree referenced in the title, sees the Guest of Honor take an undue interest in a young girl, the daughter of his host....

L'histoire se déroule la veille du jour de l'an ; une petite marchande d'allumettes en guenille erre dans les rues enneigées sans trouver aucun acheteur.

Nella notte di neve, con case e alberi che brillano bianchi, arriva volando dal paese dei ghiacci la slitta di Babbo Natale con le otto renne. Nella notte stellata, i tre Re Magi seguono la luminosa cometa per trovare Gesù Bambino cavalcando tra dune di sabbia. Il piccolo Teddy Malleen va in visita da Babbo Natale con la sua macchina volante, e l’anno dopo tornerà al Polo in compagnia dell’amico Orso. Le calze in attesa dei doni sono appese ai caminetti e Babbo Natale dovrà cercare di far felici tutti i bambini.

Cuento de Nochebuena, Una Visita de San Nicolas es una encantadora historia navideña que ha dado vida a Papá Noel durante generaciones. Celebre la temporada navideña con la edición número uno en ventas del New York Times del poema clásico escrito por Clement C. Moore. Esta es la clásica edición de tapa dura con una portada en relieve y un desplegable de cuatro páginas, ¡y es perfecta para regalar!

Ease the hearts and minds of children who have recently moved with this delightful modern twist on the classic Christmas story, which teaches kids that true joy doesn't come from getting gifts.

These holiday poems by celebrated authors evoke a range of deep emotions. Dive in, and savor.

For a little girl named Susan, Christmas could be any other day. She doesn't believe in Santa Claus or magic or miracles of any kind. Then, one day, she meets Kris Kringle. As she doubtfully tells him which gifts she wishes for most, deep down Susan finds herself hoping that, just maybe, he is the real thing. Based on the original holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street: A Storybook Edition is a heartwarming story about generosity, imagination, and the spirit of Christmas.

Here's a heart-wrenching story about a poor little girl forced to sell matches on Christmas Eve. As she stumbles barefooted into a cold and lonely alley, she is enchanted by visions of Christmas wonders and her beloved grandmother long passed. "The Little Match Girl" is a tale that makes us all grateful for what we have this holiday season.

When an ugly duckling flies away from home to escape from teasing words, she begins the adventure of a lifetime. But when she returns to central park in Spring, she discovers she has transformed into a beautiful swan.

A taut, propulsive family drama steeped in mystery, menace and a long-buried secret from award-winning author Kevin Hardcastle. It has been years since Mara O’Hare has come home to North Simcoe County. But she is forced to return after her father’s death. Arthur O’Hare—the meanest, most...

Saki was the pen name of Hector Hugh Munro (December 18, 1870 - November 13, 1916), a British writer, whose witty and sometimes macabre stories satirized Edwardian society and culture. He is considered a master of the short story and is often compared to O. Henry and Dorothy Parker. His tales feature delicately drawn characters and finely judged narratives. This audiobook collects together three more of his finest short stories.

Enjoy these 10 Christmas pieces by celebrated authors. The experience includes music and a range of lively and touching characters. Add a little poetry to your Christmas!