I’m full of cheer in anticipation of next week’s kickoff of the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge, graciously hosted by Michelle (alias The True Book Addict) at her beautiful blog page The Christmas Spirit. It’s decorated with gorgeous holiday images and even some tunes to play! So, do pay it a visit.
I’m planning to read four books (Mistletoe level):
- Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett.
- Scandinavian Christmas by Trine Hahnemann.
- Moominland Midwinter by Tove Jansson (who also illustrates).
- Old Christmas by Washington Irving, illus. Randolph Caldecott.
The novel about poor old Jacob T. Marley will give me a good reason to write something new about Scrooge and The Christmas Carol here this year. My reviews for Scandinavian Christmas (a cookbook) and Moominland Midwinter (from Finland: a children’s book that adults love too!) will be over at my other blog, Northern Lights Reading Project. Old Christmas is just pure fun to re-read each year, with its descriptions of Christmas puddings, country dancing, and even a little romance in bloom at Bracebridge Hall, as gently satirized by Washington Irving, with the help of Caldecott’s masterful caricatures.
I’m sure I’ll be watching quite a few Christmas movies all during the challenge, since I already have a good head start with the Hallmark channel’s Christmas movie theme since the beginning of November. My favorite so far, and one that I’d never seen before, is called Fallen Angel (2003) starring Gary Sinise and Joely Richardson.
The Challenge begins with the Christmas Spirit Read-a-thon. Its guidelines are a little different, so be sure to visit the Read-a-thon announcement for details. Her biggest guideline is to HAVE FUN with it! I will!
The Fictional 100 
I love that button and the books you’ve selected sound good. I always want to read The Christmas Carol but I still haven’t gotten to it. After Waiting for Snow in Havana, I have to catch up on reading for my professional license and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for my IRL book club. Have fun!
Thanks, Tanya! I do hope you make room for The Christmas Carol sometime. It could well be Dickens’ best, because of its inspiration, its iconic character, and its economy of expression–not a word, not a sentence wasted! Harry Potter finale was great!
I need to ask you more some time about your professional license and reading up you are doing for it.
Glad you’re joining me for the read-a-thon and reading challenge, Lucy. Sorry I haven’t stopped by sooner. My week has been CRAZY! You have some great books lined up. I’m reading Jacob T. Marley this season too. 🙂
I really enjoyed the readathon, michelle, and I’m doubly glad the Christmas Spirit Challenge itself lasts until January 6th! I need the time to read those Christmas books I’ve lined up, and I may add a few that others suggested too! 🙂
ok you convinced me: I was vaguely planning to read 3 mysteries, but seeing your post urged me to join the fun. My post will be up on Dec 4th, you will see the 3 mysteries I selected
Great! So glad, emma! Can’t wait to see your list! 🙂
What a great challenge! I loved the books you selected. I can’t wait to see your reviews and thoughts on them.
Thank you, Melissa! I just posted my wrap-up of the first week here, and one review over at Northern Lights. 🙂