In a few short months, Christmas is yet again among us. This means that it’s time to deck the halls, bring out the Fruitcake and Peppermint barks, and embrace all things bright and jolly.

While waiting for Santa to leave us gifts, what better way to truly feel the Christmas spirit than sharing short Christmas stories?  

Here are some of my favorite short Christmas stories to share with your friends, family, and loved ones. Ready to spruce up your Christmas Eve? Let’s get to it!

Christmas Stories About Familial Love

The three stories discussed below impart a moral lesson on the importance of family, love, and generosity over material wealth. They’re heartwarming reads that leave a long-lasting impression, for both children and young adults alike!

The Nutcracker and The Mouse King

Let’s start off this list with a classic! The Nutcracker and the Mouse King was written in 1861 by Prussian author E. T. A. Hoffmann. Since then, multiple retellings and renditions have been made to this story.

The gist of it is this: the Nutcracker, who was given as a Christmas gift, becomes alive on Christmas Eve. Later in the story, readers find out that the Nutcracker was, in fact, a young man before he was cursed by the Mouse Queen! 

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who’s visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Since its release in 1843, this short novel has been adapted by many movies and cartoons, with the most notable being Disney’s A Christmas Carol starring Jim Carrey.

The Elves and the Shoemaker

The Elves and The Shoemaker is a story about making dreams and wishes come true. This story stars a poor, hardworking shoemaker and his wife, who receive much-needed help from three young helpful elves.

Christmas Stories About the Wonders of Life

In this section, we’ll discuss three stories that’ll make readers (and listeners!) understand and appreciate the wonders of life.

The Velveteen Rabbit

“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”

The Velveteen Rabbit is a charming little tale about a stuffed rabbit’s desire to become real, similar to well-loved Pinnocio, through the love of his owner. I remember being told this story when I was about 8 years old, and it still brings me joy today.

The Fir-Tree

The Fir-Tree teaches a lesson about how we look at the world. In this story, our protagonist, the fir tree, simply can’t wait to grow up and achieve great things, so much so that it couldn’t enjoy the  ”warm sunshine, the birds, or the rosy clouds” that floated over it morning and evening.

The Last Dream of Old Oak

The Last Dream of Old Oak is a tale about embracing all of life’s stages, including its inevitable end. At first glance, you might think that the story is too grim to read during Christmas. In reality, it’s a delightful story that’ll leave you and those you read it to become more aware of the beauty life brings us. 

In the words of the Wise Old Oak: “You may have thousands of my days, but I have thousands of moments in which I can be merry and happy. Does all the beauty of the world cease when you die?” I’ve read this story countless times, and it still remains close to my heart.

Christmas Stories About Bringing Happiness to Others

The connection between the three stories that will follow all represent the true spirit of the Christian culture; how to bring the greatest happiness to others.

Christmas Every Day

As a parent, I’ve had my kids ask me, “Why can’t it be Christmas every day?”

Indeed, for a child, waking up to presents and a table of delicious festive treats is the ultimate dream. If your kids ever ask you the same, read them William Howell’s Christmas Every Day and they might rethink their wish to have Christmas all the time.

The Little Thief in the Pantry

The Little Thief in the Pantry tells the story of a little mouse learning the difference between stealing and giving and the importance of obeying your parents. It’s a short, humorous story that has a satisfying and touching ending.

A Kidnapped Santa Claus

A Kidnapped Santa Claus is considered to be one of American writer L. Frank Baum’s beautiful stories. In this short tale, Santa Claus was kidnapped by the Daemons in a plan to make children unhappy. “He is simply ruining our business,” exclaimed the Daemon of Envy. “Something must be done at once!“

This story will have your kids at the edge of their seats!

Papa Panov’s Special Christmas

This story demonstrates the virtues of kindness and compassion during the time of giving. Papa Panov, a shoemaker, blesses the lives of three passersby after having a dream that Jesus will visit him on Christmas day.

“I was hungry and you fed me,” a voice said, and Papa Panov realized that the poor beggars he had helped were a deity in disguise; Jesus himself! “I was naked and you clothed me. I was cold and you warmed me. I came to you today with every one of those you helped and welcomed.”

It’s a pleasant little story, perfect for the Christmas season.

Conclusion

Sharing short Christmas stories is a great way to bond with your loved ones over the fire, a cup of hot chocolate, or, even, during the dinner table.

After all, in the words of Burton Hills, “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”

Merry Christmas, and a blessed day to you all!