Classic Christmas tales worth reading for kids and remembering for adults!

Who does not love the Christmas tales? They are cherished by children, parents, as well as educators. These short stories carry valuable messages, symbolize values and ideals, sensitize, and awaken children’s imaginations, transporting them to magical and dreamy worlds. Well, which are the most classic and favorite Christmas tales worth reading for kids and reminiscing for adults?

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol

Who has not heard of the infamous Scrooge? This is the world’s most widely read Christmas story, based on Charles Dickens’ book.

The plot: London, mid-19th century, Christmas Eve, on a snowy night. Filled with indifference to any sense of magic, love, or even tenderness, Scrooge—a miserly, old moneylender—counts his wealth. He may not even imagine it; however, this Christmas holds a “miracle” for him. Scrooge is suddenly transformed, letting go of his selfishness and greed. He realizes that love, companionship, and memories are what truly matter in the journey of life. Thus, he becomes the most beloved resident of his village!

The Little Match Girl

A tale by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen.

It is undeniably a “harsh” tale about a child’s dreams and hopes, that fate denies her the magic, love, and warmth she longs for. Despite its cruel content, the story is worth reading by everyone at least once (possibly a softened version for younger readers is optimal), as it delivers a powerful message about the values that Christmas should instill in people’s hearts.

The Steadfast Tin Soldier

A gem by Hans Christian Andersen and Stephanie Peters. This story is a must-read for both children and adults—a tale of love between a tin soldier and a paper ballerina.

The plot: On his birthday, a young boy receives as a gift a box of 25 tin soldiers, all made by a melted old spoon. While 24 soldiers are identical, the 25th is different· it has only one leg. In this household, toys come alive at night and talk to each other. The one-legged tin soldier falls in love with a beautiful paper ballerina also standing on one leg. However, the soldier is locked in his box while the ballerina stands at the opposite corner of the room. In his attempt to reach her, he finds himself by the window, when a strong wind carries him into the street. After numerous troubles, he ends up in a lake, swallowed by a fish. The fish is eventually cooked on the household, and the soldier finds himself back in the same room with his ballerina. Yet, when the little boy notices the soldier’s “imperfection”, he throws him into the fireplace. However, at the same time a gust of wind carries the ballerina into the fire too, beside the tin soldier. The next morning, the housekeeper finds a small heart-shaped lump in the ashes, symbolizing their enduring love.

The Nutcracker

This classic story could not be missing from the list of the most beloved Christmas tales!

The plot: On a Christmas Eve, in a small German town, little Clara receives as a gift from her godfather a moving soldier toy that functions as a nutcracker. After the Christmas Eve’s celebrations end and the guests leave, Clara enters the quiet living room to tuck the Nutcracker into bed. At midnight, she falls asleep and is transported to a magical world. The Christmas tree grows larger, the toys—including the Nutcracker—come to life, and they battle giant mice invading the room. The Nutcracker wins the battle and transforms into a handsome prince. Clara and the Nutcracker prince embark on a magical journey to a land of fairies and sweets, a journey into the enchanting world of childhood!

Let’s all have a magical and sweet Christmas!