Ten of Santa's Favorite Tales You Should Add to Your Library to Maintain the Winter Holiday Spirit Year-Round

Despite the Christmas celebrations ending several days ago, I continue to nibble peppermint bark and sip hot chocolate until my blood resembles a concoction similar to a minty chocolate slush. Moreover, I continue to celebrate the winter holidays past a socially acceptable date and much later than any radio station will play "Jingle Bell Rock" or "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." So, as a naturally curious reader craving holiday stories even after the winter holidays conclude, I can only imagine the fictional favorites behind the twinkling eyes, rosy cheeks, and full heart that is the grand figure behind the Christmas festivities.

Although the year before and especially the days leading up to his Christmas flight are exceptionally busy as toys are prepared by elves and sleigh avionics are strategized by Claus's team of engineers and reindeer pilots, I can only assume that Santa's mind not only readies for a long flight but also craves stories as rich as his plates of cookies and as sweetly cozy as a crackling fire. Moreover, with Santa's identity majorly in folklore and the North Pole's chilling temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit, it only makes sense that Santa has a library nestled between the toy workshop and the reindeer stable, of course. Of his library, I can only assume the ten books below would be his absolute favorites and include the fluffiest blankets, making these stories ever accessible to his elves, reindeer, and even his narwhal buddies--just as long as the books are kept in their mint conditions.

So, I present:

Ten Favorite Tales of Santa Claus You Should Add to Your Library to Automatically Make It Feel Like Christmas All-Year Round

1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 

There’s no way even Ebenezer Scrooge would skip this holiday classic tale, especially as his redemption reminds readers of the real reason to celebrate -- through compassion and generosity for others. Also, honestly, who could resist cheering as Scrooge's icy heart melts like snow on a sunny morning?

2. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

No book hits closer to home for Santa than this train ride to the North Pole. The tale’s themes of belief and wonder make Santa’s beard curl with pride. He knows firsthand that the magic of Christmas begins in the heart, and this story puts it beautifully in black and white (and, in the North Pole's case, plenty of twinkling lights).

3. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Winter without Christmas? Perish the thought! 

A childhood favorite of mine, I would expect Santa to rejoice in Narnia’s return of hope and warmth as the kids save the world inside of a wardrobe. Plus, Santa makes a cameo in this book, gifting the Pevensie siblings their much-needed weapons. It’s a reminder that he’s not just about toys but courage, too.

4. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Santa is all about the spirit of giving, and no book embodies this better than Alcott's story of the March sisters. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy teach readers that kindness and love are the greatest gifts. I can imagine, particularly during the busy holiday preparations, Santa needs a heartwarming tale now and then to remind him of the strength of family, and this would be it. Moreover, if Santa wanted to forgo reading the large tome, I heard the 2019 movie was as great as any plate of chocolate chip cookies with a side of milk. 

5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Similar to anyone anticipating the arrival of their Hogwarts letter, Santa most certainly cannot resist a little magic beyond the North Pole. This story of friendship and courage is certainly a bestseller among Santa's elves, and Santa must have Dumbledore on speed-dial as they are both wise, bearded, and partial to good cheer. Regardless of any of the stories mentioned today, Harry Potter and his friends never disappoint.

6. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Santa is no stranger to the enchantment of hidden wonders, and the mysterious black-and-white circus resonates with the air of excitement he sprinkles on Christmas Eve. Le Cirque des Rêves, with its midnight charms and breathtaking spectacles, feels like the grown-up version of peeking into Santa’s own bag of tricks. Just be careful if you're reaching for coal since all readers should be on the "Nice" list this year and the next!

7. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

“Choose kind” might as well be one of Santa’s workshop rules. This heartfelt tale of August Pullman’s journey reminds Santa that the world’s best gifts are the intangible ones: empathy, understanding, and acceptance. Not just for young readers, this story is for everyone who believes kindness can change the world--which should be Santa’s mantra if tires of his "Ho, ho, ho!" chant.

8. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Set in the icy landscape of Alaska, this tale is as delicate as frost on a windowpane. Santa would love how it echoes the myths of his own origin—a blend of mystery, loneliness, and love. The Snow Child’s subtle magic is the kind Santa uses to cover his sleigh tracks with snow, and the story is perfectly suited for those reading in a cozy armchair with a mug of minty hot chocolate.

9. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann

No festive reading list is complete without this gem or its ballet adaptations. From sugar plum fairies to daring toy soldiers, this book embodies the enchantment of Christmas as a nutcracker soldier comes alive to protect a young girl from evil mice. Santa’s inner child rejoices at the whimsy and adventure that crackles through each page, and I will certainly have these classic tunes in my background for a long while.

10. Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg

If a fan of young adult fiction and wintery vibes, this fantasy would undoubtedly warm Santa's heart. This enchanting tale of Smitha, cursed to be followed by an eternal winter, is the perfect snowstorm of magic, redemption, and hope. Throughout the challenges designed for initially self-centered Smitha, the teenager inspires kindness and generosity in all as she delivers strength and compassion to those around her--a goal similar to Santa's on Christmas Eve.

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As the best time of the year to snuggle with a great book, a fluffy cat--if not allergic to pet dander--, and a warm overpriced beverage, each of these books slays for unique reasons—stories of redemption, magic, joy, and even the simple pleasures of a quiet winter night. So, as you deck your shelves this holiday season, maybe take a page from Santa’s reading list. Afterall, it's the most read-erful time of the year!

𝐻𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝐻𝑜𝓁𝒾𝒹𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂,

Nicole

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