Holiday Classics

Originally published in the 1850 Christmas edition of Dickens' journal Household Words, "A Christmas Tree" is considered to be one of Dickens' more autobiographical pieces. In it, decorations on the Christmas tree trigger the narrator's memories of Christmases past. This version of "A Christmas Tree" was recorded as part of Dreamscape's The Christmas Stories of Charles Dickens.

A timeless Christmas story - ideal for children and adults alike to enjoy or reminisce. Saint Nicholas, reindeer, snow, fireside, gifts...all there and beautifully narrated in a classic British manner by Phillip J. Mather.

A melancholy story about the passing of time. A delightful journey as companions age, seasons pass, and voice ages with wisdom. In the end the passing of time is tempered with the delights of family companionship. A classic tale from the heart of Dickens. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

A beautiful essay by Charles Dickens that reflects on the real meaning of Christmas, and the joy, the love, and the remembrances of those gone and those yet to come. Filled with warm understanding and a real appreciation of the meaning of the season, this is a delightful addition to everyone's Christmas queue.

Ten-year-old Effie lives the life most children dream of - with every day filled with delicious treats and wonderful toys. One night she experiences a dream that will forever change the meaning of Christmas for her. In it, she meets a group of under privileged children and she is inspired to create a Christmas they will never forget.

"The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle", one of the 56 short Sherlock Holmes stories written by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is the seventh story of 12 in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The story was first published in Strand Magazine in January 1892.

Set in New York at the turn of the century, the story centers on a young couple that sacrifices their dearest possessions to buy each other Christmas gifts.

Vasilisa had not seen her daughter for four years. Her daughter, Yefimya, had gone after her wedding to Petersburg, had sent them two letters, and since then had seemed to vanish out of their lives; there had been no sight nor sound of her. And whether the old woman was milking her cow at dawn or heating her stove or dozing at night, she was always thinking of one and the same thing - what was happening to Yefimya, whether she were alive.... Read in English, unabridged.

For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son... but how did He choose the star to announce the birth of the Savior? Through this moving story of humility and service to something bigger than ones self a holiday tradition is born! The story of God's servant is sure to become a staple in your holidays for years to come!

Perpetual winter comes to the beautiful garden of a selfish giant who erected a wall around it to stop children playing in the garden. Unexpected consequences follow. The birds stop singing in this garden, and both trees and flowers stop blossoming. One day the giant discovers that spring has returned to the garden, and the children have found a way in through a gap in the wall. He sees the error of his ways and resolves to destroy the wall. Read in English by Josh Verbae, unabridged.

Come along on the dramatic journey that tells about God's incredible love for us! Especially designed for kids to enjoy the miraculous story of Christmas! Includes the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus' birth, featuring the well-loved Holman Christian Standard Bible text. Celebrate the very first Christmas gift as you engage in listening that lasts a lifetime!

Frank Pettingell reads the classic Christmas tale.

This is story of Santa's visit on a snowy Christmas Eve, beautifully brought to life with festive music.

Basil Rathbone stars in this staged version of Dicken's A Christmas Carol.

Jim and Della are a poor couple, struggling to make ends meet. When the holidays roll around, Jim decides to sell his most prized possession to give his beloved the gift of her dreams. Della does the same for Jim, much to the surprise of the other. O. Henry's classic tale of sacrifice and true love rings in this wonderful season of hope and happiness in an unforgettable way.

"A Kidnapped Santa Claus" is a Christmas-themed short story by American writer L. Frank Baum, the author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"; it has been called "one of Baum's most beautiful stories".The story opens with a quick overview of Santa's castle in the Laughing Valley. Its focus soon switches to the five Caves of the Daemons in nearby mountains. These creatures are pagan daemons rather than Christian demons, in that they are not servants of Satan or necessarily evil.

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.

Here is the preface to 12 magnificent stories, originally part of The John Cheever Audio Collection, in which John Cheever celebrates - with unequaled grace and tenderness - the deepest feelings we have.

Corduroy is excited to celebrate Christmas! To get ready, he decorates his tree, bakes cookies, and wraps presents. When the snow starts falling on Christmas Eve, Corduroy hangs up his stocking and leaves a note for Santa. Merry Christmas, Corduroy!

In Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, a little fir tree realizes too late that it did not appreciate the grand moments of life - the majesty of the forest, the dazzling grandeur of its night as a Christmas tree - while they were happening...