Holiday Classics

Ganz gleich, ob Familie Bär, die Tiere im Zoo, die kleinen Engel in der Weihnachtswerkstatt, die Prinzessin in ihrem Schloss oder das kleine Rentier draußen im Winterwald - sie alle können es kaum erwarten, bis es endlich wieder Weihnachten wird. Und genauso geht es sicher auch allen Kindern, doch mit diesem kleinen Geschichten vergeht die Zeit bis zum Weihnachtsabend ganz sicher wie im Flug!

Originally published in a 1892 edition of Strand Magazine, "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" was one of 12 short stories to be included in the first Sherlock Holmes collection, the 1892 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. In this tale, Holmes and Watson investigate two cases - one involving a Christmas goose and a hat and the other, the theft of the Blue Carbuncle, a priceless jewel. The cases are quickly revealed to be intertwined, and the spirit of the holidays influences the tale's end.

On a cold New Year's Eve, a young, poor girl tries to sell matches in the street. She is already shivering from cold. She shelters in a nook and sits down. The girl lights the matches to warm herself. In their glow she sees several lovely visions, including a Christmas tree and a holiday feast. The girl looks skyward and sees a shooting star; she then remembers her grandmother saying that such a falling star means someone is dying and is going to Heaven. As she lights the next match, she sees a vision of her grandmother, the only person to have treated her with love and kindness. She strikes one match after another to keep the vision of her grandmother alive for as long as she can.

"The Snowman" is maybe one of the most touching stories by Hans Christian Andersen. It is a tale about unrequited love, and an occasion of reflection on the mysteries of existence and passion. In a small winter garden, a snowman glimpses a stove glowing by the window of the nearby house. He soon falls in love, and longs for the stove's companionship despite the warnings of his friend, the dog, who say the stove's heat would melt him.

A Noël, Clara reçoit un magnifique cadeau de son oncle : un casse-noisette. Mais Fritz, jaloux, brise le cadeau. La nuit venue, Clara décide d'aller voir son pauvre casse-noisette brisé dans l'armoire et voilà qu'il est devenu un prince ! Le prince emmène Clara en voyage autour du monde mais surtout au pays des fleurs, des glaces et même des bonbons, rencontrer la fée Dragée et la reine des neiges.

E' una vigilia di Natale fredda, anzi ghiacciata, perchè nell'ufficio del Signor Scrooge, non si accende il camino, costa troppo. Il suo contabile, il signor Bob, ha le dita intirizzite, ma Scrooge non ammette lamentele, non gli importa di quell'uomo; lavora per lui ma non vuole sapere niente della sua vita...

"The Christmas Tree and the Wedding" is a bittersweet story written in 1848, the year of revolutions throughout Europe. The story has an undercurrent reflecting the tumultuous changes of that year. The narrator, attending a Christmas party with the Christmas tree referenced in the title, sees the Guest of Honor take an undue interest in a young girl, the daughter of his host....

L'histoire se déroule la veille du jour de l'an ; une petite marchande d'allumettes en guenille erre dans les rues enneigées sans trouver aucun acheteur.

Nella notte di neve, con case e alberi che brillano bianchi, arriva volando dal paese dei ghiacci la slitta di Babbo Natale con le otto renne. Nella notte stellata, i tre Re Magi seguono la luminosa cometa per trovare Gesù Bambino cavalcando tra dune di sabbia. Il piccolo Teddy Malleen va in visita da Babbo Natale con la sua macchina volante, e l’anno dopo tornerà al Polo in compagnia dell’amico Orso. Le calze in attesa dei doni sono appese ai caminetti e Babbo Natale dovrà cercare di far felici tutti i bambini.

These holiday poems by celebrated authors evoke a range of deep emotions. Dive in, and savor.

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.

When an ugly duckling flies away from home to escape from teasing words, she begins the adventure of a lifetime. But when she returns to central park in Spring, she discovers she has transformed into a beautiful swan.

Saki was the pen name of Hector Hugh Munro (December 18, 1870 - November 13, 1916), a British writer, whose witty and sometimes macabre stories satirized Edwardian society and culture. He is considered a master of the short story and is often compared to O. Henry and Dorothy Parker. His tales feature delicately drawn characters and finely judged narratives. This audiobook collects together three more of his finest short stories.

Enjoy these 10 Christmas pieces by celebrated authors. The experience includes music and a range of lively and touching characters. Add a little poetry to your Christmas!