Holiday Classics

Few winter stories are more affecting than Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl. Written in 1848, and strictly speaking a New Year's Eve story, it showed so clearly then, as it does now, that the Christmas holidays do not represent fireside, food, and presents for all. This story never fails to move, yet it somehow avoids serious sentimentality.

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.

Peter, the naughty rabbit, helps himself to the crops from Mr. MacGregor's garden, to the dismay of all.

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.

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.

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.

For a little girl named Susan, Christmas could be any other day. She doesn't believe in Santa Claus or magic or miracles of any kind. Then, one day, she meets Kris Kringle. As she doubtfully tells him which gifts she wishes for most, deep down Susan finds herself hoping that, just maybe, he is the real thing. Based on the original holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street: A Storybook Edition is a heartwarming story about generosity, imagination, and the spirit of Christmas.

This is a first person narrative from Saint Nicholas' point of view of the Christmas classic. The line about his pipe has been deleted (he gave it up when it was learned to be a health hazard). A few words have also been updated. (How many people today know what "sugar plums" or "coarsers" are? How many use the word "droll"?)

Acclaimed poet Robert Frost provides this short poem that reminds us that when it comes to Christmas, maybe money shouldn't be our top priority. Some things may be worth more than a few extra dollars. A feel-good non-rhyming poem story that may help put some perspective in the pageantry.

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

A wonderful collection of Christmas stories and poems celebrating all the warmth and joy of the holiday season. "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" is a kindly editor's reply to a young reader regarding the existence of Santa; "Silent Night" is the classic song read with meaning and reverence; "The Christmas Masquerade" is a charming tale of a magical Christmas Eve.

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!

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.