Holiday Classics

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.

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...

Exquisite watercolors enhance this charming tale of two friends who are different in many ways yet alike in their devotion to each other. It's Toot's birthday and Puddle is having some trouble picking out a gift. Will he be able to find the perfect present?

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.

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.

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...

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.

Wilfred woke early. It was his birthday. He had lots of lovely presents, but the best one was a surprise.… Mr Apple had organised a secret celebration picnic and all the mice of Brambly Hedge were invited. There was so much to carry. Poor Wilfred got very tired as he lurched and bumped his way along the grassy track. What was it Mrs Apple had said was in his hamper? Knives? Sandwiches? They were certainly heavy! When they finally arrived, Wilfred was allowed to open up the hamper and there he found the best treat of all….

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.