The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and fun. It’s also a time for stories! Whether you are looking to write a story for your blog or want something to read on a cold winter night, we’ve got you covered. This blog post will share 25 Christmas story ideas to get you into the holiday spirit!
25 Christmas Story Ideas
- A family’s holiday traditions are turned upside down when a long-lost relative arrives unexpectedly.
- While Christmas shopping, a woman finds an old toy that brings back her childhood memories.
- A young girl’s wish for a perfect Christmas comes true, but not as she expected.
- On Christmas Eve, a young boy helps Santa Claus deliver presents to all the good girls and boys.
- A woman wakes up on Christmas morning to find that her small town has been transformed into a winter wonderland overnight.
- A group of friends gets together every year to read a different classic Christmas story aloud on Christmas Eve. This year, they choose “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.
- A man learns the true meaning of Christmas when he volunteers at a soup kitchen on Christmas Day.
- A woman finds a mysterious box on her doorstep with a note that says, “Open me on Christmas Eve.” She does as the note says and is surprised by what is inside.
- On Christmas Eve, a family gathers around the fireplace to tell stories about when they were children.
- A woman is transported back to Victorian-era England on Christmas Eve and meets someone very special along the way.
- A couple’s first Christmas together is anything but traditional, thanks to a series of comical mishaps.
- A young girl discovers a secret room in her house that is home to a family of elves helping Santa prepare for Christmas Eve.
- While walking in the woods on a cold Christmas Eve, a man comes across a woman who needs his help.
- A young girl has a vision about her future Christmas and is determined to make it happen.
- When a young boy is too afraid to play in a football game, Santa Claus gives him a special gift that inspires him to play.
- Two children try to save Christmas with the help of Santa Claus, who is desperate to restore his reputation after the Great Christmas Snub.
- A family finds a talking animal who loves to nap under their Christmas tree.
- When a young boy writes Santa Claus asking for a dog, Santa decides to make him the dog’s best friend instead.
- A man pulls his broken-down car into a Christmas tree lot and is surprised by what he finds there.
- A woman who moves to the big city on Christmas Eve discovers that Christmas magic is alive and well in her new home.
- A couple returns home from a Christmas party to find their house cold.
- A woman takes a wrong turn on Christmas Eve and ends up in the middle of nowhere.
- A woman who hates Christmas decides to get reacquainted with the holiday after she receives a mysterious gift.
- A woman wants to make it up to her husband for not getting him a gift for Christmas. She decides to give him the most precious gift of all.
- On Christmas Eve, a woman delivers food and warm blankets to the homeless community living on the streets.
- A woman learns the true meaning of Christmas when she meets an elderly man who lives alone.
How December 25th Became Christmas Day
For many, the holiday season is a time of joy, love, and family. The Christmas holiday has become synonymous with these things, but where did it all begin? How did December 25th become known as Christmas day?
The first instance of December 25th being associated with Jesus Christ’s birthday was in Rome in 336 AD. Christianity had become increasingly popular in Rome, and Emperor Constantine had recently declared it legal. Constantine’s mother, Helena, traveled to the Holy Land and claimed to have found Jesus’s tomb and cross. She brought these priceless relics back to Rome and built churches on their sites. To dedicate these churches, Pope Julius I chose December 25th.
There are a few reasons why Pope Julius I may have chosen this date. One reason is that it coincides with the pagan festival of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, or “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun.” This festival was celebrated on the winter solstice and honored the sun god, Mithra. It is possible that Pope Julius I chose December 25th to supplant this pagan festival with a Christian one.
Another possibility is that December 25th was chosen because it is nine months after March 25th, which was believed to be the day of the Annunciation when an angel told Mary that she would give birth to the Son of God. No matter the reasons for choosing December 25th, it has since become entrenched as the date of Christmas.
The Great Christmas Debate: Merry Christmas vs. Happy Christmas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…or is it? The holidays are a joyous time for many, but for some, they’re a source of stress and anxiety. One of the things that can add to that stress is whether to say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Christmas.” Is there a difference? Which is more appropriate? Let’s take a closer look at the great Christmas debate.
The Meaning of Merry and Happy
To understand the difference between “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Christmas,” we need to look at the meaning of the words Merry and Happy. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Merry can be defined as “full of cheerfulness or gaiety” or “high-spirited.” Meanwhile, Happy can be defined as “favored by fortune: lucky,” “enjoying well-being and contentment,” or “pleased: glad.”
When you put those definitions together, you can see a slight difference in meaning between the two phrases. Merry Christmas is more about being festive and full of cheer, while Happy Christmas focuses on the happiness and contentment of the holiday season.
So, which should you use? That depends on your preference and what you’re trying to communicate. If you want to focus on the happiness and joy of the season, go with Merry Christmas. If you want to emphasize the importance of family and friends, go with Happy Christmas. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer; it’s all about what you’re trying to say.
A Brief History of Santa Claus
We all know the story of Santa Claus: he’s a jolly old man who delivers presents to good boys and girls on Christmas Eve. But where did this figure come from? How did Santa Claus become such a pervasive and popular character? Let’s look at the history of Santa Claus to find out.
The original Santa Claus was almost certainly based on the historical figure of St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop who lived in what is now Turkey in the 4th century AD. St. Nicholas was known for his generosity, and stories soon began to circulate of him secretly giving gifts to poor people, especially children.
It wasn’t until the 18th century that Santa Claus began to take on his modern form. In 1773, American writer Washington Irving published A History of New York, which included a fictitious anecdote about St. Nicholas visiting New Amsterdam (now New York City). Irving’s Santa was based largely on the Dutch Sinterklaas tradition. He popularized many of the features we now associate with Santa Claus, including his mode of transportation (a sleigh instead of a horse) and his assistants ( elves instead of mischievous children).
The image of Santa Claus as a jolly old man in a red suit didn’t become fixed until the 19th century. In 1881, cartoonist Thomas Nast published a series of illustrations in Harper’s Weekly portraying Santa as an obese man in a red suit with a long white beard. Nast is also responsible for creating many of Santa’s other iconic trappings, including his workshop at the North Pole and his list of naughty and nice children. Over the next few decades, Nast’s image of Santa became increasingly popular until it became the standard image we have today.
Christmas Stories Worth Reading
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and, most importantly, stories. Whether you’re gathered around the fireplace or curled up in bed with a mug of hot cocoa, there’s nothing quite like a good story to get you in the Christmas spirit. If you’re on the hunt for some heartwarming tales to enjoy this holiday season, look no further—here are six of our favorites.
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
No list of Christmas stories would be complete without a mention of Dickens’ classic tale of redemption. This timeless story has been adapted countless times for stage and screen, but nothing can beat the original. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading, “A Christmas Carol” is a perfect choice.
“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
If you’re in the mood for something a little shorter, check out O. Henry’s classic tale of love and sacrifice. This touching story follows a young couple struggling to buy each other presents on Christmas Eve. Despite their meager resources, they find a way to give each other the greatest gifts of all—the gifts of love and selflessness.
“The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by ETA Hoffmann
This festive tale is perfect for animal lovers (or anyone feeling a little cynical about the holiday season). “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” follows a young girl named Marie as she befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve. Together, they battle an evil mouse king and his army of mice, culminating in a thrilling climax that will leave you breathless.
“The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen
This story comes to us from Denmark and was written by Hans Christian Andersen. It tells the tale of a poor girl who tries to sell matches on the streets on New Year’s Eve. She is cold and hungry, and her only comfort is striking her matches and imagining what it would be like to live in a warm house with a loving family. Eventually, she succumbs to hypothermia and dies. However, in death, she finally finds the peace and happiness that eluded her in life. This story is a moving reminder that material possessions are far from the most important things in life. Andersen’s story teaches us always to be kind to those less fortunate than us, as we never know what battles they may face behind closed doors.
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr Seuss
This fun and festive tale follow the grumpy Grinch who sets out to ruin Christmas for everyone in Whoville. But instead of destroying holiday cheer, he learns Christmas’s true meaning. This charming story is perfect for kids and adults alike!
“A Child’s Christmases in Wales” by Dylan Thomas
This heartwarming memoir tells the story of Dylan Thomas’ childhood Christmases in Wales. He recalls fond memories of decorating the tree with his cousins, attending church on Christmas Eve, and eating delicious Welsh cakes with his family. If you’re looking for a festive read that will make you feel warm and fuzzy, this is it!