Top 10 Christmas Stories

Time to sit around the fireplace with the whole family and recount these timeless stories reinstating faith and respect for the Christmas spirit.

"A Christmas Carol"
Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Crachit, Tiny Tim -- everyone knows these names. Charles Dickens created an unforgettable world in "A Christmas Carol," one of the most famous Christmas stories ever written.

"The Nutcracker"
Here, Hoffmann has put "The Nutcracker" into story form. It's an irresistible tale of a toy soldier that turns into a prince. Read this Christmas story and find out why it has charmed generations of people

"The Elves and the Shoemaker"
A kindly shoemaker who has fallen on hard times needs a Christmas miracle to save his store. Find out how things turn his way -- and what he does after his fortunes change. This delightful tale is sure to put a smile on your face and reinforce the true meaning of the Christmas season.

Inspirational Christmas Stories
This article brims with inspirational Christmas stories about giving, love, spirit, and cheer. Perhaps you've become jaded by Christmas as you've gotten older, or maybe you sometimes get overwhelmed by the shopping, wrapping, and busywork that accompany the holiday.

Santa Claus Stories
Santa Claus is a beloved and influential figure in the lives of many children -- and their parents, who first explain who Santa is and then, in a few years' time, have to answer the question, "Is there really a Santa?

"Ansel's Special Gift"
"Ansel's Special Gift" shows the joy that can be derived from giving gifts to others and how these gifts can remind us of what's truly important in life.

"Vigil of Hope"
At one time or another, many of us have needed faith, friends, and family to help us through difficult times. In "Vigil of Hope" -- a Christmas story with a powerful message -- the main characters are forced to lean heavily on their pillars of support during a tragedy on Christmas Eve

"The Gift of the Magi"
Christmas isn't always about getting presents, as O. Henry conveys in his timeless Christmas story "The Gift of the Magi." In his tale, possessions don't mean anything if you're still lacking a gift that is much more important: love

"The Three Skaters"
Three men -- a farmer, a baker, and a weaver -- reap the simple and satisfying rewards of giving to the less fortunate. If you want to tap into the true spirit of the Christmas season, read this touching story.

Christmas Tree Stories
These four Christmas tree stories provide insights into the origin and history of the Christmas tree, as well as into the vital spirit that infuses every beloved evergreen.