Christmas 2018: Even though the year coming to a close, the festival season has just begun—the streets of markets are tinkling with Christmas lights and the sounds of Christmas carols breezing out of the shops. As a festival, Christmas symbolizes different meanings to different people.

For almost all of us, Christmas is an excuse for going out and having fun. But among the chaos, there is also a quieter side to the festival. The side that provides constant hope to families, that gives them strength to overcome obstacles—that reflects itself in the quiet family gatherings, in the surprise that is mirrored on the faces when the gifts are unwrapped.

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As a festival, Christmas embodies the spirit of togetherness. The coming together of families, the distribution of gifts, the singing of carols, the act of giving back to the community—all of these pieces come together to personify the festival of lights.

This spirit of Christmas is beautifully expressed in a number of books. So while some works narrate the true idea behind Christmas, some have tales of families coming together despite the obstacles. So this Christmas Eve, get under the blankets, treat yourself a cup of hot chocolate, under the glow of Christmas lights read these tales and have yourself a different kind of merry little Christmas:

· A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol is almost synonymous with Christmas. Dickens’ story follows an old man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who dislikes the festival season. He is visited by three spirits for the next three nights, they show him his past, present and future.

Scared by his future and moved by the spirit of Christmas and the idea that accompanies it, Scrooge promises to honour Christmas. As the years pass by, he fulfils his promises by redeeming himself completely, becoming a good person and by treating everyone with warmth. Dickens’ story gave faith to a number of people in his time and continues to inspire generations teaching them the true meaning of Christmas.

· Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak

Imagine you are stuck with only your family for seven days and are cut off from everyone else. After years, the Birches are coming together for Christmas and are stuffed together for a week in their country home. In this close proximity, their worlds collide, problems arise, secrets come out and life gets turn upside down. Read the book this Christmas with your family, find similarities and laugh at them and your family.

· Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle.

Let It snow complies three-holiday romance stories written by bestselling YA authors. A snowstorm transforms a small town into a picturesque location, making it perfect for love to bloom. These three interconnected stories are filled with the idea of romance making it perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee with your partner. Revisit the memories of your love and make new ones with your partner while reading the book.

· Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents”—Little Women start with this now very famous line. The March sisters are miserable. Their father has gone off to war, they don’t have enough money to buy presents. The story follows their transition from girls to women and eventually end on a Christmas Eve when life is better and they are wiser.

· The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann

A classic Christmas read that inspires awe in children and adults alike, The Nutcracker narrates the story of a Christmas toy that comes alive and defeats the evil Mouse King. The Nutcracker is the favourite toy of the young Marie Stahlbaum, who gets it as a Christmas present.

Marie is finally taken away to the magical kingdom and is crowned the queen there. The story beautifully illustrates Christmas and should be read with the younger generation to generate a little bit of magic on Christmas.