Today I’m welcoming Julie Eshbaugh, 2016 debut author of the amazing prehistoric fantasy Ivory and Bone (Have you read it yet? I really enjoyed it!). The sequel, Obsidian and Stars, is coming out on June 13, 2017 and I’m pretty excited to re-visit this world and the characters!
I love reading Christmas books, and Julie is here to highlight some magical Christmas scenes from the books we love so much! I’m currently reading my way through the Harry Potter books for the first time ever, and I’m looking forward to Christmas at Hogwarts especially!
Christmas Celebrated in Books by Julie Eshbaugh
I love encountering Christmas scenes in books, so when Jana asked if I’d like to contribute a Christmas guest post, I knew what my topic would be!
There’s something magical about celebrating a holiday with your favorite characters. Though the Harry Potter books might be the first to come to mind, there are many other books with Christmas scenes. Here is a list (in no particular order) of some of my favorite literary Christmases.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling
“Christmas was coming. One morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow. The lake froze solid and the Weasley twins were punished for bewitching several snowballs so that they followed Quirrell around, bouncing off the back of his turban.”
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling
“Mistletoe,” said Luna dreamily, pointing at a large clump of white berries placed almost over Harry’s head. He jumped out from under it.
“Good thinking,” said Luna seriously. “It’s often infested with nargles.”
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling
“But Hermione raised her wand, moved it in a circle through the air, and a wreath of Christmas roses blossomed before them. Harry caught it and laid it on his parent’s grave.
As soon as he stood up he wanted to leave: He did not think he could stand another moment there.”
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.”
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
“It was the beginning of the greatest Christmas ever. Little food. No presents. But there was a snowman in their basement.”
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
“Come on,” said Mark Darcy.
“What?” I said.
“Don’t say ‘what.’ Bridget, say ‘pardon,’” hissed Mum.
“Mrs. Jones,” said Mark firmly. “I am taking Bridget away to celebrate what is left of the Baby Jesus’s birthday.”
Persuasion by Jane Austen
“On one side was a table occupied by some chattering girls, cutting up silk and gold paper; and on the other were tressels and trays, bending under the weight of brawn and cold pies, where riotous boys were holding high revel; the whole completed by a roaring Christmas fire, which seemed determined to be heard in spite of all the noise of the others.”
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
“Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was crammed so full of goodies. Then she remembered her mother’s promise and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book.”
Those are just a few of my favorites. I hope this little glimpse into fictional Christmases around the world and throughout time has helped you feel a little Christmas spirit in your heart! Whether you celebrate Christmas, another holiday, or just enjoy the wonders of the season, I wish you happiness and joy!
About Julie Eshbaugh
Julie Eshbaugh used to have trouble staying in one spot, having lived in places as varied as Utah, France, and New York City. She eventually returned home to the Philadelphia area, where she now lives in the house she grew up in with her husband and son. Early on, Julie focused her artistic energies on filmmaking and online video. She made two short films and spent several years producing a web series for teens that became an early YouTube hit and received several honors from the Webby Awards. Julie’s debut young adult novel, Ivory and Bone, will be published by HarperTeen in 2016.
Julie is a member of the group writing blog Pub(lishing) Crawl, where she posts regularly. You can also add Julie on Goodreads, and follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
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