A Christmas Garland   By: Max Beerbohm (1872-1956)

A Christmas Garland is a delightful collection of short stories by Max Beerbohm that captures the essence of the holiday season with wit and charm. This anthology brings together twelve tales, each intricately woven with elements of Christmas cheer, nostalgia, and a dash of satirical humor.

Beerbohm’s language is elegant and expressive, showcasing his remarkable storytelling prowess. His prose effortlessly transports readers into an enchanting world, where traditional Christmas motifs are cleverly reimagined. The author’s vivid descriptions paint a vivid picture of the festivities, capturing the sights, sounds, and emotions of the season.

One of the standout stories in the collection is "A Christmas Game," a whimsical narrative that explores the magic hidden within a children’s nativity play. Beerbohm masterfully leads readers through the joys and wonderment of childhood, while subtly injecting gentle reflections on the nature of faith and belief.

Another gem within the anthology is "The Boy who Laughed at Santa Claus," a heartwarming tale that follows a young skeptic questioning the existence of Santa Claus. This story beautifully captures the transformative power of the holiday spirit and gently reminds readers of the importance of maintaining childlike wonder and belief in the extraordinary.

Throughout the book, Beerbohm’s characters come to life with their quirks, idiosyncrasies, and genuine emotions. Each story is populated with a diverse cast, ranging from cheerful carolers to cantankerous Scrooge-like figures, adding depth and a sense of realism to the narrative.

One of the most remarkable aspects of A Christmas Garland is Beerbohm’s ability to infuse his stories with social commentary. Amidst the festive backdrop, he subtly critiques societal norms and conventions, poking fun at pretentiousness and the over-commercialization of Christmas. The author’s satire is cleverly disguised, adding an intellectual layer to the collection that invites readers to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.

As with any anthology, some stories may resonate more strongly with individual readers than others. However, taken as a whole, A Christmas Garland is a whimsical, heartwarming, and thought-provoking collection that captures the magic of Christmas. Beerbohm’s remarkable storytelling and keen observations make this book a delightful read for both enthusiasts of the holiday season and lovers of fine literature.

First Page:

Stevenson, in one of his essays, tells us how he "played the sedulous ape" to Hazlitt, Sir Thomas Browne, Montaigne, and other writers of the past. And the compositors of all our higher toned newspapers keep the foregoing sentence set up in type always, so constantly does it come tripping off the pens of all higher toned reviewers. Nor ever do I read it without a fresh thrill of respect for the young Stevenson. I, in my own very inferior boyhood, found it hard to revel in so much as a single page of any writer earlier than Thackeray. This disability I did not shake off, alas, after I left school. There seemed to be so many live authors worth reading. I gave precedence to them, and, not being much of a reader, never had time to grapple with the old masters... Continue reading book >>