'The Ultimate Collection of Christmas Tales' embodies a tapestry of narratives that capture the essence of Christmas from myriad cultural and philosophical angles. This anthology showcases a stunning variety of literary styles, from the poignant realism of Chekhov to the enchanting fairy tales of Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. Situating itself within a rich literary context, this collection weaves through the emotional and ideological spectrum of the holiday season, presenting both celebrated and rare gems that illuminate the human condition in festive times. Each story serves as a unique prism, refracting the universal themes of love, redemption, and rebirth associated with Christmas. The authors featured in this anthology, including giants like Tolstoy, Dickens, and Alcott, alongside less widely known but equally significant figures like Selma Lagerlöf and Armando Palacio Valdés, represent a remarkable convergence of historical epochs, cultural backgrounds, and literary movements. These writers, collectively, bring a depth of perspective to the anthology, reflecting the evolution of societal norms around Christmas and the broader human experience. Through their stories, they offer a panoramic view of the shifting moral landscapes and the enduring spirit of the holiday season from different corners of the world. 'The Ultimate Collection of Christmas Tales' is an essential volume for anyone intrigued by the rich intersection of culture, history, and literature. This compilation not only provides entertainment but also invites readers into a deeper contemplation of Christmas as depicted through the ages. Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse narratives encapsulated in this collection, engaging with its broad mosaic of human experiences and sentiments, making it a profound addition to any literary collection, perfect for holiday reading and beyond.



Zusammenfassung
This carefully edited collection of Christmas tales, short stories, myths and legends has been designed and formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. Table of Contents:Louisa May Alcott:Merry ChristmasA Christmas Dream and How It Came TrueBecky's Christmas DreamKitty's Class DayRosa's TaleTilly's ChristmasThe Abbot's Ghost, or Maurice Treherne's TemptationWhat the Bell Saw and SaidA Christmas Turkey, and How It CameThe Little Red PurseA Country ChristmasO. Henry:The Gift of the MagiWhistling Dick's Christmas StockingChristmas by InjunctionA Chaparral Christmas GiftHans Christian Andersen:The Little Match GirlThe Steadfast Tin SoldierThe Snow QueenThe Old HouseThe Drop of WaterThe Happy FamilyThe Story of a MotherThe False CollarThe ShadowThe Old Street-lampThe Dream of Little TukThe Naughty BoyThe Two Neighboring FamiliesThe Darning-needleThe Red ShoesSelma Lagerlöf:The Holy NightThe Christmas GuestThe Flight Into EgyptThe Legend of the Christmas RoseHarriet Beecher Stowe:Betty's Bright IdeaThe First Christmas Of New EnglandDeacon Pitkin's FarmCharles Dickens:A Christmas CarolThe ChimesThe Cricket on the HearthThe Battle of LifeThe Haunted ManA Christmas TreeWhat Christmas Is As We Grow OlderThe Poor Relation's StoryThe Child's StoryThe Schoolboy's StoryNobody's StoryThe Seven Poor TravellersThe Holly-TreeThe Wreck of the Golden MaryThe Perils of Certain English PrisonersA House to LetThe Haunted HouseA Message From the SeaTom Tiddler's GroundSomebody's LuggageMrs. Lirriper's LodgingsMrs. Lirriper's LegacyDoctor Marigold's PrescriptionsMugby JunctionNo ThoroughfareChristmas at Fezziwig's WarehouseThomas Nelson Page:Santa Claus's PartnerA Captured Santa ClausTommy Trots Visit to Santa ClausHow the Captain made ChristmasAnthony Trollope:Christmas at Thompson HallChristmas Day at Kirkby CottageThe Mistletoe BoughNot if I Know ItThe Two GeneralsWilliam Dean Howells:Christmas Every DayTurkeys Turning the TablesThe Pony Engine and the Pacific ExpressThe Pumpkin Glory