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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 11 DECEMBER 2022 6 CHRISTMAS The top five traditional Christmas books to read this year AS many of us look forward some well-deserved time off from work or studying this De- cember, we discuss some of the best traditional Christmas books to curl up on the sofa with this festive season Christmas entertainment has played a vital and much-loved role in the holiday season for genera- tions, with the modern day jam- packed with Christmas songs, films and TV specials. One un- der-represented medium, howev- er, is arguably that of the written word. Many of us can find it difficult to find time to read in our day-to-day lives, our interests all too often ab- sorbed into the so-called 'attention economy' that pervades our lives through social media and other in- ternet platforms. Being able to relax with a good book, therefore, is fast becoming a luxury — though one that is as rewarding as it can be difficult to achieve. As such, why not take some time this year to get back in- to reading and the Christmas spirit at the same time, by curling up on the sofa with one of these classic books: 1. A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens) Written in 1843 by one of Eng- land's most famous authors, A Christmas Carol has rightfully earned its place as perhaps the most defining Christmas book to have ever been published. Tell- ing the redemptive story of one Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Vic- torian-era businessman, the book details his experiences with three ghosts of Christmas past, pres- ent and future, and their grim foreshadowing of events to come should he not change his ways. The book has inspired a number of TV and film adaptations, though the book remains the original and perhaps most atmospheric depic- tion of this Christmas classic. 2. The Polar Express (Chris Van Allsburg) This book is remarkable for many reasons, not least its icon- ic illustrations, which were pro- duced by author Chris Van Alls- burg, a leading American artist and writer. Published in 1985, The Polar Express takes readers on a magical adventure to the North Pole after a young boy is woken to the sound of a train pulling up outside his house. Rich with stunning winter scenery, the book reminds us of the real spirit of Christmas, and is a sly nod to the nostalgic and slightly sombre emotions the holiday season can summon in us as we get older. The work remains a firm favour- ite amongst younger audiences, with new generations too finding joy and wonder in its beautifully illustrated pages. 3. The Snowman (Raymond Briggs) Published in 1978, The Snow- man is unique on this list for being the only book included not to fea- ture any words. Created by graphic novelist Raymond Briggs, the book tells the evocative story of a young boy's snowman coming to life at midnight, and their adventures together culminating in an inspir- ing flight over England's Brighton Pier and South Downs National Park. Despite its morose ending, the book is a Christmas classic and a must-read for both younger and older audiences, and inspired the hugely successful 1982 Channel 4 (UK) film of the same name fea- turing music by Howard Blake. 4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Dr Seuss) There's a good chance that many people will be familiar with the story of The Grinch from the 2000 and 2018 films from Uni- versal Studios, though both of these were based on the popular and thoroughly unique book by American cartoonist and author Theodor Seuss Geisel, AKA Dr Seuss. Published in 1957, the book was written as both a crit- icism of the commercialisation and materialistic development of the Christmas season, as well as a fantastically fun festive adventure in its own right. Written in Dr Seuss' trademark whimsical style, the book is a seasonal favourite and one definitely worth reading if you haven't already. 5. Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer (Robert L May) This last book on the list is unu- sual for two reasons, due to both its origins and its journey into wid- er popular culture. Initially a prod- uct of commercial employment, the story was originally written at the request of Chicago's Mont- gomery Ward department store, where the author was employed as a content writer. Over two million copies of the book were given away to children visiting the store dur- ing the Christmas of 1939, with a mass-market version published later in 1947. The book tells the inspiring story of a reindeer with an unusually bright red nose, who, despite initially suffering mocking from his peers, is later treated as a hero after successfully guiding Santa Claus' sleigh through dif- ficult weather on Christmas Eve. Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer is best remembered for the 1949 song by Johnny Marks of the same name. MALTA offers a diverse, fun and exciting range of activities both families and children can enjoy. As we head into the cold, wet weather with Christmas approaching, you can be sure to get into the festive spirit and take time away to spend with loved ones with the many events Malta is holding. We kick off the list with the ex- citing Fairyland Santa's City. Mal- tas beautiful capital city of Vallet- ta, transforms from the historical and iconic scenery we know, into a magical and mesmerising ar- ray of lights, Christmas Market stalls & attractions - such as the Ice Skating Rink and 'Rudolphs Wheel', allowing you to see Mal- ta from views you haven't before. Make sure to come and visit this spectacular attraction along with Santa & his elves from December 8th until the 6th of January at the Piazza Tritoni, Valletta/Floriana. The Magical Illuminated Trail offers a relaxed, yet highly enjoy- able and engaging festive expe- rience. Located at The Verdala Palace, Buskett from the 25th of November to the 7th of January, you can bring your loved ones along and walk the very immer- sive route where you can enjoy the thousands of twinkling fairy lights, irresistible selfie scenes and incredible showstoppers. To further spark your imagination, a new Christmas Village will also be open to explore. There, you will find personalised Christmas Baubles, Candles & Festive décor, a selection of food options, toys, games and Christmas treats for everyone to enjoy. Kids and families can enjoy and be part of the Santa's World ex- perience. With the many creative and engaging activities that are open, you can create a person- alised video and send it to Santa himself, attend school and learn how to speak the same language the elves speak, bake your own biscuits in the bakery and even head over to the hairdresser to have your hair styled "in an Elf- ie way." Located at the spacious MFCC Grounds in Ta Qali, you'll have a wonderful time visiting all of the attractions and will be kept busy for hours. This event will be open from the 7th of December until the 1st of January. Kids can be treated to a meal with Santa and his elves at the Playmobil FunPark in Birzeb- buga. An Afternoon Meal with Santa and his Elves, allows you to take part in fun games, have pho- tos with Santa and receive free stickers and a gift. There will al- so be pirate hats and crowns that kids can wear during their stay. Starting at 5pm and running un- til 9pm, kids will be kept full from having the choice of margherita pizza, chicken nuggets or pasta and a drink. Book your ticket ei- ther for the 16th or 23rd of De- cember to secure your spot. With so many events and ac- tivities this Christmas, you'll be sure to have plenty of fun and ex- citement coming your way. Book your tickets now to these events to ensure you don't miss out. More information can be found via each events respective Face- book page or on ShowsHappen- ing.com. Family activities this Christmas