What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dresden Files #17.3
Christmas Eve
Jim wrote a new short story, Christmas Eve, as a gift for his fans on December 24, 2018. It is posted to his website and Facebook page. The story is set after Peace Talks and Battle Ground and depicts Harry's first Christmas Eve as a dad, as well as a few other familiar faces. As it was released before its predecessor, it does offer some hints as to the happenings of Peace Talks and Battle Ground, but no major spoilers.
10 pages, ebook
First published December 24, 2018
11 people are currently reading
2602 people want to read
About the author
Jim Butcher
204 books51k followersJim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
June 16, 2019
Awww! An online Christmas short from Butcher FREE HERE for those of you (like me) jonesing for a little new Dresden.
Harry receives 3 gifts from unexpected visitors while he and Mouse try to put together a bike on Christmas Eve for Maggie.
Cute, sweet, and I kinda teared up a little at the end. Definitely worth the 10 minutes it takes to read, but beware spoilers if you aren't caught up on the series.
Harry receives 3 gifts from unexpected visitors while he and Mouse try to put together a bike on Christmas Eve for Maggie.
Cute, sweet, and I kinda teared up a little at the end. Definitely worth the 10 minutes it takes to read, but beware spoilers if you aren't caught up on the series.
August 2, 2022
I read this short story back in 2018 but I guess I forgot to review it. I reread it (it only takes 10 minutes) and found it still to be adorable.
It is a cute story about Harry Dresden putting together a gift for his daughter, Maggie on Christmas Eve. His dog Mouse is with him. This is going to be their first Christmas together and he wants it to be a special one. A few characters drop by including Mab.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
It is a cute story about Harry Dresden putting together a gift for his daughter, Maggie on Christmas Eve. His dog Mouse is with him. This is going to be their first Christmas together and he wants it to be a special one. A few characters drop by including Mab.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
November 3, 2020
I went searching for information when Peace Talks is to be released and discovered this little gem instead. Jim Butcher left us a little Christmas gift in a short story about Harry assembling a bike for his daughter on Christmas Eve. There are some spoilers referenced for the upcoming Peace Talks presumably, so be warned. They are broad strokes though. Kind of like Stephen King likes to do in his novels where he alludes to bad things to come in the future towards the beginnings of his stories.
In typical Harry Dresden style, this made me laugh. I'll be honest though, there's a moment so heartwarming towards the end it brought a tear to my eye.
This little ditty is included at the end of Peace Talks as well.
In typical Harry Dresden style, this made me laugh. I'll be honest though, there's a moment so heartwarming towards the end it brought a tear to my eye.
This little ditty is included at the end of Peace Talks as well.
January 2, 2019
Enjoyable little shorty... but it just reminds me that I NEED PEACE TALKS. *sigh*
August 22, 2023
This little Christmas story was at the end of the last novel and I wasn't prepared for it. It was sweet and utterly invoking the Christmas spirit (literally, in fact), adorable - and it made me cry. *lol*
May 17, 2019
What do you do on the night before Christmas morning when you just became a dad, you put together a new bike for your Daughter Maggie, not withstanding the interruptions of various characters from the Dresden universe.
A few pages of Harry Dresden & Mouse mostly, but a bit of fun. Takes a few minutes.
A few pages of Harry Dresden & Mouse mostly, but a bit of fun. Takes a few minutes.
December 12, 2020
Just a taste- I need more Dresden ASAP.
*re-read in 2020*
Same review. I needed more, but it was sweet. Audio makes everything better.
*re-read in 2020*
Same review. I needed more, but it was sweet. Audio makes everything better.
February 28, 2019
Spoilers until Cold Days.
It's Christmas Eve and Harry and Mouse are assembling something for Maggie. Bittersweet memories and visits.
Mouse steals the show as always.
-->Here
It's Christmas Eve and Harry and Mouse are assembling something for Maggie. Bittersweet memories and visits.
Mouse steals the show as always.
-->Here
December 27, 2018
"This was a mere child’s bicycle. It was no match for the intellect of a Wizard of the White Council."
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12...
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12...
October 16, 2020
Well... of all the Christmas presents I expected, a surprise Dresden Files short story was not one of them. Yet that made this story all the sweeter.
Butcher knows how to wrap his fingers around your heart strings and play a subtle tune, and with Christmas Eve he did.
There are a lot of details that make this story great, from both the amusing bits, to the nostalgia, to the character cameos, and to the sad, painful connotations of the peace talks.
That's right. This happens AFTER Peace Talks (which hasn't been published yet), and it works as a fantastic foreshadowing of how devastating those will apparently be.
All is not pain and sadness though. There is plenty of joy, and the ending was wonderful.
Damn, I truly missed Dresden, and this might precipitate another full series reread soon!
Thank you, Jim. You made my evening with this one.
Butcher knows how to wrap his fingers around your heart strings and play a subtle tune, and with Christmas Eve he did.
There are a lot of details that make this story great, from both the amusing bits, to the nostalgia, to the character cameos, and to the sad, painful connotations of the peace talks.
That's right. This happens AFTER Peace Talks (which hasn't been published yet), and it works as a fantastic foreshadowing of how devastating those will apparently be.
All is not pain and sadness though. There is plenty of joy, and the ending was wonderful.
Damn, I truly missed Dresden, and this might precipitate another full series reread soon!
Thank you, Jim. You made my evening with this one.
December 3, 2019
Warning, this precious little missive will probably make you tear up because it is so sweet, and curse because 9 pages aint enough
October 31, 2021
Nice little Dresden short story that definitely woke the Christmas Spirit in me. With the usual tone, humour and banter, and yet also a bit emotional and leaving you with a smile. I love the bittersweet tone mixed with Harries world, and enjoyed this one a lot!
January 2, 2019
Extra short but very sweet ;) full of Christmas spirit 🎄
October 1, 2020
Notes:
I recommend that you read this after Battle Ground. It fits better there. Great little short that was an add on the audiobook recording for Battle Ground.
I recommend that you read this after Battle Ground. It fits better there. Great little short that was an add on the audiobook recording for Battle Ground.
April 23, 2023
A short story, 17.3 in The Dresden Files paranormal fantasy series set in Chicago and revolving around Harry Dresden, wizard and Winter Knight. It's located in the back of and takes place the Christmas after Battle Ground.
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of The Dresden Files books on my website.
My Take
Oh, man. Harry may be a great wizard, but he really sucks at DIY. We know how bad he is because Butcher is using first person protagonist point-of-view from Harry's perspective. Good thing he's got Mouse to explain how to put that gift together, lol.
It's Sarissa who got Mab to watch Frozen, but it's Molly who shows Harry the sum paid out for events in Battle Ground , 17. She also advises him on raising Maggie...practical advice.
Awww, then there's that memory Harry recalls…it's so sweet. Who knew Kris Kringle could be so sentimental... Think Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol as characters from Harry's past pop up.
It's not so much action, but it is filled with love and a few characters.
The Story
It's a not-too-popular tradition on Christmas Eve, assembling your child's presents.
The Characters
Harry Dresden is a wizard who lives in Chicago; he’s also Mab’s Winter Knight ( Ghost Story , 13). Mouse is a temple dog, a Guardian for Maggie, Harry’s daughter.
Maggie lives with the Carpenters. Michael is a retired Knight of the Sword ( Turn Coat , 11). Charity is Michael’s happier wife. Their children include Hank (their youngest) and Molly “Molls”, a.k.a. Grasshopper, Harry’s one-time apprentice, and now the Winter Lady of the fae ( Cold Days ). And Harry’s boss.
Queen Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness, is one scary woman. Sarissa is the Summer Lady ( Cold Days ) who watched Frozen. Kris Kringle, a.k.a. Donar Vadderung, Odin, and Beowulf, gives Maggie a thrill.
The Cover and Title
The cover is simple with its steel blue horizontal gradient with all the text in black. The title is at the top separated from the author's name by a dash and "by". Beneath this is the series information. At the very bottom, the author's name is repeated.
The title is fitting as it is "Christmas Eve" with all the chores and glee of that special night before Christmas.
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of The Dresden Files books on my website.
My Take
Oh, man. Harry may be a great wizard, but he really sucks at DIY. We know how bad he is because Butcher is using first person protagonist point-of-view from Harry's perspective. Good thing he's got Mouse to explain how to put that gift together, lol.
It's Sarissa who got Mab to watch Frozen, but it's Molly who shows Harry the sum paid out for events in Battle Ground , 17. She also advises him on raising Maggie...practical advice.
Awww, then there's that memory Harry recalls…it's so sweet. Who knew Kris Kringle could be so sentimental... Think Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol as characters from Harry's past pop up.
It's not so much action, but it is filled with love and a few characters.
The Story
It's a not-too-popular tradition on Christmas Eve, assembling your child's presents.
The Characters
Harry Dresden is a wizard who lives in Chicago; he’s also Mab’s Winter Knight ( Ghost Story , 13). Mouse is a temple dog, a Guardian for Maggie, Harry’s daughter.
Maggie lives with the Carpenters. Michael is a retired Knight of the Sword ( Turn Coat , 11). Charity is Michael’s happier wife. Their children include Hank (their youngest) and Molly “Molls”, a.k.a. Grasshopper, Harry’s one-time apprentice, and now the Winter Lady of the fae ( Cold Days ). And Harry’s boss.
Queen Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness, is one scary woman. Sarissa is the Summer Lady ( Cold Days ) who watched Frozen. Kris Kringle, a.k.a. Donar Vadderung, Odin, and Beowulf, gives Maggie a thrill.
The Cover and Title
The cover is simple with its steel blue horizontal gradient with all the text in black. The title is at the top separated from the author's name by a dash and "by". Beneath this is the series information. At the very bottom, the author's name is repeated.
The title is fitting as it is "Christmas Eve" with all the chores and glee of that special night before Christmas.
January 1, 2023
Okay, I love me some Dresden, and any chance I have to read something with him and his friends you can bet I am there. We get a chance to see a few of the main people who have been fighting and surviving. Harry is at Michael's house as he prepares a surprise for his daughter and receives many visitors as he sits in the wee hours with Mouse by his side.
This is a nice quick read that gives a little heart to what Harry has and is going through as things continue as he finds his way in his new job both as the Winter Knight and as a father. It is enjoyable and makes me smile because I love the character and everyone in his world.
This is a nice quick read that gives a little heart to what Harry has and is going through as things continue as he finds his way in his new job both as the Winter Knight and as a father. It is enjoyable and makes me smile because I love the character and everyone in his world.
December 26, 2018
Such a great holdover and sneak peek for The Book that Must Not Be Named. I especially loved the appearance of some of my favorite faces. And of course, Mouse's reading skills having extended to children's toys assembly instructions is just perfect.
January 24, 2019
This was so goddamned adorable and also made me tear up. I love Jim Butcher's writing and I really hope he's able to finish Peace Talks soon. Although when you've been writing in the same universe for almost two decades, I can understand the need for a break. This was just the sort of thing to tide me over. <3
November 18, 2022
Quick little story about Christmas Eve with Maggie and Mouse. Not much else to say.
December 26, 2018
Harry spends Christmas Eve night building a bike for his daughter Maggie, he gets visited and given gifts by Mab, Molly, and Kringle. The gifts are..... WAIT... this is AFTER PEACE TALKS?
I opened the envelope. It had one piece of paper in it. On it was written a very large number.
“What is this?” I asked.
“The total of everyone’s medical bills from last summer,” she said, her voice quieter, soberer. “Everyone who got hurt. It’s all paid for.”
I didn’t want to think about the peace talks.
Pain. So much pain.
“What about the funerals?” I asked. My voice was bitter.
Molly was quiet for a long moment before she said, gently, “Those too.”
AND
“Sometimes,” I said, “I can’t believe how arrogant I am. If it wasn’t for the kid…”
Molly leaned down and rapped me sharply on the crown of the head with one knuckle. I eyed her and scowled. “Hey.”
“Stop it,” she said. “You didn’t choose for things to fall out the way they did. You did everything in your power to stop anyone from being harmed. And you risked an awful lot getting in everyone’s face after the battle. It helped a whole lot of people.”
“People who might not have gotten hurt in the first place if—”
Quit teasing me with spoilers and finish the book!!!
So good of a story though. I miss Dresden.
Recommend.
I opened the envelope. It had one piece of paper in it. On it was written a very large number.
“What is this?” I asked.
“The total of everyone’s medical bills from last summer,” she said, her voice quieter, soberer. “Everyone who got hurt. It’s all paid for.”
I didn’t want to think about the peace talks.
Pain. So much pain.
“What about the funerals?” I asked. My voice was bitter.
Molly was quiet for a long moment before she said, gently, “Those too.”
AND
“Sometimes,” I said, “I can’t believe how arrogant I am. If it wasn’t for the kid…”
Molly leaned down and rapped me sharply on the crown of the head with one knuckle. I eyed her and scowled. “Hey.”
“Stop it,” she said. “You didn’t choose for things to fall out the way they did. You did everything in your power to stop anyone from being harmed. And you risked an awful lot getting in everyone’s face after the battle. It helped a whole lot of people.”
“People who might not have gotten hurt in the first place if—”
Quit teasing me with spoilers and finish the book!!!
So good of a story though. I miss Dresden.
Recommend.
October 11, 2019
I enjoyed this a great deal! I came across it while hoping to find something out about the next book in the Dresden Files series. As usual rumor is that it is just about to be printed but this time it seems more likely since someone claimed the book has been turned into the editor. In this one, Harry is struggling to put together a present for his daughter on their first Christmas Eve together. He gets visited three times by different people. It is a lovely little story and seems to hint at “past” events that will be part of the next book. Definitely recommended!
December 6, 2020
A lovely short story of Harry building a red bike for Maggie with the help of Mouse .
December 22, 2020
A short story tucked into the back of Battle Ground, and really not to be read until after that one. I wonder if Butcher isn't actually better with Dresden in short story form. This one captures so much in so little room. And we get to see almost as much Michael and Maggie as we see in the last chapter of Battle Ground, and more Mouse. And sure its an easy mark to try to do a what does it mean to be a father story on Christmas Eve, but that doesn't mean it had to land. And having it also be, what does it mean to be an offspring was a bonus.
January 31, 2019
This was adorable, touching and heartwarming to the point of putting some happy, sappy tears in my eyes. That being said... C'mon now, Jim, how much longer are you going to make us wait for Peace Talks?! Give!!
Read
December 24, 2021" Hope this Christmas Eve fills your heart with cheer. May God fulfill all your hopes and dreams!"
Wish you a very sparkling Christmas Eve ! Have fun with your family and friends and celebrate with joy !
Wish you a very sparkling Christmas Eve ! Have fun with your family and friends and celebrate with joy !
August 25, 2020
This story was adorable, although when I read it I hadn't realized it was supposed to be set after Peace Talks (the most recent novel released in 2020). I think it's cute that Mab knows who Elsa is.
October 2, 2020
I didn’t find this till after reading Peace Talks and Battle Ground, and it is lovely.
October 16, 2020
Short and sweet. Really Christmasy.
October 24, 2020
This was an add-on to the audiobook I listened to of Peace Talks and gave me ALL the feels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews