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Last Christmas: Memories of Christmases Past and Hopes of Future Ones
When you think back to Christmases past, what made it magical? Looking towards the future, what would your perfect Christmas be? What would you change? What should we all change?
The perfect holiday book, featuring the remembrances of Meryl Streep, Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman, Caitlin Moran, and more, to coincide with the upcoming movie LAST CHRISTMAS, starring Emma Thompson, Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding.
This is a beautiful, funny and soulful collection of personal essays about the meaning of Christmas, written by an exceptional body of voices from the boulevards of Hollywood to the soup kitchens of Covent Garden.
Stepping away from the holiday shopping, the midtown Manhattan window decorations, and the gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa, this gem of a book is introduced and curated by Emma Thompson and Greg Wise and celebrates the importance of kindness and generosity, acceptance and tolerance - and shows us that these values are not just for Christmas, but for every day of the year.
25¢ from every book sold will be donated to Crisis and The Refugee Council!
The perfect holiday book, featuring the remembrances of Meryl Streep, Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman, Caitlin Moran, and more, to coincide with the upcoming movie LAST CHRISTMAS, starring Emma Thompson, Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding.
This is a beautiful, funny and soulful collection of personal essays about the meaning of Christmas, written by an exceptional body of voices from the boulevards of Hollywood to the soup kitchens of Covent Garden.
Stepping away from the holiday shopping, the midtown Manhattan window decorations, and the gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa, this gem of a book is introduced and curated by Emma Thompson and Greg Wise and celebrates the importance of kindness and generosity, acceptance and tolerance - and shows us that these values are not just for Christmas, but for every day of the year.
25¢ from every book sold will be donated to Crisis and The Refugee Council!
241 pages, Hardcover
Published November 5, 2019
104 people are currently reading
863 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
December 5, 2019
I love Christmas. There, I’ve said it and I’ll get that out of the way! However, what is it that I love? The sparkliness? Yes. The presents? Well, I guess so, I mean, I wouldn’t turn down a carefully chosen gift from Tiffany for example. Mulled wine and a mince pie? Yes to the mulled wine but let me check your pastry prowess out before I bite. The main thing it means to me and to so many others, is being together with those you love and like. Christmas past was racing through whichever house we were at that particular year with my brother, sister and numerous cousins playing things like sardines, red faced with laughter and stuffed full of yummy food. This is what unites me and many others to those who written their Christmas memories and the meaning of Christmas to them in this diverse and thoughtful collection of short stories. There are famous people (Emma Thompson and Greg Wise obviously, Meryl Streep and many others) but also people who aren’t necessarily well known from different countries and backgrounds. Some stories tell of terrible hardships faced, so this isn’t your traditional saccharine Christmas story. Some are very funny (Greg), some are grumpy (Greg), some are sad especially those who have faced homelessness or war or persecution and some are religious and what is particularly interesting is how Christmas is viewed by other faiths. So it’s an eclectic mix that intrigues you throughout and I really enjoyed reading it. If you want to read something that gives a different perspective then this one should interest you.
So, pantomime (oh no it isn’t), the food, Santa Claus, the Queens Message, Advent calendars, presents, a roof over your head, fireflies instead of twinkly lights, carols, mince pies, nativity plays, good mood, bad mood, caring for others, celebrate life, love, good health, free from harm, awful relatives, lovely relatives, sadness, myths, ritual, traditions, memories but most important love, family, hope, freedom, justice, peace, hope and warmth. Happy Christmas one and all.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books.
So, pantomime (oh no it isn’t), the food, Santa Claus, the Queens Message, Advent calendars, presents, a roof over your head, fireflies instead of twinkly lights, carols, mince pies, nativity plays, good mood, bad mood, caring for others, celebrate life, love, good health, free from harm, awful relatives, lovely relatives, sadness, myths, ritual, traditions, memories but most important love, family, hope, freedom, justice, peace, hope and warmth. Happy Christmas one and all.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books.
December 17, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
Curated and introduced by Greg Wise and his wife, Dame Emma Thompson, Last Christmas is a poignant collection of over fifty separate personal bite sized essays, revolving around the theme of Christmas. A companion text to the recent feature film Last Christmas starring Emila Clarke, this touching book would make a great personal gift this yuletide season.
Last Christmas affords readers with an opportunity to reflect on Christmas memories from the past. In this fast moving world of consumerism, often the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in the oblivion of commercialism. This book is about hope, peace, change, acceptance and openness. At times humorous, life affirming and touching, Last Christmas is a sincere piece of literature that opens your eyes to a very different set of Christmas related experiences. Greg Wise and Emma Thompson draw on a diverse set of personal experiences to pull apart of social construction of Christmas. We look beyond the spending sprees, the extravagant Christmas dinners, the endless parties and the over the top decorations. What emerges are a core set of values to consider – hope, kindness and acceptance of all. This thought provoking text is a strong reminder of the principles of humanity that we should follow all year round, not just once a year.
I was immediately struck by the intention of this book, as outlined in the introduction by Greg Wise and Emma Thompson.
‘We were approached by Greg’s publishers, Quercus, to see if we were interested in putting together a book to tie in with the release of our film which could collate people’s personal memories of past Christmases ad their hopes for future ones. And as truth is, indeed, stranger than fiction, the stories that arrived mirrored what we were trying to explore in our film – our suspicion is that this collection of writings more than simply being amusing or touching about Christmas, shows that we are all essentially the same.’
We are also informed at the close of the introduction piece that, ‘All the money earned from this book goes straight to charities helping refugees and the homeless, so an enormous thank you for your purchase.’ I think this adds a sense of purpose and goodwill in selecting this book to purchase.
On a personal note, I have felt a little disillusioned with Christmas of late. I seemed to have lost the belief, sense of wonderment, magic and anticipation of the season. For me, I find that it is just an incredibly busy and stressful time of the year. Marked by celebrations to cater for and presents to purchase. I was not brought up in a religious household, but I lately I have been reassessing my personal mindset in relation to Christmas. Perhaps Last Christmas is a book that found me at the right time, as it provided me with a great deal to think critically about. Reading Last Christmas made me thankful for the life I have built for myself and my young family, which is free from poverty, homelessness, displacement, persecution and addiction, which has impacted so many of the stories in this collection .
There are various voices represented in Last Christmas, of all genders, ages, religious backgrounds, classes, cultural identities and professions. Each story is presented in an accessible and fairly curtailed format, so the reader is easily able to pick this book up and put it down again, without losing the general gist of the book’s purpose. There were plenty of stories from famous personalities that I really looked forward to reading from Emilia Clarke, to Meryl Streep and the curators of the book, Emma Thompson and Greg Wise. However, it was the stories from the everyday people, from all walks of life, that seemed to capture me just as much as the celebrities. One such story of a heart transplant recipient touched me the most, which is due to our own family’s experience of organ donation at Christmas time.
I think I could have used nearly my whole post it note pad to mark out all the key quotes that brought some meaning, or connection to me. I think Last Christmas is a book that speaks for us all, and its intentions are sincere. Expect to be moved to tears in some places, but elated in others. You may also feel a sense of connection and understanding with many of the stories, while others of a more religious or political nature may divide you. Memorable, impassioned and diverse, Last Christmas is a book that will open your mind to a different view of this much celebrated festival.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
3.5 stars
Curated and introduced by Greg Wise and his wife, Dame Emma Thompson, Last Christmas is a poignant collection of over fifty separate personal bite sized essays, revolving around the theme of Christmas. A companion text to the recent feature film Last Christmas starring Emila Clarke, this touching book would make a great personal gift this yuletide season.
Last Christmas affords readers with an opportunity to reflect on Christmas memories from the past. In this fast moving world of consumerism, often the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in the oblivion of commercialism. This book is about hope, peace, change, acceptance and openness. At times humorous, life affirming and touching, Last Christmas is a sincere piece of literature that opens your eyes to a very different set of Christmas related experiences. Greg Wise and Emma Thompson draw on a diverse set of personal experiences to pull apart of social construction of Christmas. We look beyond the spending sprees, the extravagant Christmas dinners, the endless parties and the over the top decorations. What emerges are a core set of values to consider – hope, kindness and acceptance of all. This thought provoking text is a strong reminder of the principles of humanity that we should follow all year round, not just once a year.
I was immediately struck by the intention of this book, as outlined in the introduction by Greg Wise and Emma Thompson.
‘We were approached by Greg’s publishers, Quercus, to see if we were interested in putting together a book to tie in with the release of our film which could collate people’s personal memories of past Christmases ad their hopes for future ones. And as truth is, indeed, stranger than fiction, the stories that arrived mirrored what we were trying to explore in our film – our suspicion is that this collection of writings more than simply being amusing or touching about Christmas, shows that we are all essentially the same.’
We are also informed at the close of the introduction piece that, ‘All the money earned from this book goes straight to charities helping refugees and the homeless, so an enormous thank you for your purchase.’ I think this adds a sense of purpose and goodwill in selecting this book to purchase.
On a personal note, I have felt a little disillusioned with Christmas of late. I seemed to have lost the belief, sense of wonderment, magic and anticipation of the season. For me, I find that it is just an incredibly busy and stressful time of the year. Marked by celebrations to cater for and presents to purchase. I was not brought up in a religious household, but I lately I have been reassessing my personal mindset in relation to Christmas. Perhaps Last Christmas is a book that found me at the right time, as it provided me with a great deal to think critically about. Reading Last Christmas made me thankful for the life I have built for myself and my young family, which is free from poverty, homelessness, displacement, persecution and addiction, which has impacted so many of the stories in this collection .
There are various voices represented in Last Christmas, of all genders, ages, religious backgrounds, classes, cultural identities and professions. Each story is presented in an accessible and fairly curtailed format, so the reader is easily able to pick this book up and put it down again, without losing the general gist of the book’s purpose. There were plenty of stories from famous personalities that I really looked forward to reading from Emilia Clarke, to Meryl Streep and the curators of the book, Emma Thompson and Greg Wise. However, it was the stories from the everyday people, from all walks of life, that seemed to capture me just as much as the celebrities. One such story of a heart transplant recipient touched me the most, which is due to our own family’s experience of organ donation at Christmas time.
I think I could have used nearly my whole post it note pad to mark out all the key quotes that brought some meaning, or connection to me. I think Last Christmas is a book that speaks for us all, and its intentions are sincere. Expect to be moved to tears in some places, but elated in others. You may also feel a sense of connection and understanding with many of the stories, while others of a more religious or political nature may divide you. Memorable, impassioned and diverse, Last Christmas is a book that will open your mind to a different view of this much celebrated festival.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
November 29, 2020
Some touching and tough tales of what Christmas means to people or their memories. My heart ached at times.....very moving.
December 26, 2019
I prefer to read non-fiction alongside fiction as a rule, but this collection was just lovely and I was able to read it as if it were a novel. Best read in the Christmas period, it is a lovely mix of memories, all written in people’s own words describing past Christmas’s and hopes for future ones.
I have a difficult relationship with Christmas, having lost of mum to cancer 5 years ago during the festive period. Add to that my boys are growing up and are harder to surprise with presents and I just find the whole lead up quite stressful. This collection made me realise I am certainly not alone – quite a few of the authors agreed that we lose the magic of Christmas as we get older and maybe don’t have the same people surrounding us.
Some of the memories were funny, most were heart-warming and some were sad. I liked that memories of the homeless and those who work for Crisis (a homeless charity were included) because it is these tales that made me realise how lucky I am. Also, how refugees and asylum seekers cope with Christmas when perhaps they might not have celebrated previously. I also enjoyed reading about Christmas’s from different cultures.
I watched the film, Last Christmas last night, having read the book a few days previously. The film heavily features the issues of homelessness, immigration and refugees so this book is actually a lovely tie-in (it does say that in the blurb but it hadn’t occurred to me that it really is!)
A great stocking filler for Christmas. Money will be donated to Crisis and the Refugee Council for every book sold.
I have a difficult relationship with Christmas, having lost of mum to cancer 5 years ago during the festive period. Add to that my boys are growing up and are harder to surprise with presents and I just find the whole lead up quite stressful. This collection made me realise I am certainly not alone – quite a few of the authors agreed that we lose the magic of Christmas as we get older and maybe don’t have the same people surrounding us.
Some of the memories were funny, most were heart-warming and some were sad. I liked that memories of the homeless and those who work for Crisis (a homeless charity were included) because it is these tales that made me realise how lucky I am. Also, how refugees and asylum seekers cope with Christmas when perhaps they might not have celebrated previously. I also enjoyed reading about Christmas’s from different cultures.
I watched the film, Last Christmas last night, having read the book a few days previously. The film heavily features the issues of homelessness, immigration and refugees so this book is actually a lovely tie-in (it does say that in the blurb but it hadn’t occurred to me that it really is!)
A great stocking filler for Christmas. Money will be donated to Crisis and the Refugee Council for every book sold.
December 24, 2022
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Last Christmas
by various, complied by Greg Wise and Emma Thompson
When the Short Story Sisterhood that I'm honoured to have been admitted to this year were deciding on a title for December this collection of Yuletide essays seemed to fit the bill with it's seasonal theme, festive mood and it was a change from our usual literary intensity at a time when we find ourselves time poor in the run up to the Holidays.
About half of these essays come from celebrities; actors, comedians, figure heads and these were generally full of nostalgia for simpler times, or sceptical accounts of over commercialism. The other half were from people for whom Christmas can often be the loneliest time, the homeless, the poorest, immigrants with their own cultural variations, the refugees with their jarring tales of contrast.
Some are good, some are hilarious, some are boring or repetitive, some stop you in your tracks with guilt, some don't even register. But what we quickly realised, and what kept us going throughout the month was the personal connection we made to each other as day by day the chat of women spread across all corners of the US 🇺🇸 Norway 🇳🇴 and Ireland 🇮🇪 turned to our own ways of celebrating, our own religious or non religious practices, giving and charitable customs, the food we associate with the season (complete with links, recipes etc) advent calendar ideas, the differences between us and the similarities.
It has been a wonderful experience, has added a star to the overall rating and the biggest takeaway is that the best thing about Christmas is connection, good will and corn casserole.
A portion of the proceeds of sales of this book go to Homeless Charities so that's a good enough reason to get yourself a copy. Dip in and out over the Christmas period, read with family or friends and see what memories it conjures up for you.
Last Christmas
by various, complied by Greg Wise and Emma Thompson
When the Short Story Sisterhood that I'm honoured to have been admitted to this year were deciding on a title for December this collection of Yuletide essays seemed to fit the bill with it's seasonal theme, festive mood and it was a change from our usual literary intensity at a time when we find ourselves time poor in the run up to the Holidays.
About half of these essays come from celebrities; actors, comedians, figure heads and these were generally full of nostalgia for simpler times, or sceptical accounts of over commercialism. The other half were from people for whom Christmas can often be the loneliest time, the homeless, the poorest, immigrants with their own cultural variations, the refugees with their jarring tales of contrast.
Some are good, some are hilarious, some are boring or repetitive, some stop you in your tracks with guilt, some don't even register. But what we quickly realised, and what kept us going throughout the month was the personal connection we made to each other as day by day the chat of women spread across all corners of the US 🇺🇸 Norway 🇳🇴 and Ireland 🇮🇪 turned to our own ways of celebrating, our own religious or non religious practices, giving and charitable customs, the food we associate with the season (complete with links, recipes etc) advent calendar ideas, the differences between us and the similarities.
It has been a wonderful experience, has added a star to the overall rating and the biggest takeaway is that the best thing about Christmas is connection, good will and corn casserole.
A portion of the proceeds of sales of this book go to Homeless Charities so that's a good enough reason to get yourself a copy. Dip in and out over the Christmas period, read with family or friends and see what memories it conjures up for you.
December 9, 2019
A very eclectic collection of Christmas stories. Some will warm your hearts and others really get you thinking. Something for everyone here! Thanks to Mobius books for this review copy:)
December 30, 2019
In my opinion this is the perfect book for reading over Christmas. Filled with short essays, each a few pages long it was so easy to pick up and read a couple every time I had a spare 10 minutes!
It is a collection of essays based around Christmas memories and hopes for the future. Some written by well known names such as Meryl Streep, Stephen Fry and Olivia Coleman, some written by homeless people, refugees and Crisis volunteers. I found them all absolutely fascinating.
It was so interesting to hear about the hard work that goes into volunteering with Crisis during Christmas time, how these people take so much of their own time and dedicate it to making someone's else's Christmas so much better. The refugees stories about having to celebrate Christmas in a completely different way, sometimes on their own without any family members at all, were heartbreaking.
But this book isn't all doom and gloom. It's really heartwarming and uplifting and the overwhelming message is that it doesn't matter what's under the tree it matters who's around it which I 100% agree with!
It is a collection of essays based around Christmas memories and hopes for the future. Some written by well known names such as Meryl Streep, Stephen Fry and Olivia Coleman, some written by homeless people, refugees and Crisis volunteers. I found them all absolutely fascinating.
It was so interesting to hear about the hard work that goes into volunteering with Crisis during Christmas time, how these people take so much of their own time and dedicate it to making someone's else's Christmas so much better. The refugees stories about having to celebrate Christmas in a completely different way, sometimes on their own without any family members at all, were heartbreaking.
But this book isn't all doom and gloom. It's really heartwarming and uplifting and the overwhelming message is that it doesn't matter what's under the tree it matters who's around it which I 100% agree with!
December 25, 2019
This was the most perfect short Christmas read with such an important message behind it. The celebrities Christmas' stories were great but, even more special were the stories from volunteers, the homeless and refugees. This is a book to remind you what Christmas is really about, amongst all the commercial trappings of this scary modern world.
“I realise now, the character in the Christmas story we should all aspire to be is the star in the sky that shines so brightly and hopefully – that someone else who is lost can find their way.”
“I realise now, the character in the Christmas story we should all aspire to be is the star in the sky that shines so brightly and hopefully – that someone else who is lost can find their way.”
December 7, 2021
My favourite stories/essays:
Emilia Clarke
Emma Thompson
Seann Walsh
Stanley Tucci
Stephen Fry
Tindyebwa Agaba
Emilia Clarke
Emma Thompson
Seann Walsh
Stanley Tucci
Stephen Fry
Tindyebwa Agaba
November 18, 2019
"But there must be something more to all this than just marketing and merchandise. For all the differences of our time which pull people apart, something about Christmas now seems to bring us together. As one of the most sacred days in the Christian calendar seeps into other cultures’ diaries as a special date, it calls on us to consider just what makes it so powerful for so many around the world.”
A Christmas book of a different flavour, an honest collection of essays from an array of people writing on the theme of Christmas - not the fluffy, commercial stuff but rather, husband and wife duo have zoned in on people to capture the essence of this celebration and what we humans are really seeking at this festive time of year. All up, the result is most thought provoking read with some real gems to be discovered within its pages.
"I don’t know. I know I often wish more would happen to show warmth to others. And I wont claim I’m an angel myself in that regard - it’s so easy to lose track of your own good intentions when Christmas is bearing down on you. But I do think we’re forgetting what Christmas is. And there are still wonderful selfless people who do all those wonderful things.How do we make it a thing that we ALL naturally do at Christmas? And every other week in between?”
There are stories that are funny, some desperately sad and the majority filled with meaning - something for everyone to be sure. Actors, politicians, charity workers, homeless - just some of the line up who contribute to this collection on what Christmas means to them. This book ties in with the film currently in cinema and revolves around the theme of tolerance and acceptance. Proceeds of this book will go to two of the charities mentioned throughout. So whether you wish to hear from the famous Meryl Streep or Emilia Clarke, or rather the lesser known political refugees or volunteers, I found it to be a real window into people's mindset at this hectic time of year and it cuts to the core of the essence of this occasion.
“I want to go back in time, sit with my mother and father and my brother and sister, give my silly conceited young self a sharp slap and tell him how lucky he is. But perhaps the best way to do that is to help remind the world that many of our brothers and sisters are holding each other fast in strange lands, dreaming of the chance to sit in a place they can call home.”
A Christmas book of a different flavour, an honest collection of essays from an array of people writing on the theme of Christmas - not the fluffy, commercial stuff but rather, husband and wife duo have zoned in on people to capture the essence of this celebration and what we humans are really seeking at this festive time of year. All up, the result is most thought provoking read with some real gems to be discovered within its pages.
"I don’t know. I know I often wish more would happen to show warmth to others. And I wont claim I’m an angel myself in that regard - it’s so easy to lose track of your own good intentions when Christmas is bearing down on you. But I do think we’re forgetting what Christmas is. And there are still wonderful selfless people who do all those wonderful things.How do we make it a thing that we ALL naturally do at Christmas? And every other week in between?”
There are stories that are funny, some desperately sad and the majority filled with meaning - something for everyone to be sure. Actors, politicians, charity workers, homeless - just some of the line up who contribute to this collection on what Christmas means to them. This book ties in with the film currently in cinema and revolves around the theme of tolerance and acceptance. Proceeds of this book will go to two of the charities mentioned throughout. So whether you wish to hear from the famous Meryl Streep or Emilia Clarke, or rather the lesser known political refugees or volunteers, I found it to be a real window into people's mindset at this hectic time of year and it cuts to the core of the essence of this occasion.
“I want to go back in time, sit with my mother and father and my brother and sister, give my silly conceited young self a sharp slap and tell him how lucky he is. But perhaps the best way to do that is to help remind the world that many of our brothers and sisters are holding each other fast in strange lands, dreaming of the chance to sit in a place they can call home.”
December 11, 2019
Fifty-one Christmas related pieces.
I was initially taken aback by Last Christmas because I was expecting fiction and hadn’t quite anticipated the eclectic and wide ranging factual and memoir pieces that actually make up this collection.
There’s something for every reader in Last Christmas. Reading it over several days, I found myself drawn to more secular than religious linked pieces, but I thoroughly enjoyed, or perhaps appreciated is a better word, the entire book.
Although many of the entries have quite bleak and saddening content, from alcoholism and homelessness to deaths and drugs, ultimately Last Christmas is a heartening book because not only are its profits going to charity, but even where there are some very depressing accounts, more often than not there is hope and positivity that comes out of the writing. A drink dependent and aggressive woman later becoming a volunteer for the charity Crisis, for example, shows just what can be achieved with a bit of humanity.
I laughed aloud at Michael Korzinski’s brother’s physical response to Uncle Hank as I had a similar relative in an aunt who will remain nameless, although my 4 year old reaction was verbal, telling her I hated her, rather than physical. I empathised with Greg Wise’s reaction to his wife’s relentless enjoyment of Christmas as in my family, we begin the ‘What are we doing next year?’ question during Christmas afternoon! I traveled to places like Paris, Mayanmar, Moldova and America and I found a cast of almost Dickensian characters amongst the people described.
What Last Christmas does so brilliantly whilst it entertains, is make the reader think, make them feel humble and thankful for what they have and above all else reminds us that Christmas isn’t about consumerism, but rather it’s about compassion and love for our fellow human beings. It is a perfect glimpse into the reality and hope of Christmas. What could be better than that?
I was initially taken aback by Last Christmas because I was expecting fiction and hadn’t quite anticipated the eclectic and wide ranging factual and memoir pieces that actually make up this collection.
There’s something for every reader in Last Christmas. Reading it over several days, I found myself drawn to more secular than religious linked pieces, but I thoroughly enjoyed, or perhaps appreciated is a better word, the entire book.
Although many of the entries have quite bleak and saddening content, from alcoholism and homelessness to deaths and drugs, ultimately Last Christmas is a heartening book because not only are its profits going to charity, but even where there are some very depressing accounts, more often than not there is hope and positivity that comes out of the writing. A drink dependent and aggressive woman later becoming a volunteer for the charity Crisis, for example, shows just what can be achieved with a bit of humanity.
I laughed aloud at Michael Korzinski’s brother’s physical response to Uncle Hank as I had a similar relative in an aunt who will remain nameless, although my 4 year old reaction was verbal, telling her I hated her, rather than physical. I empathised with Greg Wise’s reaction to his wife’s relentless enjoyment of Christmas as in my family, we begin the ‘What are we doing next year?’ question during Christmas afternoon! I traveled to places like Paris, Mayanmar, Moldova and America and I found a cast of almost Dickensian characters amongst the people described.
What Last Christmas does so brilliantly whilst it entertains, is make the reader think, make them feel humble and thankful for what they have and above all else reminds us that Christmas isn’t about consumerism, but rather it’s about compassion and love for our fellow human beings. It is a perfect glimpse into the reality and hope of Christmas. What could be better than that?
December 13, 2022
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I love both Emma Thompson and Greg Wise as actors, so what better than a book to tie in with their film Last Christmas (which I loved!), which collates people’s personal memories of Christmas.
Maybe I was under the misconception as to what this book was about, but it was such a difficult collection to review. Noting that a percentage of the money earned from this book was donated to a good cause - Crisis and other charities helping refugees and the homeless - I was fully expecting a few unhappy Christmas stories. There were the odd one or two ‘happy’ memories to read but the overall bulk of these stories were of depression and family traumas, that I found it a real challenge to want to finish. Sorry, this wasn’t one for me.
Maybe I was under the misconception as to what this book was about, but it was such a difficult collection to review. Noting that a percentage of the money earned from this book was donated to a good cause - Crisis and other charities helping refugees and the homeless - I was fully expecting a few unhappy Christmas stories. There were the odd one or two ‘happy’ memories to read but the overall bulk of these stories were of depression and family traumas, that I found it a real challenge to want to finish. Sorry, this wasn’t one for me.
December 11, 2020
A difficult collection to review. It left me feeling a bit glum instead of festive. That's not to say these were all depressing stories of miserable or difficult Christmases, but it veered more to the bleak to the joyous. I did appreciate reading stories of those who have suffered difficult times through homelessness, being a refugee etc, but I was hoping for more amusing stories along the way too. Maybe 2020 was the wrong year to read this kind of collection! Rather than the stories be alphabetical I would have preferred an order that balanced the mood of the essays a bit more.
December 25, 2019
This was a delightful Holiday read! I enjoyed this more than the usual Christmas romance stories that seem to take up all the space on Christmas reading lists.
This book is a collection of memories and stories written by many people - from famous names instantly recognized to refugees and immigrants to the "ordinary" person. I loved the perspectives on what Christmas is and means to people.
This book is a collection of memories and stories written by many people - from famous names instantly recognized to refugees and immigrants to the "ordinary" person. I loved the perspectives on what Christmas is and means to people.
December 13, 2019
An incredible insight into people both well known and charity volunteers versions of Christmas. So many different points of view from different and often surprising backgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, definitely a read I didn't know I needed. It would make a great gift!
January 26, 2020
Lovely collection of short stories. I read couple of them almost every day since I started on Christmas Eve. The recurring message that resonated with me is that spending time with loved ones is truly the best gift of all.
Read
December 29, 2019I think the most stand out stories for me were the ones by Caitlin Moran and Emilia Clarke.
December 31, 2020
This is an eclectic range of essays detailing Christmas memories from a diverse group of people who give their respective accounts of being refugees/homeless/struggling with mental health issues or dealing with broken families, among other, fluffier, pieces.
Some stories are more light-hearted than others and definitely balance well against the darker stories in the collection. Although, it's the darker stories that, inevitably, hit harder than the others.
It's so easy to be aware of the people who struggle at Christmas, for whatever reason, and to make your charity donation or give a gift, but I do think reading these accounts are worthwhile as you very rarely actually hear from those people directly. They're often spoken for by those helping them and so, if nothing else, I think it's worth reading this short collection of stories to listen to their voices directly.
And the fun celebrity stories are there to lift your spirits, give you that dose of Christmas nostalgia that everyone (regardless of their age appears to have) and make sure you experience the full range of emotions that Christmas so often brings.
Thanks to Quercus and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for a review.
Some stories are more light-hearted than others and definitely balance well against the darker stories in the collection. Although, it's the darker stories that, inevitably, hit harder than the others.
It's so easy to be aware of the people who struggle at Christmas, for whatever reason, and to make your charity donation or give a gift, but I do think reading these accounts are worthwhile as you very rarely actually hear from those people directly. They're often spoken for by those helping them and so, if nothing else, I think it's worth reading this short collection of stories to listen to their voices directly.
And the fun celebrity stories are there to lift your spirits, give you that dose of Christmas nostalgia that everyone (regardless of their age appears to have) and make sure you experience the full range of emotions that Christmas so often brings.
Thanks to Quercus and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for a review.
December 30, 2019
As soon as I knew about the existence of this book, I knew I had to have it. I mean, a collection with contributions of Caitlin Moran, Stephen Fry, Emilia Clark, Graham Norton and so many others all about Christmas? I also really enjoyed the movie that this book is accompanying. So, I mean, it almost seems as if this was made for me.
I did enjoy reading this book and I loved the message that was conveyed by most contributors. Especially the essays of former homeless people and refugees were very touching. But, as it is the case for every collection of essays by so many different authors, not every one of them is up my street. The strength of this book (a diverse collection of voices) is therefore also a bit of a weakness.
Nevertheless, I’m sure I’ll reread some of the essays next Christmas.
I did enjoy reading this book and I loved the message that was conveyed by most contributors. Especially the essays of former homeless people and refugees were very touching. But, as it is the case for every collection of essays by so many different authors, not every one of them is up my street. The strength of this book (a diverse collection of voices) is therefore also a bit of a weakness.
Nevertheless, I’m sure I’ll reread some of the essays next Christmas.
March 10, 2021
Um livro que apresenta diferentes visões sobre um feriado que é tão simbólico e importante para muitos mundialmente.
Muito interessante e inspirador.
Só não dou 5 estrelas, pois, senti uma dificuldade para entender todo o inglês.
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A book that presents different views on a holiday that is so symbolic and important to many worldwide. Very interesting and inspiring. I just don't give 5 stars, because I felt a difficulty to understand all English.
Muito interessante e inspirador.
Só não dou 5 estrelas, pois, senti uma dificuldade para entender todo o inglês.
//
A book that presents different views on a holiday that is so symbolic and important to many worldwide. Very interesting and inspiring. I just don't give 5 stars, because I felt a difficulty to understand all English.
December 24, 2021
A very powerful and moving collection, which made me reevaluate my relationship with Christmas.
December 31, 2025
Short little Christmas stories, some good memories and some not so good memories, an easy read at Christmas time
December 26, 2020
Many, many personal stories of Christmas, perfect for Christmas time reading even if most carry the same message: family.
I like to read a feel-good-christmas-theme book around this time and having just watched Last Christmas the movie it appeared that this book was released in relation and in aid of raising money for Crisis.
There's many very short, almost blog post in length, stories from different people ranging from well known from movies to doctors to support workers - all of which are lovely and the perfect dose of reality for Christmas.
In fact, the book has helped me put some of my own feelings towards Christmas into perspective and helped me to rethink it a little bit.
The stories do have an aspect of repetitiveness but I think that's to be expected as really the best thing about Christmas is supposed to be being surrounded by family (be it of blood or of mind).
There was also the pleasant surprise to find stories from beyond white English speaking countries and how Christmas (an ultimately Christian affair) comes into their lives. It's something I was never taught at school and (shamefully) I've never considered much before reading this book.
Yes, definitely a good Christmas lead up read to refill what Christmas means to me.
I like to read a feel-good-christmas-theme book around this time and having just watched Last Christmas the movie it appeared that this book was released in relation and in aid of raising money for Crisis.
There's many very short, almost blog post in length, stories from different people ranging from well known from movies to doctors to support workers - all of which are lovely and the perfect dose of reality for Christmas.
In fact, the book has helped me put some of my own feelings towards Christmas into perspective and helped me to rethink it a little bit.
The stories do have an aspect of repetitiveness but I think that's to be expected as really the best thing about Christmas is supposed to be being surrounded by family (be it of blood or of mind).
There was also the pleasant surprise to find stories from beyond white English speaking countries and how Christmas (an ultimately Christian affair) comes into their lives. It's something I was never taught at school and (shamefully) I've never considered much before reading this book.
Yes, definitely a good Christmas lead up read to refill what Christmas means to me.
December 22, 2020
Short Christmas remeniscences from a variety of people
I like Christmas and, in the lead up to Christmas Day, I like watching Christmas films and reading Christmas stories. 'Last Christmas' was originally a song written by the late George Michael and performed by Wham in the 80s. Over the years it has become a Christmas classic. It was Emma Thompson and Greg Wise's inspiration when writing the plotline for a film of the same title. The film started Emila Clarke, Henry Golding and Emma Thompson. They also put together this book by collecting contributions from friends, celebrities and workers from Crisis, the charity the profits from its sales will benefit from.
Experiences of Christmases past are recalled and with it are rekindled our own. This year we are all facing a very different Christmas and may not be able to gather together. Hopefully, we can keep our loved ones safe and remember what is truly important about Christmas.
I like Christmas and, in the lead up to Christmas Day, I like watching Christmas films and reading Christmas stories. 'Last Christmas' was originally a song written by the late George Michael and performed by Wham in the 80s. Over the years it has become a Christmas classic. It was Emma Thompson and Greg Wise's inspiration when writing the plotline for a film of the same title. The film started Emila Clarke, Henry Golding and Emma Thompson. They also put together this book by collecting contributions from friends, celebrities and workers from Crisis, the charity the profits from its sales will benefit from.
Experiences of Christmases past are recalled and with it are rekindled our own. This year we are all facing a very different Christmas and may not be able to gather together. Hopefully, we can keep our loved ones safe and remember what is truly important about Christmas.
December 30, 2023
2,5/5. It wasn’t a bad book at all, and some stories were truly meaningful and beautiful… others were kind of… boring? I loved the idea of this, and I love how much it talked about importance of caring for the refugees and the homeless instead of just losing ourselves in the pretty lights of the season, I loved the idea of adding several meanings of the same Christmas… but something about it didn’t really click with me. Maybe it had too many different authors - which, I understand, is kind of the point of the book, but it’s hard to consistently read an inconsistently written book - or maybe I just wasn’t in the right state of mind for it this year, I don’t know. It’s a perfectly lovely book and it covered everything it set out to, it just wasn’t a favorite for me, personally. Not sure I would re-read it. Maybe a few specific chapters. But it was worth the read.
January 4, 2020
A MUST HAVE for Christmas, I absolutely adored this book! @quercusbooks #gifted
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A beautiful mix of heart-wrenching, heart-warming and humorous, it’s the perfect read this Christmas that serves as a beautiful reminder of what Christmas is- different for everyone! Not only does it include beautiful memories of the past, it also includes hopes for future Christmases to come as well as an insight into its meaning and sentiment to individuals from ALL walks of life. I loved that every aspect of humanity is included in this book; regardless of culture, background, vocation or personal circumstances every story was as important as the last and each with an overall resounding message of gratitude and hope! This is Christmas in a book- people, gratitude, hope and love ❤️
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A beautiful mix of heart-wrenching, heart-warming and humorous, it’s the perfect read this Christmas that serves as a beautiful reminder of what Christmas is- different for everyone! Not only does it include beautiful memories of the past, it also includes hopes for future Christmases to come as well as an insight into its meaning and sentiment to individuals from ALL walks of life. I loved that every aspect of humanity is included in this book; regardless of culture, background, vocation or personal circumstances every story was as important as the last and each with an overall resounding message of gratitude and hope! This is Christmas in a book- people, gratitude, hope and love ❤️
December 11, 2020
As always with anthologies, of course the contributions are a mixed bag, and there are some I liked more than others. But when I’ve read ones likes this before that are sort of personal essays on a social issue, it’s largely been an experience of ‘ok this makes me sad or angry or whatever but then there’s a call to action or something hopeful or something’ and things have been entertaining or interesting or educational and in general they’ve just *had a purpose*. This however isn’t hitting that mark, as it just feels mostly like a bunch of people going ‘this thing happened at Christmas once’ and isn’t eliciting much else from me. Of course some of them are a bit sad or a bit funny or a bit hopeful, but on the whole it just fell flat.
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December 20, 2022What a lovely book.
This is a beautiful collection of personal stories about Christmas. It is either about Christmas memories, hopes for future Christmases or what Christmas means to them. Some of these stories are sad involving alcohol, drugs, living in poverty or Christmases in countries that suffer from war.
This book makes you think about what Christmas means to you. It’s not about the food on the table, the presents or work party. It’s about spending time with the people we love and about showing love and kindness to each other. This is the first Christmas since losing my mum and I would give everything else up if it meant I could spend one more Christmas with her.
This is a beautiful collection of personal stories about Christmas. It is either about Christmas memories, hopes for future Christmases or what Christmas means to them. Some of these stories are sad involving alcohol, drugs, living in poverty or Christmases in countries that suffer from war.
This book makes you think about what Christmas means to you. It’s not about the food on the table, the presents or work party. It’s about spending time with the people we love and about showing love and kindness to each other. This is the first Christmas since losing my mum and I would give everything else up if it meant I could spend one more Christmas with her.
January 13, 2021
Sometimes you become so wrapped up in your own idea of the perfect Christmas that the fact that it is not the same for others fades into the background. It doesn’t mean that you don’t care about others just you are trying to make the “perfect” Christmas for your immediate group of family and friends. You make donations to your favourite charities and groups helping people over the holiday and feel that you’ve done your bit. What I loved about this book was the fact it brought other people’s stories and thoughts about Christmas and they pop you right out of your comfortable bubble. It makes me take a whole new look on what is important.well done.
December 1, 2020
I was disappointed in my kindle copy of this book. Although at the beginning of the book the contributors were mentioned, the short stories/chapters themselves were not attributed to the person that wrote them. This made the stories difficult to fully understand in context, and frankly some stories were a bit dull and I skimmed them.
Some of the chapters were amusing, some sad, some religious, some traditional, so a nice mix but I was hoping and expecting a bit more from this book as it had received good reviews.
Some of the chapters were amusing, some sad, some religious, some traditional, so a nice mix but I was hoping and expecting a bit more from this book as it had received good reviews.
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