Christmas Around the Fire: Stories, Essays, & Poems for the Season of Christ’s Birth

by Ryan N.S. Topping

Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth of Jesus with family and friends, to gather together in sacred and jovial celebration of the Incarnation. Yet in our fast-paced, hyper-digitized lives, we are losing the sense of a good story, among good friends, around a good fire.

In Christmas Around the Fire, Ryan Topping invites us to turn off the television set, put down the device, quiet ourselves, and gather our loved ones to enjoy some of the best writing, in a variety of forms, about Christmas. Whether or not your family has an actual fireplace around which to gather is not so important, but it helps!

Included within are entries from legendary novelists and poets such as Leo Tolstoy, G.K. Chesterton, Charles Dickens, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Willa Cather, and more, as well as the profound thoughts of great religious figures such as Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Pope Saint John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI.

For those who love the true spirit of the “most wonderful time of the year”, and who love reading in almost equal measure, Christmas Around the Fire will quickly become a family tradition. This is one of those rarest of books, one around which family memories are made.

Genres: Christmas, Catholic, Spirituality, Book Club, Fiction, Classics, Poetry

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2019

About the author

Dr. Topping earned an MA in Philosophy from the University of Manitoba as well as an M.Phil. and a Doctorate in Theology from the University of Oxford. He held the Pope John XXIII Chair of Studies in Catholic Theology at St. Thomas University in Canada, and is Fellow at Thomas More College of the Liberal Arts in New Hampshire.

Dr. Topping has published on a variety of Catholic themes and figures, from St. Augustine, to Dante, to G.K. Chesterton in academic and popular journals such as International Philosophical Quarterly, First Things, Crisis Magazine, and Catholic Exchange. A popular conference speaker, he has presented widely on Catholic radio and TV networks including EWTN.

Besides home-schooling their seven children, he and his wife have been teaching Natural Family Planning for a decade. They reside in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I must state that the physical edition of this book is wonderfully made. I really am an eBooks guy, and I enjoyed this enough that I have picked up the eBook edition as well. But the physical book is one I will keep on my favorites shelf. The physical book sis cloth bound and lettered in gold. Heavy weight cream colored pages with black print and read titles and embellishments. It is what some would call a coffee table book or display book. In my family it might have become a bathroom reader. The volume is edited by Ryan N.S. Topping, whom I had not heard of before, but in researching this review have already added three of his other works to my Wishlist.

This volume contains 13 stories and 23 essays and poems. The pieces are:

Introduction
Part I: Stories
Leo Tolstoy, Papa Panov’s Special Christmas
G. K. Chesterton, The Modern Scrooge
Charles Dickens, The Spirit of Christmas Past
Henry Van Dyke, The First Christmas Tree
Stephen Leacock, Merry Christmas
The Hegge Cycle, The Annunciation
Willa Cather, The Burglar’s Christmas
Harrison S. Morris, A Christmas Miracle
Oscar Wilde, The Selfish Giant
Ruth Sawyer, This Was the Christmas
Catherine Doherty, The Christmas Gift
Henry Van Dycke, The Other Wise Man
Ryan N. S. Topping, A Canadian Christmas
Part II: Essays & Poems
Pope Benedict XVI, Advent Calls Us to Silence
George MacDonald, That Holy Thing
Pope St. John Paul II, Rejoice, The Lord Is Near
G. M. Hopkins, Moonless Darkness Stands Between
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Great Is the Lord’s Love for Us
Ben Jonson, A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour
Joseph Pearce, Keeping Christmas Local
Robert Southwell, The Burning Babe
G. K. Chesterton, The Rituals of Christmas
Clement Clarke Moore, A Visit From St. Nicholas
Hillaire Belloc, A Remaining Christmas
G. K. Chesterton, The House of Christmas
St. Augustine, A Christmas Sermon
Christina Rossetti, The Shepherds Had an Angel
Charles Lamb, A Few Words on Christmas
Thomas Hardy, The Oxen
Charles Dickens, What Christmas Is as We Grow Older
John Neale, Good King Wenceslas
Charles Dudley Warner, The Burden of Christmas
Sara Teasdale, A Christmas Carol
Cardinal Newman, Why Do We Need Epiphany?
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Three Kings
Pope Benedict XVI, Epiphany in a Secular Age

This is one of those books that can be consumed from beginning to end. Or from end to beginning. Or randomly flipping open and reading one of the sections in any order you want. The first time I read it I read it through in order. I have already started reading it a second time through. Some of the pieces I was familiar with, others were new to me. It is a wonderful collection to read during the advent or Christmas season. Either alone, or out loud to the family.

We are told that the selections in this volume grew from a list the Toppings would use for reading once the children were down. The adults would enjoy the quiet time, and take turns reading to one another. Topping states:

“In looking through this volume, you’ll find stories, essays, and poems. Some tales are short, others long, some from America, Canada, or England, others from faraway countries and times; some reflections, like the ones by St Augustine and Benedict XVI, provoke deep thought, while others, like those by Tolstoy and G. K. Chesterton, are more whimsical. What unites these selections is that each, in its own way, points us back to the miracle of the Babe in Bethlehem. Just as his birth needed Mary, Joseph, Angels, and also an ox, an ass, and lowly shepherds, so also does the Holy Child’s message need our voices—the voices of poets, priests, parents, philosophers, and storytellers to carry his love into our hearts.”

And that is what I love about the collection. It points the way but does so in many different ways in forms. It is one of those book I will revisit yearly, and as my children get older have them join in for both reading and listening to the stories collected. I am sure this book will bless all who read it. And I encourage you to pick it up and make it part of your Christmas traditions.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Sarah Bakeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I really, really loved the short story selections in this book. None of the stories fell flat for me, but I especially enjoyed "The Annunciation" 14th Century Medieval Mystery Play, "The Burglar's Christmas" by Willa Cather, "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde, "The Was the Christmas" by Ruth Sawyer, and "The Other Wise Man" by Henry Van Dyke.

The essays were a bit less enjoyable – I think this is partially user error. My brain is small and is easily captivated by fiction. But, to be fair, some of the essays seemed to harp on this notion of the "traditional" Christmas and it started to walk into the territory of 1960s LARPing trad Catholic to me. There was an essay by Joseph Pearce on keeping Christmas local that was I really excited about. There were good kernels of wisdom in there, but a lot of angry grandparent Facebook takes in between the good stuff. Disappointing.

Loved the stuff by Dickens and St. Augustine in the essays portion. I bought an epub copy of this from the publisher, but that didn't stop it from feeling cozy. I would definitely love to read some of the fiction stories by the fire with my family. We read aloud an essay by Pope Benedict XVI together on the night of Thanksgiving, but I think the short stories are the real read-aloud gems.

Here are some of my favorite things I highlighted:

"Now is the loveday made of us four finally, / And we may live in peace as we did formerly, / Mercy and truth are met together; / Justice and Peace have kissed each other." – The Annunciation

"The memory of them was heavy and flat, like cigarette smoke that has been shut in a room al night, like champagne that has been a day opened, a song that has been too often sung, an acute sensation that has been overstrained." – The Burglar's Christmas

"O, my poor boy, much or little, what does it matter? Have you wandered so far and paid such a bitter price for knowledge and not yet leaned that love has nothing to do with pardon or forgiveness, that it only loves, and loves–and loves?" – The Burglar's Christmas

"'But think – in the little piece of world that lies about you, have you not found more beauty than those who see? Do they know the small loveliness of a bird's feather? Do they hear what the wind whispers? Have they caught the song the morning stars sing? And can they put all these things into music and play it on a pipe as you can?' ... A hush had fallen on the shed, on the valley, on the whole world. They words Marko heard were barely whispered: 'Put your fingers on my face. Trace every line, slowly, so you will remember.'" – This Was the Christmas

"But this I know. Those who seek him will do well to look among the poor and the lowly, the sorrowful and the oppressed." – The Other Wise Man

"The conflict between the expectation of faith and the impulse of love... Was it his great opportunity or his last temptation? He could not tell. One thing only was clear in the darkness of his mind – it was inevitable. And does not the inevitable come from God?" – The Other Wise Man

[Olivia Terryberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun to read during Advent! My favorite short story was Papa Panov’s Special Christmas. Loved the ones that centered on encountering and serving Christ through the people around us!

[Connor Kmiecik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love. Warmed my heart. Great stories, essays, and poems from a lot of my favorite writers. Moving stuff from all the familiar faces, but "Merry Christmas" by Stephen Leacock made me sob. Great read for Advent and the Christmas Season. Good variety of magical and practical.

[James Lydon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chesterton, Tolstoy and Dickens all in one place? Yes, please.

I look forward to returning to these stories every year in preparation for the birth of our Lord.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay so

call me Scrooge but I am not typically a Christmas short-story gal. christmas-themed short stories I often find formulaic and repetitive and I generally prefer the development that novel-length works allow for such stories, likely why the Christmas Carol excerpt was the only piece in the first half of this anthology that I really enjoyed encountering.

however, the deeper issue for me was just the level of typos that marred not only my appreciation of an edition with such lovely cover design (amazing work as always, Caroline!!) but also lent confusion to some of the reads. my favorites to shout out: multiple "codes" instead of "Goddes" in the mystery play (iykyk) and RIP the poor little boy who apparently DIED in the selfish giant's garden

however, the second half of this anthology absolutely HIT HARD. some amazing essay selections with diverse aspects of the Christmas celebration to contemplate, from its rituals to its mystery to its overcommercialization that even over 100 years ago folks were warning against. the poems were lovely and not Chesterton making me CRY with "The House of Christmas." overall I am glad I read this and will be taking some ideas from the essays to discuss and meditate on with my own family.

[Fiona Altschuler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a very good collection, although I did find a couple of the essays rather slow going. I especially liked The Other Wise Man, which was so fascinating to think about!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

only read selections from this, but really liked several of them- Willa Cather, GK Chesterton...

[Mary Ellen Barringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely collection of short stories and essays focused on Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. A book I will re-read over the years.

[Ashleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little collection of Christmas stories that were interesting to read. Some nice essays from popes. Unfortunately some strange letters or essays about how families should do Christmas( mother plans months in advance so there is nothing to do around Christmas and she can then sit and relax and doesnt need help from anyone else, father takes time off from busy work for a day or two, children abundant and rosy cheeked, mom not stressed or requesting family help bc she a great planner and is not also working outside the home--very trad wife coded) and how all the other families are doing it wrong.

[Angie]

As with any collection, there were stories and essays I truly enjoyed and there were those I found myself skimming or skipping. I especially enjoyed the poetry, but I can see myself picking this book up again and rereading a selection or three each December.

[Meredith Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely collection of Christmas stories, essays, and poems. My favorites were: "The Burglar's Christmas" by Willa Cather, "Merry Christmas" by Stephen Leacock, "The Other Wise Man" by Henry Van Dycke, and "The Rituals of Christmas" by G.K. Chesterton.

[Jackie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed the second part of the book- poems and essays. I wish I had tagged my favorites for future reference so I could easily reread future years.

[Katie Collard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking yet charming collection of stories, essays and poems that helped me more deeply reflect on not only the meaning of Christmas, but also the most appropriate ways to celebrate it. I also appreciate that the whole family together can many of the pieces. I plan to return to this collection in future years.

[Katlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some excellent selections. May selections that felt like they were just lecturing at us, which back to back gets a little exhausting.

The best section by far are the final Epiphany readings from Newman, Longfellow and Pope Benedict.

[Airin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I disliked most of the essays (except the ones by the Popes) but I really liked the short stories and poems.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of beautiful stories and meditations for the Advent and Christmas seasons.

[Johannes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect, perfect read for the Octave of Christmas (thanks to my friends, the E's...). This collection of fiction and nonfiction has some of my favorites: Tennyson, Cather, Dickens, Newman, and the newly discovered (for me) Van Dyke.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping I could read this with my kids but the majority of selections are way too heavy for them. I also bought it to read during Christmas which we celebrate until Feb 2nd and there are three entries that are about Advent not Christmas.

[Inspiration Station · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for the Well Read Mom book club, but it was not my favorite. I enjoyed bits and pieces and the first story called Papa Panov's Special Christmas based on Matthew 25:35.
p. 8 "I was hungry and you fed me," he said. "I was naked and you clothed me. I was cold and you warmed me. I came to you today in everyone of those you helped and welcomed."

The idea as a mother to be completely ready for Christmas by Dec. 1 with all the shopping and lists and cards in the story "A Canadian Christmas" sounds divine. Something to reach for in the new year.

Also in "Advent Calls Us to Silence", I learned advent means a time for stillness, silence, to prepare for Christ, be present, to wait, and have hope.
"The joy of expectation makes the present more precious."

[Nicole Szpila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm afraid I'm in the minority of folks who really just did not care for this book. I will say, the experience of reading it was enriched by reading along at a seasonally appropriate pace - I'm sorry, WRM, but I could not get cozy with Christmas readings before Thanksgiving! Or really even throughout Advent. So I shelved most of this until probably the last week of Advent and finished the rest in the days after Christmas. I think my favorite selections were the ones for Epiphany! especially Pope Benedict's homily - amazing. Ultimately, if I'm going for spiritual reading around Advent and Christmas, I'd opt for something more cohesive - Houselander's Reed of God, Benedict's Infancy Narratives, even a seasonally appropriate Scott Hahn! - but not someone else's collection of favorites.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book that I see becoming a treasured tradition for me and my family. The book is an excellent tool for focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. This collection of stories, poems, and essays contains the familiar favorites, some new experiences, as well as some inspiring and challenging takes on Advent and the Christmas Season.

⭐️ = terrible, unenjoyable, may not have even finished it
⭐️⭐️ = finished the book, but was not impressed
⭐️⭐️⭐️ = neither great nor terrible
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = enjoyable book, but won’t read again
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = fantastic, might read again, would strongly recommend to others

[Cat Sprynczynatyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I have been reading the short stories (and some of the poems) aloud to my children as we sit around the fireplace. Everyone’s favorite story is “The First Christmas Tree” by Henry Van Dyke. It tells the story of how St. Boniface created the first Christmas tree among the Germanic Vikings. The physical edition is a keepsake book.

[Book Lady P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection. It has inspired me to read this collection to my children during Advent. This is not a book to read in one sitting- but rather something to take your time and enjoy a couple at a time.

[Jacque Faylo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun and cute thematic collection! So enjoyable to read over advent. The way some of the pieces were unnecessarily trad LARPy was a bit off-putting but didn’t take away from the overall depth and beauty. Also the binding is great!

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reflective collection of stories to remind us all of the beauty and lessons of Christmas. A beautifully bound book that should come out every December!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read a few selections from this for WRM December ‘25 meeting. Adding it to our selection of Advent books, several nice short essays and reflections for the season.

[Elizabeth Heller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun collection of stories, poems, and reflections for the Advent & Christmas season! I can see our family pulling this book out year after year to read through these gems.

[Kayla Rziha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A contemplative and nostalgic read that I'm sure I will revisit come many a future Advent season

[Grace Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the short story collection and some of the essays were delightful reads as well.