A Scandinavian Christmas: Festive Tales for a Nordic Noël

Very Christmas #4

by Hans Christian Andersen, Karl Ove Knausgård, Selma Lagerlöf

Ranging from Hans Christian Anderson to Karl Ove Knausgaard, have yourself a nordic noel with the very best Scandinavian Christmas tales

Have yourself a truly Scandinavian Christmas... Of visions and prophesies seen in dark, dark woods. Of toys and trees come to life. Of trolls raising chaos, and of families torn apart -- only to be brought back together by festive cheer.

In this collection, classic tales from Hans Christian Andersen and Nobel Prize winner Selma Lagerlof blend with modern day stories from Karl Ove Knausgaard and Vigdis Hjorth. Each touch on the warm and wild spirit of Christmas, where the cosiness and contentment of the season can often give way to the unexpected, magical and sometimes mystical.

A smorgasbord of strange literary gifts, let A Scandinavian Christmas transport you to a winter wonderland in which fantasy, the fantastic and the festive combine for your reading delight.

Genres: Christmas, Short Stories, Classics, Fiction, Holiday, Scandinavian Literature, Fantasy

198 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2019

About the author

Hans Christian Andersen (often referred to in Scandinavia as H.C. Andersen) was a Danish author and poet. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen's popularity is not limited to children; his stories — called eventyr, or "fairy-tales" — express themes that transcend age and nationality.

Andersen's fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well. Some of his most famous fairy tales include "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", "The Nightingale", "The Emperor's New Clothes" and many more. His stories have inspired plays, ballets, and both live-action and animated films.

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Scandinavian Christmas is a compilation of eighteen stories written by multiple authors, including well-known authors like Hans Christian Andersen, Karl Ove Knausgaard, and August Strindberg. Short stories are my favorites, especially around the holidays when I may not have as much time to sit down and read full-length novels. When I purchased this, I hoped to read selections from this book as read alouds to my kids, but the content doesn’t exactly lend itself to that purpose. The cover may have deceived me a little bit into thinking otherwise. With that said, this isn’t a children’s book, so I’m certainly not going to complain about that. There were a few stories that were familiar to us like: “The Little Match Girl,” “The Legend of the Christmas Rose,” and “The Brave Tin Soldier.” My personal favorite is “The Forest Witch,” by Johan Krohn. It’s a story written in 1916 about an evil witch who condemns a girl to be her slave once the last flower bloom has faded.

“Snikkesnak!” answered the terrific old witch, for such the creature was. “Don’t talk to me! I never pay attention to what children say; nor to old folks’ talk either, for that matter. Indeed I don’t! Snikkesnak! Snikkesnak! But it is not you that I want, silly girl. It is the boy there who has offended me. The little rascal! It is he who picked the flowers. Now I shall take him!”

I noticed right away that some of the selections were excerpts from other works, and a couple of these stories are somewhat confusing and may leave you scratching your head. Some of the stories don’t feel very Christmassy and have sad content; for example, one deals with infidelity and another with death. If you’re looking for a cheerful, Christmassy, atmospheric collection of Christmas stories, this may not be one for you. I, however, did enjoy this collection of Scandinavian literature regardless. It introduced me to authors I’d never read before, and it’s a nice collection of modern and classic literature in one book.

I’m excited to read some of the other books in the series including A Very Russian Christmas and A Very Irish Christmas. To me, A Very Scandinavian Christmas is a perfect book to read with a hot drink on a cold wintery day.

4.5****

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Completely depressing in the style the Scandinavians do so well.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read before Christmas 2021; all but the final story.

Like a tin of assorted chocolates. Be they Roses or Quality Street there are favourites and the ones left to the end after many hands have dipped. As I have grown older I have been amazed at those sweets I would never chose are first choice favourites for some people.
I guess this anthology of Christmas tales is a bit like that variety of chocolates.

There were familiar stories and authors known to me. Others I had not read or knew little about when referring at the end of the book to the contributing biographies. The magic of this collection is that it is full of traditional stories embracing folk tales, spiritual values and where the world of faith meets enchantment, fairy tales and the supernatural.

I found the whole process of reading these short stories in the build up to Christmas both informative and delightful. At times I felt a child again and in wonder for the season and the special activities associated with the birth of Christ. Where God touched the earth and angels shared in the miracles and celebrations.

There is poverty and struggle aplenty. All is not that rosy glow of a warm fire. Yet in each contribution you read of tradition, belief and the human spirit.

I was so impressed in receiving this ARC via the publishers and NetGalley I bought my own copy which will be dipped into in the years ahead in the days of Advent.

I feel sure a different tale will become my favourite and in the intervening weeks I will learn more of these authors and seek out their writing.

Vintage within Penguin books are a treasure chest of gifts that keep on giving and I am grateful to have found a wider and deeper meaning to Christmas in Scandinavian literature.

[Jordan Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so like most short story some were great some were meh. The Hans Christian Anderson ones were fab, the more modern ones were weird but still conveyed a message of hope

[Daniel Myatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mixture of Scandinavian tales all relating to Christmas, with most providing a warning or an important life lesson.

As always in a selection of short stories there are better stories and some lesser ones, but still a decent way to spend a Sunday before Christmas.

My Favorite was The Brave Tin Soldier, l remember it from my childhood and reading it with my Gran.

[Anna P (whatIreallyRead) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let the cheerful cover fool you: this pretty little book doesn't have the vibe we now associate with Christmas, in other words, cozy children's tales where all ends well and everyone's wishes come true. Instead this collection is a mix of many different things:

- some classic Christmas tales, some I already knew, some were new to me. These tend to be rather grim by modern standards, reminding us that Christmas is a religious holiday, a chance for redemption, doing good despite it not being easy or pleasant, and the ultimate reward is in the afterlife. So there's Andersen's Little Matchgirl who freezes to death and there's the story of an alcoholic homeless man joining a musician's family for Christmas dinner, despite being stinky, dirty and obnoxious.
- some classic short stories that take place at Christmastime, but the holiday isn't really a focus
- a few modern short stories where Christmas celebration is the backdrop for a personal crisis (e.g. the alcoholic dad trying to make it through dinner and sneaking in drinks without his children noticing and calling him out; two friends doing LSD and sleeping in a snowdrift, etc.). So not appropriate for small children.

Because I read the reviews beforehand, my expectations were appropriate and I enjoyed reading the collection. Many stories were striking, moving and thought-provoking.

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of festive stories, some familiar and some unknown. Many of them quite odd but I liked the traditional Hans Christian Anderson tales.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some terrific stories here, and some dated stories, but all interesting.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering Christmas is almost upon us, I thought it was time to finally pick up a book I was gifted for last year's Secret Santa.

And wow, that was quite a collection... I was expecting sweet child-like bedtime stories with a bittersweet twist to present the moral of the story. There were quite a few of those but the second half of the collection was something else. 'Christmas Eve' was my favourite, a twisted modern story told from the perspective of a severe alcholic mother who tries to hide her desire to drink but sees the temptation in everything. Experiencing her perspective was unlike anything else, as she listens to her daughter talk about a dinner she had and she imagines the wine they had. Her intrusive thoughts are so haunting, I have never felt so much understanding for this disease.

The other stories were good and quite unexpected. I would highly recommend reading this, I am planning to collect all the other version from this collection. Thanks, Liefke, for giving me yet another thing to collect ;-P

[Sabine Coppens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mooie scandinavische kerstverhalen. Ideaal om te lezen in deze tijd van het jaar. Korte verhalen van bekende Noorse, Zweedse en Deense schrijvers van vroeger en nu. Niet altijd even optimistisch. Soms nostalgisch. Ik las ze met een lach en een traan...

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful gift book. Quite depressing - includes Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Little Match Girl' and 'The Brave Tin Soldier' - poverty, hardship, hunger and outsiders are often themes.

There's a mixture of older fairy/folk tales, traditional Christmas stories and some more modern stories like Vigdis Hjorth's short story 'Christmas Eve' told from the point of view of a parent with alcohol addiction.

Two stories about the Christmas rose. Also Really liked 'The Bird Catchers' - heartening and still nuanced, and 'The Fur Coat' - a subtle tale about a wife's betrayal.

Hmm, maybe I'll hold on to this one for a while yet.

[Lesley McLean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm, I don’t feel as Christmassy now I’ve read this, so that’s defeated the purpose of some festive reading to ‘put me in the mood’.

Yes, it’s Scandinavian and you expect the dark with the light, but my goodness, I think I need a torch!

I don’t remember Hans Christian Andersen being that bleak. I’m off back to Dickens and his starving Victorians… I know where I am with them. God bless us, every one! 😂

[Juul Sloot · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Vio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this one mainly for some childhood nostalgia - it did not disappoint.

[Sophie Woodhouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty dark and mostly depressing and really not even that festive ! Didn’t enjoy the majority of them unfortunately, was definitely expecting more festive hygge Scandinavian type vibe, but these were forgettable and not fun.
That being said I did enjoy a few stories, namely ‘Another Star’, ‘Father Christmas’, and ‘The Bird Catchers’. The Hans Christian Andersen ones were also iconic so it was nice to finally read those, despite being tragic

[Arany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection isn’t just cozy—it’s like sitting by the fire with shadows flickering on the walls. The stories mix the warmth of Christmas traditions with a darker, haunting edge, capturing the true spirit of Nordic folklore.

From snow-covered magic to eerie twists, it’s as enchanting as it is unsettling, perfect for those who love their holiday tales with a touch of mystery. Whether it’s festive cheer or chilling legends, this book delivers both beautifully.

[Louise Marley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Scandinavian Christmas is a slim anthology of sixteen short stories written by a range of authors both classic and modern. It includes three very famous tales from Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), as well three from the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for literature, Selma Lagerlof (1858-1940).

I am a terrible sucker for a pretty cover and this one is gorgeous. The book would make a beautiful stocking filler for someone who loves classic short stories that lean towards literary fiction but it won't suit everyone. Despite the cover, these tales are not all-out 'sleigh bells and mistletoe' festive tales, but unusual, poignant and sometimes downright sad stories that just happen to be set at Christmas.

My favourites were the three Hans Christian Andersen stories - beautifully written but incredibly sad. I also enjoyed The Forest Witch (about a girl trying to outwit a witch), The Christmas Rose (about a beautiful garden that only appears at Christmas) and Christmas Eve by Vigdis Hjorth (a clever but poignant story about an alcoholic trying to get through Christmas dinner with their family).



Thank you to Vintage/Random House for my copy of this book, which I requested via NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

A warm blanket, tea and scandinavian christmas stories. What else can anyone need?

[flaams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Very Scandinavian Christmas , a collection that I would have never read it if it wasn't that I'm living in Denmark - literally a flex on my Goodreads lately. This is a fascinating anthology of eighteen short stories by celebrated authors like Hans Christian Andersen - the only one I actually heard about - Selma Lagerlöf, and Karl Ove Knausgaard, alongside less familiar voices. The collection provides a glimpse into the festive traditions, folklore, and storytelling styles of the Scandinavian, of should I say Nordic, region. It blends classic and contemporary literature, creating a varied and atmospheric reading experience.

The stories in this collection are like a quirky family reunion—Scandinavia might seem like one big happy unit, but each country shows up with its own eccentricities. Finland, for instance, that technically is not even part of the Scandinavian region, is that cool cousin who technically lives nearby but speaks an entirely different language - yes, you guessed it correctly, linguistics coming your way - and marches to the beat of a Finno-Ugric drum (seriously, their language is closer to Hungarian and Estonian than Swedish and Danish). While the anthology leans into the shared Nordic staples of long, frosty winters and the comfort of close-knit communities, it also highlights the unique flair each country brings to the party—whether it's Denmark's hygge, Sweden's knack for brooding introspection, or Finland’s unapologetic individuality.

The stories are as diverse as the Scandinavian cultures themselves. They range from cosy and nostalgic tales to darker, more introspective narratives. Some, like Andersen’s beloved The Little Match Girl and Lagerlöf’s The Legend of the Christmas Rose , are steeped in tradition and sentiment. Others, like Johan Krohn’s The Forest Witch , delve into the magical and supernatural, offering a mix of whimsy and unease. The inclusion of modern authors adds a fresh perspective, making the collection feel both timeless and current.

While not all the stories feel overtly Christmassy—some explore themes of loss, infidelity, or existential struggles—they all capture the spirit of the season in their own way, through warmth, reflection, and the stark realities of life. This contrast adds depth to the anthology, showcasing the multifaceted nature of Scandinavian storytelling.

The book’s strength lies in its ability to introduce readers to authors and tales they might not otherwise encounter. It’s perfect for dipping into during the festive season, offering bite-sized literary treats that pair well with a hot drink on a cold winter’s night. However, it’s worth noting that the tone isn’t uniformly lighthearted, and some selections may not suit those looking for purely cheerful holiday stories.

A Very Scandinavian Christmas is a delightful addition to any winter reading list. Its variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, and its combination of classic and contemporary tales provides a rich exploration of Nordic literary traditions.

The cultural quirks in these stories really stand out: the Finnish tales bring a heartwarming glow, the Danish ones tend to lean on the melancholic side, the Swedish entries go delightfully heavy on the gore, and the Norwegians? Well, they’re just... there, doing their thing with a quiet charm. It’s a mix as varied and entertaining as a Nordic buffet—something for everyone to savour!

Whether you’re familiar with Scandinavian culture or discovering it for the first time, this collection is a wonderful way to experience the magic and mystery of a Nordic Noël.

[Mariangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable collection of Christmas stories. It includes:

-Three Andersen classics: The fir tree, The little match girl and The steadfast tin soldier

-Four stories by Selma Lagerlof: The Emperor's vision and The Holy Night (from Christ Legends), A Christmas guest (from Gösta Berling's Saga), and The Legend of the Christmas Rose.

Of the remaining stories, by different authors from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark, I liked specially Round the Yule Log, A Legend of Mercy, The bird catchers and Giants in the Earth. I did not care much for the three stories written after the year 2000.

[Jesse Derks · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I got this collection of Scandinavian Christmas classics as a gift I thought it would be filled with joyful tales. This certainly wasn’t the case however….

Almost all the stories are depressing and about drunkenness, death and drugs.

This being said, they are still written by famous authors and therefore of great quality! Once I got the tone of the book, the old classics became a very enjoyable read actually.

Reading all these old classics, I was slightly confused by the LSD story from 2003, as it didn’t fit in well with the rest at all (all written in the first half of the twentieth century)

A good collection nonetheless 4/5 stars

[Trolley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I couldn't walk by this one on the shelf and not buy it! An interesting selection of festive stories, some are lovely and heartwarming, some are classics, and some are just downright odd- so I guess that means there's something for everyone! A nice book to have around at Christmas and to dot in and out of.

[Mabearbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of Nordic tales from some timeless and well known , very talented authors as well as some newly discovered authors. There are elements of magic, darkness and mysticism as well as touches of whimsy and coziness. These festive tales are simply a pleasure to read slowly and ponder on.

[Steph Hayward-bailey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found most of the stories quite boring and melancholy rather than full of Christmas cheer. Not what I was expecting.

[Wenfei · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

[Another Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid collection of Christmas tales, though some are pretty slow.

[John Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book collects classic Nordic Christmas tales featuring things like children freezing to death, drug and alcohol abuse, infidelity, witches cursing kids, and troll attacks - which might sound kind of bad, but by Scandinavian standards is practically cloying!

[Reuben · Rating 2 out of 5]

yehh, i think i only really enjoyed 1/2 of these. they weren't great. obviously lots of dark tales, and a nice mix of modern and old... but not very interesting or particularly festive.

[Clare Rhoden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scandinavian Christmas tales from across the ages span the pre-Christian Yule stories and the Baby Jesus era. I liked the wintry ones where the landscape is almost a character. A good read for ther season, and a beautifully presented book.