It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here again and what could be better during this festive season than reading a great book by the fireside. As most of us have no use for fireplaces in the Cayman Islands, the good read — and maybe a nice hammock — is all we need.
Since it's the holiday season, why not pick up one of the Christmas-themed books available at Next Chapter in Camana Bay to help get you in the festive spirit.
For those with children, why not start with a little Dr. Seuss and the children’s Christmas book, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" This classic allegorical tale tells the story of the grumpy, grouchy Grinch, a misunderstood creature with a hatred of the holidays. This resentment brings him to form a diabolical plan to steal Christmas from the Whos living in Whoville. His plan fails as he learns that it is not the decorations or the presents that make up the holidays, but the people with whom you enjoy them.
Another classic Christmas tale is "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore. This poetically written story of a young child witnessing the arrival of Saint Nicholas will bring joy to the kids — and to the kid in all of us. Beautifully illustrated by P. J. Lynch, the rhythmic verse is the perfect story for bedtimes and cosy evenings.
A recent children's Christmas book is "Elf in the House" by Ammi-Joan Paquette. It tells the story of a little girl who goes to investigate the sound that woke her up on Christmas Eve. What she discovers is some unexpected new friends.
Those looking for a local twist on a children's Christmas book can read "Rudolf discovers the Cayman Islands," by local residents Elisabeth and Paul Schreiner. This book follows Rudolf's journey from the North Pole to the Cayman Islands and sees him reunited with Santa just in time for the Christmas toy delivery.
For a modern Christmas read for adults, my favourite this year is the novel, "The Santa Suit," by Mary Kay Andrews. It follows newly divorced Ivy on a self-imposed mission after she discovers in her newly purchased farm home a note left behind by a little girl who had only one wish for Christmas: for her father to return home from the war. It is an uplifting tale of Christmas miracles and perseverance.
"Christmas at the Restaurant" by Pamela M. Kelley is another of my favourites this year. Follow Mandy and Emma through Nantucket’s famous Christmas Stroll, a weeklong festival on the island. They discover the importance of family and each other and it strengthens their bond. It's another perfect story to flip through over your holiday.
This article originally appeared in the December 2021 print edition of Camana Bay Times.