30 best Christmas Stories for Middle & High School

Christmas stories have a special way of grabbing young readers' attention while teaching important lessons about kindness, family, and personal growth. For middle and high school students, these stories are a great way to explore books, traditions, and life lessons. Here's a list of the best Christmas stories to inspire and entertain students during the holiday season.

30 Christmas Stories Perfect for Middle and High School Audiences

Here are some great Christmas stories for middle and high school students, with a mix of classic literature, heartwarming tales, and thought-provoking narratives:

Classic Christmas Stories

1. "A Christmas Carol" – Charles Dickens (1843)

• The ultimate Christmas redemption story featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

1. "The Gift of the Magi" – O. Henry (1905)

• A poignant story about selfless love and sacrifice between a young married couple.

1. "The Little Match Girl" – Hans Christian Andersen (1845)

• A moving and bittersweet tale of a poor girl trying to keep warm on Christmas Eve.

1. "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" – Francis P. Church (1897)

• A famous editorial response to a young girl's question about Santa's existence.

Heartwarming & Thought-Provoking Tales

1. "The Christmas Truce" – Various Accounts (1914)

• Based on real events during World War I when soldiers from opposing sides laid down their weapons and celebrated Christmas together.

1. "A Kidnapped Santa Claus" – L. Frank Baum (1904)

• A whimsical tale about Santa being kidnapped by demons and how his helpers save Christmas.

1. "Christmas Day in the Morning" – Pearl S. Buck (1955)

• A touching story about a young boy who surprises his father with a meaningful gift.

1. "The Birds" – Daphne du Maurier (1952, Christmas Setting)**

• A suspenseful and eerie story set during Christmas, later adapted into a film by Alfred Hitchcock.

Modern & Unconventional Christmas Stories

1. "Auggie Wren’s Christmas Story" – Paul Auster (1990)

• A unique, realistic take on Christmas that questions the meaning of generosity and kindness.

1. "Red Ranger Came Calling" – Berkeley Breathed (1994)

• A beautifully illustrated and surprising Christmas story based on a true event.

1. "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" – Barbara Robinson (1971)**

• A hilarious and heartfelt story about an unusual group of kids participating in a Christmas play.

1. "The Loudest Voice" – Grace Paley (1959)**

• A witty and insightful story about a Jewish girl cast as the narrator of a Christian Christmas play.