FDL Staff Holiday Favorites
FDL staff share the books, movies and CDs that have special meaning to them during the holidays.
The best of the Big Band Retro Swing revivalists, Brian Setzer, ex-Stray Cat and guitarist extraordinaire, brings his talent to bear on the holiday canon. ~ Jon Mark Bolthouse, director
When I hear the distinctive piano of Vince Guaraldi, it's immediate: I get out the mixer, take out sticks of butter and start the Christmas cookies. Ideally there's a light snowfall out the window. The melancholy tones of the jazzy Guaraldi trio mellow me out and transport me back to the 1960s. ~ Terri Fleming, community information coordinator
The idea of a Dylan Christmas album is so ridiculous I can't help but smile. This album has all the novelty and kitsch of a roadside attraction but still manages to leave me sincerely in the spirit by the end. ~ Josh Cowles, IT specialist
This book story is full of love, family and redemption. It’s sure to bring tears to your eyes, at the same time it's also uplifting and heartwarming. The family bond in this story reminded me of home and of holidays with my family as a little girl. ~ Gabriela Langholff, Children's library assistant
Whenever I see this movie, I’m sure to have a tissue handy. It makes me realize just how precious every day of our lives is. In this heartwarming holiday drama, a workaholic attorney (Rob Lowe) crosses paths with a young boy on Christmas Eve and rediscovers the true meaning of love, life and the holiday season. ~ Laurie Moore, administrative assistant
Originally published in Shepherd's “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash,” this collection of five stories serves as the basis for the classic film of the same name. Imagine Mr. Shepherd (the narrator of the film as well) reading these well-crafted nostalgic and hilarious stories as you get ready to continue in the adventures of Ralphie, Randy, Flick, Schwartz and The Old Man. ~ Jon Mark Bolthouse, director
A very moving story of George, a young boy dealing with the loss of his father, and the dog that comes into his life to offer him hope and a touch of courage. ~ Carol Jewett, library clerk
This book has some of the best cookie exchange/holiday cookies recipes. I'm a sucker for pictures in cookbooks, and this one packs it full. A great choice for beginning or experienced bakers. ~ Sarah Newton, Children's services coordinator
Any dinosaur-loving child will love this rendition of "The Night Before Christmas." Santa decides to try a different twist on his Christmas deliveries, and it doesn't work out so well. My 3-year-old son, who absolutely loves dinosaurs, wants this book read over and over. ~ Laurie Moore, administrative assistant
Set at Christmastime in England in the future and in the 1300s. Time travel has been perfected, and Kivrin, a history student, travels to the 1300s to observe their Christmas preparations. Things go wrong as epidemics start at her university and in the 1300s. Both science fiction and historical fiction with appealing characters. One of my favorite books of all time. ~ Susan Ringer, librarian
A husband and wife each sacrifice one of their treasures in order to give the other a Christmas gift. This is a classic that I fondly remember reading to my daughter. ~ Susan Ringer, librarian
Don’t judge. It’s my tradition to sing along with Alvin, Theodore and Simon while decorating our Christmas tree. My favorite is their all-time classic “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late).” It may drive my husband crazy after an hour or so, but it sure makes holiday decorating lots of fun at my house. ~ Joanne Mengel, library assistant
When I was a kid, our family tended to stay home Christmas Day rather than travel to see relatives. My siblings would play with new toys, my mom would finish last-minute baking and my dad and I would settle in the living room with eggnog and homemade caramel corn for our Christmas movie marathon, easily watching 4-6 movies back-to-back. To this day, his all-time favorite is this delightful 1947 lesser-known heart-warmer. ~ Sara Roltgen, The BookCellar
This is a quick read that puts me right into the holiday mood - it features three of my favorite authors for young adults who pull out great characters from other stories and give them a holiday flair. ~ Sarah Newton, Children's services coordinator
Christmas through the eyes and memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her beloved Little House series. This collection of stories includes my personal favorite, Mr. Edward's encounter with Santa in downtown Independence and his trek to deliver presents to the Ingalls’ homestead. ~ Jon Mark Bolthouse, director
There have been about a million DVD versions of this incredible story, but the Muppets really nail this one. Michael Caine brings the right amount of crustiness to his Scrooge, and no human could play beleaguered-yet-upbeat Bob Cratchit better than Kermit. The excellent songs move the story along, and the emotions are honest and true. ~ Terri Fleming, community information coordinator
This movie is a cult classic. It’s filled with catchy songs and beautiful (somewhat dark) scenes. The movie is amazing not only for its well-done stop-frame animation, but also because it's the only movie I know of that can be watched both on Halloween and Christmas ... my two favorite holidays! ~ Emily Krug, Children's library assistant
This CD has been a family holiday favorite since it was released in 2007. Josh Groban is an amazing tenor, and in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, he calms my spirit. ~ Emily Krug, Children's library assistant
There's nothing better at Christmastime than Jackie Evancho's beautiful carols playing while holding a warm cup of hot chocolate next to the Christmas tree while a light snow falls outside. Jackie is a child with exceptional talent and a voice that defies description. Her interpretations of Christmas songs are simply extraordinary. ~ Gabriela Langholff, Children's library assistant
Mistakenly responding to Santa's request for help from "all of the other reindeer," Olive the dog saves Christmas. The DVD by the same name is great too, with Drew Barrymore as the voice of Olive. ~ Jon Mark Bolthouse, director
This book is so great, they made it into a movie! The story is wonderful, and the illustrations are stunning. It’s sure to become a holiday favorite, if it’s not already. ~ Emily Krug, Children's library assistant
Zooey Deschanel (She) & M. Ward (Him) have an eclectic take on traditional holiday favorites and under-appreciated classics like NRBQ's wonderful Christmas Wish. ~ Jon Mark Bolthouse, director
This is my classic holiday pick! Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman are heading a terrific cast. I've seen this movie hundreds of times and it STILL makes me laugh. Whenever I watch it, no matter if it's July or December, I'm thrown straight into holiday mode. Best of all, it's appropriate for the whole family (generally speaking), and you'll want to watch it again and again. ~ Sarah Newton, Children's services coordinator