Literary Works Inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas: From Shakespeare to Modern Times

The 12 Days of Christmas, from December 25 to January 5, have captivated writers for centuries. This festive period has inspired a rich tapestry of literature, from classic plays to contemporary novels. Let’s explore how this magical time has influenced literary works across different eras.

Classical Literature

1. Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night

• This romantic comedy was written around 1601-1602, set during the final day of Christmas celebrations.
• It features themes of love, mistaken identity, and revelry that reflect the spirit of the season.

2. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” (Traditional Carol)

• The origins date back to 18th century England.
• While not strictly literature, this carol has inspired numerous literary adaptations and retellings.

19th Century

3. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (1843)

• Though not explicitly about the 12 Days, it captures the spirit of the Christmas season.
• This work influenced modern perceptions of Christmas celebrations.

4. Christina Rossetti’s “In the Bleak Midwinter” (1872)

• This poem was later set to music as a Christmas carol.
• It captures the wintry atmosphere of the Christmas season.

20th Century

5. T.S. Eliot’s “Journey of the Magi” (1927)

• Here’s a poem narrated from the perspective of one of the Wise Men.
• It reflects on the spiritual significance of the Christmas story.

6. Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales (1952)

• This prose work recounts Christmas memories.
• It captures the magic and nostalgia of the holiday season.

7. Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” (1956)

• This short story is set during the Christmas season.
• It explores themes of friendship and holiday traditions.

Contemporary Literature

8. Jostein Gaarder’s The Christmas Mystery (1992)

• This novel follows a boy’s journey through an Advent calendar.
• It blends historical and contemporary narratives of the Christmas story.

9. Matt Haig’s A Boy Called Christmas (2015)

• This children’s novel reimagines the origin story of Father Christmas.
• It is set during the Christmas season, capturing the magic of the holiday.

10. Francesca Hornak’s Seven Days of Us (2017)

• It is a novel about a family quarantined together over the Christmas period.
• This book explores family dynamics during the holiday season.

11. Josie Silver’s One Day in December (2018)

• Here’s a romance novel that spans several Christmases.
• It uses the holiday season as a backdrop for a love story.

12. Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea (2019)

• While not exclusively about Christmas, it features magical winter scenes and a significant New Year’s Eve party.
• This work incorporates elements of fairy tales and winter magic.

What’s Next?

From Shakespeare’s comedies on love and identity to modern novels set at Christmas, the 12 Days of Christmas inspire writers. These works entertain and reflect changing views of the holiday season across eras and cultures. Literature has many options for classic holiday tales and modern takes on the season’s magic. They will enhance your enjoyment of this special time of year.