Holiday Short Stories for Middle School
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Nov 30, 2023
Engaging holiday short stories for middle school
As the holidays approach, you may be looking for some short stories to share with your middle school students. Whether you’re looking for something heartwarming, funny, or thought-provoking, there are plenty of great holiday-themed short stories out there that are sure to engage your learners. Below I share some of my very favorite holiday short stories for middle school.
Looking for some engaging holiday short stories for middle school that you can print and use right away? Click on the image or button below to see all of the holiday shory story units available in my TPT shop!
To further enhance your classroom’s holiday spirit, explore our collection of Christmas Read-Alouds, which are perfect for shared reading sessions and fostering a warm, festive atmosphere.
“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
“The Gift of the Magi” is a classic holiday story about a young couple who each sacrifice their most prized possession to buy a special gift for the other. It’s a touching story about the true meaning of giving.
This classic story is filled with figurative language, making it a great opportunity to discuss key terms like simile and metaphor. Also, the twist ending is a hit with this age group. The story makes for great classroom discussion about love, sacrifice, and what Christmas is really about.
Looking for a complete short story unit to go along with this Christmas tale? Click here or on the image below to grab yourself a copy.
“A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote
In this heartwarming semi-autobiographical story, Truman Capote tells the tale of his childhood Christmases spent with his elderly cousin, Miss Sook Faulk.
This is a truly beautiful story about family, friendship, and cherished memories. It is a great opportunity for students to share and write about their own holiday memories and traditions.
“The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen
“The Little Match Girl” is a sad and beautiful tale follows a young girl as she struggles to stay warm on New Year’s Eve. As she attempts to sell matches on the street to earn money for her family, she is forced to use the matches to save herself from the harsh winter weather. As she strikes each match, images of amazing things are conjured that help warm her heart and soul.
This is a ageless story that makes for meaningful classroom discussion about homelessness and the plight of the poor.
Looking for a complete short story unit to go along with this classic tale? Click here or on the image below to grab yourself a copy.
“The Toys of Peace” by Saki
This funny story follows two boys who decide to wage peace instead of war during World War I. They start by sending toy soldiers to the “enemy,” but things quickly escalate when the other side responds in kind. It’s a lighthearted story with an important message, and I have found it to be a hit in my middle school classroom.
“The Christmas Present” By Richmal Crompton
Although this Christmas tale is likely the most obscure on the list, it is one of my very favorite holiday short stories for middle school. “The Christmas Present” is definitely unconventional and untraditional. However, its amusing story line about a woman who receives a peculiar gift from her aunt is a hit with middle school readers!
Looking for a complete short story unit to go along with this humorous holiday story? Click here or on the image below to snag yourself a copy!
These are just a few of my favorite holiday short stories for middle school students. These stories are sure to spark some great discussions and provide some much-needed holiday cheer.
Do you have a favorite holiday short story that you like to share with your students? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Additionally, for a broader range of festive reading, you might find our Christmas Reading Passages to be a perfect complement, offering diverse and engaging stories for your middle school students.
Looking for more short stories for middle school learners?
Check out these blog posts!
Diverse and Inclusive Short Stories for Middle School
Favorite Science Fiction Short Stories
Short Stories for Black History Month
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