Get Free Shipping on orders over $79
Stocking Fillers : Twelve Short Stories for Christmas - Debbie Young

Stocking Fillers

Twelve Short Stories for Christmas

By: Debbie Young

Paperback | 18 November 2014

At a Glance

Paperback


$25.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $6.44 with

Ships in 15 to 25 business days

"Stocking Fillers" follows a cast of entertaining characters as they prepare for the festive season, from a small boy trying to teach Santa time management to the elderly lady celebrating what's likely to be her last Christmas Day. Unlike many Christmas-themed books, "Stocking Fillers" does not sugar-coat the festive experience, and not all of the characters are lovable. But ultimately it's a heartwarming celebration of all things festive.



The tales form an entertaining catalogue of how characters of all ages respond to the anxieties that abound at this time of year, from a small boy who tries to give Santa lessons in time management to the elderly lady who is marking what's likely to be her last Christmas. Others tackle such important questions as: 

- Will you ever get everything ready in time? 
- Will everyone like their presents? 
- Will you like yours? 
- How will Father Christmas fit us all in? 
- And who is the real Santa, anyway?



Here is the list of story titles, kicking off with a very funny parody of a Christmas round-robin letter:



  • The Christmas Letter
  • I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas
  • Do You Believe?
  • The Revolting Toys
  • Park and Ride
  • Christmas Time
  • The Groundhog Christmas
  • The True Cost of Christmas
  • The Unexpected Guest
  • The Unwanted Gift
  • Good Christmas Housekeeping
  • Past, Present, Yet to Come


Unlike many festive books, this collection does not sugar-coat every Christmas experience, and a few of the characters aren't exactly lovable, but they're certainly memorable. But ultimately it's a heartwarming collection and an easy, quick read to be enjoyed by anyone who loves the traditional Christmas, at any time of year.



Many readers report that reading these stories has become an annual tradition in their household, a Christmas Carol for the modern era.

Industry Reviews

"This is a charming collection of delightfully varied stories. Yes, the theme is Christmas but each story is so different and yet perfectly balanced that you're carried along with half an ear listening for early sleigh bells. Most of the stories contain humour, some are ironic, and one or two are downright emotional. Bit like the perfect Christmas!" - Helen Baggott

"I admire an author who can encapsulate their character's personality and emotions in a short story, and Debbie Young is a master. In two and a half pages she exposes relationship to the light with both humour and irony. Whether tongue-in-cheek or laugh out loud, these gems contain characters from everyone's life we can recognise, from critical in-laws, spoiled kids to unappreciative husbands without a yo ho ho or a Christmas fairy in sight. However I want to know where Auntie Fay bought that clock because I want one too!" - Anita Davison

"What I am going to talk about is the cleverness of each of these perfectly crafted gems. From the opener, The Christmas Letter with its quirky take on male self-absorption, through the too clever by half boy in Do You Believe, each tale delights with unexpected twists and turns. More importantly, Debbie Young writes with such a keen eye on the vagaries of human nature, both good and bad, but never just ordinary. If you get a chance to pick this up for Christmas you're in for a treat. But remember, a book isn't just for Christmas, and this one will make you smile all year long." - David Penny

"Poignant, heart-lifting and very slightly 'magical realism' stories all themed about that problematic and emotional time of year - Christmas. I would prescribe these stories to people feeling frazzled and stressed. Rather as we browse on delicious snacks at Christmas, this comforting book works either as individual reads or as a cheering feast." - Josa Young

"I have a couple of books that I store with my Christmas decorations and reread them most Christmases. This one will be added to them. Charming, serious, romantic, laugh out loud!" - Lorna Sixsmith

"A lovely little collection of festive tales. These are many flavoured, many layered stories, each one a neat package of thoughts, emotions and ideas that add up to something much, much bigger than the word-count would suggest. A perfect book to pop in a Christmas stocking - I was very, very happy to find it in mine." - Ava D Reader

"'Stocking Fillers' is a great collection of short stories full of memorable characters and situations. Reading the stories definitely got me in a festive frame of mind and this book will definitely be a 'keeper.' I have a feeling I'll be reading it again - and not just at Christmas." - Sue Johnson

"A fabulous festive treat! I'm not normally a short stories reader but I adored this little book. So well written, such an interesting mix, and perfect bedtime reading. Put me right in the mood for Christmas. Loved it." - J D Kabler

More in Modern & Contemporary Fiction

Pilbara - Judy Nunn

Paperback

RRP $34.99

$17.50

50%
OFF
Galentine's Day - Rebecca Anderson

RRP $32.99

$26.99

18%
OFF
Boy from the North Country - Sam Sussman

RRP $34.99

$28.75

18%
OFF
The Mad Wife : A Novel - Meagan Church

RRP $29.99

$24.99

17%
OFF
Best Offer Wins - Marisa Kashino

RRP $34.99

$28.75

18%
OFF
Nobody's Fool - Harlan Coben

Paperback

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF
Carl's Doomsday Scenario : Dungeon Crawler Carl Bk2 - Matt Dinniman
Blood Pact : Book 6 in the thrilling DCI Jack Hawksworth series - Fiona McIntosh
Some Bright Nowhere - Ann Packer

RRP $32.99

$26.99

18%
OFF
The Ragpicker King : The Chronicles of Castellane Book 2 - Cassandra Clare
The Work - Bri Lee

Paperback

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF
Oath Of Loyalty : A Mitch Rapp Novel - Vince FLYNN