Holidays on Ice 

By David Sedaris

128 pages

Originally published Dec. 1997

I knew I had a few Christmas-themed books on the shelves somewhere. I was hoping to find one that would entertain the grandkids. The one I chose could certainly work for the kids, but it would also work for me because it was written by David Sedaris, who is always reliable for a good, smart laugh.

Holidays on Ice is a collection of essays and stories about Christmas. I am reading it now, repeating passages to family and friends who are visiting. My favorite so far is the first one in the book – “Santaland Diaries” – which is Sedaris’s take on working as an elf at a department store grotto.

Critical Reception 

* “Not remotely politically correct or heartwarming.” (Liesl Schillinger, New York Times)

* “David Sedaris is the rare writer who makes you feel more charming and witty after every encounter.” (Lucy Mohl, Seattle Times)

“This is comedy, pure and simple, with occasional moments of surprising sweetness.” (Connie Ogle, Miami Herald)