The Christmas season is also the time for many Christmas stories that tug at the heartstrings. American media - print, TV and films have played an important part in recreating the Christmas magic of giving, sharing and miracles. Several have become part of the Christmas tradition in the United States.

A Christmas Carol

"A Christmas Carol" is a story by Charles Dickens that had been immortalized on the silver screen. It tells the story of an old miserly man who does not believe in compassion, sharing, giving and Christmas spirit. He is always making excuses for his nature until he is visited by three ghosts of Christmas past, Christmas present and Christmas future who show him the results of his actions.

It is a wonderful life

Another all time favorite Christmas film is "It is a wonderful life". It tells a story of a philanthropist George Bailey who spends his entire life giving up his big dreams for the good of his town, is lonely and in despair on Christmas Eve. His guardian angel, Clarence shows him how his town, family, and friends would turn out if he had never been born and give him hope.

A Christmas Story

"A Christmas story" is a hilarious Christmas film based around Ralphie Parker's Christmas list: a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot, Range Model Air Rifle. But adults tell him he would "shoot his eyes out" including his teacher who gives him a C+ for wishing the same in his essay.

Christmas is approaching and the protagonist visits Santa at the department store in hopes of asking him for his dream Christmas gift.

A few true stories have also become enduring Christmas tales themselves. The story behind the Christmas carol Silent Night and the story Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus is well known.

Christmas in Radio and Television

Radio and television programs during Christmas aggressively pursue entertainment and ratings through their cultivation of Christmas themes. Radio stations broadcast Christmas carols and Christmas songs, including classical music such as the Hallelujah chorus from Handel's Messiah.

Needless to say sales of DVDs and Music CDs soar as media companies release old Christmas movies and Christmas music tracks at this time.