John Grisham – Skipping Christmas
If you are a Grisham fan, you may be initially dissappointed, this book isn't about Lawyers. From the beginning of the book, it is clear that this is a satire about the whole glittery commercial Christmas tradition that has taken over the meaning of the holiday. The main character decides that Christmas has gotten too expensive and that he could put the money to better use- say to go on a holiday with his wife, as their only daughter is out of town. But breaking the tradition was harder to do then expected, as people begin to protest their lack of "Christmas Spirit", he takes it on as a challenge, which begins to look more like a feud with friends and neighbors.
The book is surprisingly funny (its Grisham!) and it does challenge the reader to think about all the exessive spending on holidays- particularly when its to outdo the neighbors. A short and good read.