Originally published in 1992, and released last year just in time for Christmas, it’s obvious what the unifying theme of this anthology is: Christmas as re-envisioned in science fiction and fantasy. There’s plenty of interesting stories to choose from here, looking at the holiday and its most notable icons in all sorts of different lights. Of note are stories like Connie Willis’ charming “Miracle,” James Powell’s whimsically twisted “The Plot Against Santa Claus,” Edward Wellen’s dystopian “Sanity Clause,” and Ben Bova’s introspective “Silent Night.” Other authors to be found here include Spider Robinson, Gene Wolfe, Anne McCaffrey, Ray Bradbury, John Ford, Arthur C. Clarke, and William Gibson.
While every year brings us at least one, if not two or three, Christmas-themed anthologies, Christmas Stars still stands above the rest, like the angel on the tree, by virtue of an all-star lineup and some classic reprints that deserve to stay available for new generations to read. It was good to see this collection on the shelves again after a length absence, and even though by the time this sees print, it’ll be well into spring, it might be worth looking for Christmas Stars. Christmas in July, anyone?