Holidays on Ice
In 'Holidays on Ice,' David Sedaris delivers a hilariously dark and poignant collection of essays that explore the chaos of holiday traditions and the quirks of family gatherings. Through his sharp wit, Sedaris invites readers into his world of eccentric characters and awkward moments that reveal the humorous side of the festive season. Whether he's recounting his stint as an elf in a department store or reflecting on childhood memories filled with family dysfunction, each story is brimming with satire and insight. Sedaris's unique perspective challenges the idealized notions of the holidays, making readers question their own festive experiences. Perfect for those who appreciate laughter mixed with a touch of melancholy, this book is a must-read for the holiday season.
By David Sedaris
Published: 2010
""The only thing worse than being told no was being told yes, and then having to go through with it.""
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
David Sedaris's beloved holiday collection is new again with six more pieces, including a never before published story. Along with such favorites as the diaries of a Macy's elf and the annals of two very competitive families, are Sedaris's tales of tardy trick-or-treaters ("Us and Them"); the difficulties of explaining the Easter Bunny to the French ("Jesus Shaves"); what to do when you've been locked out in a snowstorm ("Let It Snow"); the puzzling Christmas traditions of other nations ("Six to Eight Black Men"); what Halloween at the medical examiner's looks like ("The Monster Mash"); and a barnyard secret Santa scheme gone awry ("Cow and Turkey"). No matter what your favorite holiday, you won't want to miss celebrating it with the author who has been called "one of the funniest writers alive" (Economist).
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from Holidays on Ice
About the Author
David Sedaris
David Sedaris is a renowned American author and humorist known for his sharp wit and keen observational skills. Born on December 26, 1956, in Johnson City, New York, Sedaris gained prominence through his personal essays and memoirs. His notable works include 'Me Talk Pretty One Day,' 'Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,' and 'Calypso,' where he masterfully blends humor with poignant reflections on family, life, and the absurdities of modern existence. Sedaris's writing style is characterized by its candidness, playful language, and an ability to find humor in everyday situations.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- David Sedaris
- Published
- October 2010
- Publisher
- Back Bay Books
- ISBN
- 0316078913
- Language
- English
- Pages
- N/A
- Genres
- Satirical LiteratureLiteratureEssays
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
The Essays of Warren Buffett
Lawrence A. Cunningham, Warren E. Buffett
Ernest Hemingway on Writing
Larry W. Phillips
Essays After Eighty
Donald Hall
Sister Outsider
Audre Lorde
Not That Kind of Girl
Lena Dunham
Political Fictions
Joan Didion
The Opposite of Loneliness
Marina Keegan
Essays of E. B. White
E. B. White
So Sad Today
Melissa Broder
The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Souls of Black Folk
W. E. B. Du Bois
Changing My Mind
Zadie Smith
The Price of the Ticket
James Baldwin
James Baldwin: Collected Essays (LOA #98)
James Baldwin
Cultural Amnesia
Clive James
The Complete Essays
Michel de Montaigne
The White Album
Joan Didion
The Source of Self-Regard
Toni Morrison
Essays in Persuasion
John Maynard Keynes
Both Flesh and Not
David Foster Wallace
A Collection of Essays
George Orwell
Orwell: Essays
George Orwell
Dead Girls
Alice Bolin
String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis
David Foster Wallace
The Insanity Defense
Woody Allen
Moranifesto
Caitlin Moran
Rookie Yearbook Four
Tavi Gevinson
Something That May Shock and Discredit You
Daniel Mallory Ortberg
Cruel Shoes
Steve Martin
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Alain de Botton's Book Recommendations
Alain de Botton is a Swiss-British philosopher, author, and founder of The School of Life, an organization dedicated to teaching emotional intelligence and life skills. De Botton’s books, such as The Consolations of Philosophy and How Proust Can Change Your Life, blend philosophy with everyday life, offering practical wisdom on love, work, and happiness. His work has popularized philosophy, making it accessible to a wider audience. De Botton is also a public speaker and essayist, frequently exploring topics related to human fulfillment and personal growth. His unique approach to philosophy has made him a respected voice in contemporary culture.
View Collection
Jon Hamm's Book Recommendations
Jon Hamm is an American actor best known for his role as Don Draper in the critically acclaimed television series "Mad Men," which aired from 2007 to 2015. While Hamm's achievements are primarily in acting, his portrayal of the complex, enigmatic ad executive has been lauded for its depth and nuance, significantly impacting television storytelling. His performance earned him numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy. Beyond "Mad Men," Hamm has appeared in various films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility across genres. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work has influenced contemporary narratives and character development in modern media.
View Collection
David Sedaris's Book Recommendations
David Sedaris is an American humorist, author, and radio contributor, known for his witty and satirical essays that explore themes of family, culture, and personal idiosyncrasies. Sedaris rose to fame with his collections Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, which have earned him a devoted following for his blend of humor and keen observation. His work is often autobiographical, capturing the quirks of everyday life in a humorous light. Sedaris regularly contributes to The New Yorker and NPR’s This American Life, and his live readings are popular events that showcase his comedic timing and unique storytelling style.
View Collection
Jesse Williams's Book Recommendations
Jesse Williams is a multifaceted talent best known for his work as an actor, director, and activist, but he has also made significant contributions to literature through his thought-provoking essays and social commentary. Williams has used his platform to address issues of race, identity, and social justice, often drawing from his own experiences to provide a powerful voice in contemporary discourse. His writing has appeared in various esteemed publications, capturing the complexities of modern society and advocating for systemic change. In addition to his literary efforts, Williams co-founded the production company farWord Inc., which aims to amplify underrepresented voices. His commitment to both the arts and activism continues to inspire a diverse audience, making him a prominent figure in multiple arenas of public life.
View Collection
Anthony Bourdain's Book Recommendations
Anthony Bourdain was an acclaimed chef, author, and television personality known for his deep exploration of global cuisine and culture. He gained widespread recognition with his 2000 bestseller "Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly," which offered an unvarnished look behind the scenes of the restaurant industry. Bourdain's literary talents extended to several other books, including "A Cook's Tour" and "Medium Raw," further cementing his status as a compelling storyteller. His groundbreaking TV shows such as "No Reservations" and "Parts Unknown" took viewers on culinary adventures around the world, earning him numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards. Bourdain's legacy endures as a pioneer who celebrated the richness of diverse cultures through food.
View Collection
Guy Spier's Book Recommendations
Guy Spier is a renowned value investor and author, best known for his influential book "The Education of a Value Investor," which offers deep insights into the principles of value investing and personal development. An alumnus of Harvard Business School and Oxford University, Spier has carved a niche in the financial world with his disciplined investment philosophy. He is the managing partner of the Aquamarine Fund, an investment partnership inspired by the principles of Warren Buffett. Spier gained widespread recognition for his charitable winning bid to have lunch with Buffett, a move that significantly bolstered his reputation in the investment community. Through his writing and public speaking, Spier continues to inspire both novice and seasoned investors with his ethical approach to investing and life.
View Collection
Brian MacKenzie's Book Recommendations
Brian MacKenzie is a celebrated author known for his insightful explorations of human psychology and societal structures. His groundbreaking novel, "Echoes of the Mind," won the prestigious Man Booker Prize, solidifying his place in contemporary literature. MacKenzie's works often blend intricate narratives with deep philosophical inquiries, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. He has also contributed extensively to literary journals, offering essays that dissect modern existential dilemmas. Beyond his writing, MacKenzie is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, frequently speaking at international conferences and seminars.
View Collection
Keith Rabois's Book Recommendations
Keith Rabois is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author known for his significant contributions to the tech industry and startup ecosystem. He played crucial roles in the early success of companies like PayPal, LinkedIn, Square, and Yelp, earning a reputation as a skilled operator and strategic thinker. As a partner at Founders Fund and later at Khosla Ventures, Rabois has invested in and advised numerous successful startups. In addition to his business ventures, he has written insightful articles and essays on technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, contributing to the broader discourse on these subjects. Rabois continues to influence the tech world with his strategic insights and thought leadership.
View Collection
Mark Zuckerberg's Book Recommendations
Mark Zuckerberg is an American technology entrepreneur best known for co-founding Facebook, the world's largest social media platform, which transformed global communication. Born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, he launched Facebook in 2004 while attending Harvard University. Under his leadership, Facebook expanded rapidly, influencing the social media landscape and digital advertising. Zuckerberg has also authored numerous articles and essays on technology, innovation, and the future of the internet. His work has had a profound impact on how people connect and share information in the digital age.
View Collection“"The only thing worse than being told no was being told yes, and then having to go through with it."”
Holidays on Ice
By David Sedaris
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.