Can you recommend some contemporary Christmas short stories?

One contemporary Christmas story is 'The Christmas Train' by David Baldacci. It follows a journalist who takes a cross - country train journey during Christmas, encountering various characters and having heartwarming and sometimes mysterious experiences along the way.

There's 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor. It starts as a normal story about a family trip but quickly turns into a horror - filled encounter with a criminal. Also, Stephen King has some excellent contemporary - ish short horror works. For example, 'Children of the Corn' is a creepy short story about a town ruled by sinister children. And Junji Ito's short horror stories, like 'Tomie', are very popular. Ito's unique art style and disturbing storylines make his works stand out in the contemporary horror genre.

Well, 'The Day of the Triffids' by John Wyndham can be considered. It's a post - apocalyptic short story that's both thrilling and thought - provoking. Then there's 'The Signal - Man' by Charles Dickens. Dickens' writing is always engaging, and this short story is no exception, with its spooky atmosphere. Also, 'The Collector' by John Fowles is interesting as it explores the mind of a rather disturbing character.

One great contemporary horror short story is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It's a disturbing tale of a woman's descent into madness. Another is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, which has a shockingly cruel ending. And 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe, though not strictly contemporary, still has a huge influence on modern horror short stories.

A great example could be the short stories of Carmen Ollé. Her stories are known for their vivid descriptions of Peruvian life and the unique characters within it. She delves into different aspects of the contemporary Peruvian experience, be it in the cities or the rural areas. Her writing style is engaging and gives readers a real sense of what it's like to be in Peru today.

Sure. 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson can be considered in a way. It has an eerie atmosphere. The story seems normal at first, but as it progresses, the sense of dread builds up. Another one is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It's about a woman's psychological decline in a haunted - like situation, with the wallpaper taking on a ghostly quality in her mind.

Yes. 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' is a contemporary short story popular among high school students. It delves into themes like friendship, mental health, and growing up. 'I'll Give You the Sun' is also good. It has a unique narrative structure and explores family relationships and artistic pursuits. 'We Were Liars' is a gripping story with unexpected twists that keeps readers on their toes.

Sure. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a great short contemporary novel. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream in the 1920s. Another one is 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell, which is an allegorical novel about power and corruption in society.

One short Christmas story could be about a lonely old man who on Christmas Eve is visited by a group of carol - singers. Their joy and the Christmas spirit they bring make him feel less alone. He then decides to join them in spreading the cheer around the neighborhood.

Sure. One common type of short Christmas story from 'guideposts' might be about a family coming together during Christmas after being apart for a long time. It shows the warmth and love that the holiday season brings to reunite families.