And so we’ve made it to Christmas Eve, to Nochebuena. Later today, my family will be gathered around the Christmas tree, sharing cocoa and buñuelos and laughing as the family unwraps my husband’s prank gift boxes, But before we get there, it’s time for one last Christmas mystery to wrap up 2022. And of course, I’ve saved the best for last. Today, we’re celebrating with the Belgian master himself.

A complex family makes a complex Christmas case

This December 24, we’re celebrating Christmas with Poirot and the Dame herself. In Hercule Poirot’s Christmas, the famous Belgian detective is called in to solve a particularly gory murder on Christmas Eve. As he works to unravel the case, Poirot must disentangle the complex lies and half-truths that surround the Lee family, starting with the patriarch and murder victim, Simeon Lee.

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is an engaging look at the complexities of family dynamics – how family members can hurt and heal each other. The Lee family, the central cast of the case, is full of complex dynamics and old grudges. Throw a murder investigation and an inheritance dispute into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for instant drama.

Despite a pretty full cast, Christie manages to make every character unique. Her portrayals of the Lee family feel grounded in reality, and I could see acquaintances and friends in each character. Her deft navigation of the story arcs (and her inclusion of sufficient denouement) left me feeling hopeful for each character.

The true meaning of Christmas (mystery)

While I love character-driven mysteries, it’s the approach to the Christmas theme that sets this novel apart. Christie repeatedly shared how much she loved the holiday, and this love permeates the book. Pilar, the Spanish cousin, repeatedly wishes to experience the Full English Christmas. And Poirot is at his most self-sacrificing, Papa Poirot to the fullest – he serves not only as a sleuth, but but as a confessor, allowing the Lees to face their worst fears.

In many ways, Hercule Poirot’s Christmas lacks the extravagant set-pieces of other Christmas novels we’ve reviewed this year. There’s no tree, no pudding, nary a Santa Claus costume to be had. In many ways, this lack of trimmings prevents the pitfalls we saw earlier – by stripping away the traditions, Christie protects them from tarnish by murderous association.

Instead, Christie frames Christmas as a time of reunion, of forgiveness, of renewal. Through their Yuletide experience, each of the Lees comes into their own, walking away a fuller version of themselves. It’s an uplifting message, and one that makes me excited to spend some time reflecting on my own goals this year. After all, if the Lees can self-actualize in spite of a murder, why shouldn’t I give it a shot?

A Christmas classic

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is the epitome of the Golden Age Christmas story. The timing is perfect – the week around December 25th. The family drama is palpable. The conclusion, uplifting. If you’re looking for just one Golden Age mystery to read this holiday season, this would be my choice.