Merry Christmas by Mark Twain

This short, sharp piece takes the form of a fictional letter written in a highly sarcastic tone, mocking the commercialization and artificial cheer of the holiday season. Twain critiques the expectations surrounding gift-giving and festive behavior. There is no conventional plot, but the monologue follows the narrator’s rising frustration and exaggerated confessions. The humor lies in its cynicism and contrast with traditional holiday sentiment. It’s a darkly funny reflection on Christmas pressures.