Most public domain Christmas short stories are suitable for children. Since they are often from an earlier era, they tend to have a more traditional and family - friendly feel. However, it's always a good idea to preview them first, as some may use language or concepts that are a bit old - fashioned but not necessarily inappropriate.
Well, some classic Christmas stories like 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens are in the public domain. Also, many old folk tales related to Christmas have entered the public domain over time.
There are a few good sources for public domain Christmas short stories. Firstly, check out Archive.org. It stores a large number of texts, and you might be able to dig up some wonderful Christmas short stories there. Additionally, some universities' digital libraries offer public domain works, which could include Christmas stories. Some old anthologies of short stories, which are now in the public domain, can be found in second - hand bookstores too.
One of the most famous public domain Christmas stories is 'A Christmas Carol'. It has been adapted into numerous plays, movies, and TV shows. The story of Scrooge's redemption has become a staple of the Christmas holiday. Then there's 'The Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Andersen. It's a rather sad but also poignant story about a poor girl on Christmas Eve. Also, 'Rudolph the Red - Nosed Reindeer' has been in the public domain for some time now and is a beloved Christmas story for many, especially children.
The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain is another Dickens story that's in the public domain. It also has elements of the Christmas season and ghostly apparitions. In this story, a man is haunted by a ghost who offers him a bargain. It's a story that delves into themes of redemption and the past just like A Christmas Carol. Another popular one is The Trial for Murder by Charles Dickens as well. It has a Christmas setting and a spooky ghost - related plot. Dickens was really good at combining the Christmas spirit with elements of the supernatural in his stories.
Try looking on websites dedicated to public domain literature. For example, Open Library (https://openlibrary.org/) may have public domain Christmas stories. Additionally, many universities have digital libraries that include public domain works, and it's possible to find Christmas stories there. You could also search for 'public domain Christmas stories' on general search engines, and explore the results carefully to find reliable sources.
It depends on various factors like the date of publication and the author's copyright status. You might need to check with relevant copyright databases or consult a legal expert to get a definite answer.