"The Lump of Coal" is a Christmas short story written by Lemony Snicket and illustrated by Brett Helquist.

Originally published in the December 10–12, 2004 issue of the now-defunct magazine USA Weekend,[1] it was re-released as a stand-alone book in 2008.

Though illustrated and relatively short, the book uses vocabulary above that of most children, including the term objets d'art.

Many elements of the story are easily recognizable as Snicket-esque to A Series of Unfortunate Events readers, including a culturally intelligent and talented protagonist who is dismissed by many a mumpsimus.

The lump of coal continues down the street and runs into a man dressed like Santa Claus.