It’s that time of year again. It’s December, which means it’s officially acceptable to play “All I Want for Christmas is You” on repeat, watch Christmassy films every day and, most importantly, read a plethora of wintery, Christmassy books! Here are just a few of my seasonal suggestions:
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Arguably the most famous Christmas story of all time: Ebenezer Scrooge’s enlightening journey through Christmas past, present and yet-to-come make ‘A Christmas Carol’ a humbling, hard-hitting, classic Christmas novel, highlighting the importance of kindness at Christmas.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsberg
Yet another classic, warm-hearted Christmas story centralizing personal growth. Following a young boy, who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, this novel takes us to the North Pole with a group of children- all of whom need to learn a lesson about themselves. This feel-good novel is enough to warm anyone’s heart- even Scrooge. Not to mention, the illustrations are stunning.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Birthing the quote “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents”, Little Women- from the first page -breeds the Christmassy atmosphere we crave at this time of year. This novel is the perfect Christmas read as it highlights what Christmas is all about; love, family, and happiness. It cheerfully validates virtue over wealth and Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy show that, if you’re resourceful, you can have a wonderful Christmas without a colossal collection of presents to open on Christmas day.
The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
This seven-part saga is an exciting, feel-good, nostalgic adventure story. When Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are evacuated to the English countryside in the second world war, they have no idea the adventures they will go on in Narnia: the land of perpetual winter. And, to be honest, you can’t really get a more wintery read than that.
The Glamour of the Snow by Algernon Blackwood
This rather dark story narrates a writer’s perilous attraction to a ghostly ice-skater, whom he encounters on a deserted ice rink at night. The protagonist’s attraction to the icy enchantress leads him up the Alps, higher than any have ever gone before him. This mysterious, suspense novel is on the list in case you’re not in the mood for light-hearted, Christmas cheer and wants something a little bit grittier.
Just for Christmas by Scarlett Bailey
A fluffy, feel-good, Christmassy, contemporary read that will boost your mood and Christmas spirit. If you’re looking for something light-hearted and lovey, this is your novel. After Alex Munro attends the wedding of her ex-boyfriend, she moves to a Cornish cottage to give herself a fresh start. Incorporating all the best bits of the holidays- love, community and Christmas spirit -this novel is sure to put a smile on your face and make you want to look for your own Christmas romance.
The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
I don’t know why I associate this series with Christmas so much. Maybe it’s because the films are ALWAYS played in the run-up to Christmas. Speaking of which, why does it always seem to be the Chamber of Secrets? Regardless, Christmas is never forgotten in the Harry Potter books. Particularly, the first two books have a pretty heavy emphasis on the holiday period. Who wouldn’t want to spend their Christmas at Hogwarts, perusing through the restricted section and opening presents with friends?
As I wrote this, I realized that many Christmas stories were originally children’s books. Consequently, I have concluded that to really get into the spirit of Christmas, we need to embrace our inner child and not worry, have fun and love our loved ones as much as possible. (And, obviously, read every Christmassy book known to man.)
Merry Christmas to you all, and have a happy new year!
Books Rock My World 
Same to you. Have fun! 🙂
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Just for christmas looks so heart warming. I will look for the book right away. Merry Christmas, already.
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