BOOK LIST - CHRISTMAS READS
“T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” – Clement Clarke Moore
Ah… Christmas Time! The perfect time to curl up with a book, under blankets, next to the tree, with a delicious cup of tea, cocoa or cider. Perfection. If that sounds exactly like what you want out of your reading this Christmas season, then you have come to the right place.
With the sun setting early, and the cold outside, I am really ready to embrace hygge (the Danish idea of ultimate cozy, worth looking up if that sounds like something you need in your life!). As a matter of fact, sometimes I don’t have any energy or desire to do anything other than rest and read. I know I can’t be the only one! Which is why I wanted to share some reading tips and lists for you to enjoy this season.
WHAT KIND OF READER ARE YOU
“At Christmas, all roads lead home.” – Marjorie Holmes
In June, I shared a Summer Reads Book List (you can find it here: https://graceandhopecollective.com/blogs/news/summer-reads-book-list ). Then I shared a Fall Reads List in September (you can find it here: https://graceandhopecollective.com/blogs/news/book-list-fall-reads ).
In these blogs, I shared how instead of a bookworm, I am a book chameleon. This idea gives me freedom! It also helps me decide what books I read, and how often I read, and how I organize my reading.
Sometimes it can be helpful to think and dream about what we want our reading life to look like! So, try that out now…
- What type of books did you love to read when you were younger?
- What type of books do you enjoy right now?
- When do you have time to read? And how do you best like to read (audio book, digital books, physical copies, etc.)?
- How does reading fit into your busy life?
- Are you a lifelong reader or newer to enjoying reading for fun? What does that look like right now?
BOOK SUGGESTIONS
“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” – Charles M. Schulz
Get your TBR list ready. Let’s go!
For those wanting to add extra coziness in their life…
- Letters from Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien
For those who love Christmas cozy adventures (and the very best stories)…
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
This is really the very original and best Christmas book. If you haven’t yet read this classic, or if it’s been a while, I highly suggest it.
For those who want something to inspire…
- Shadow & Light by Tsh Oxenrider
This is one of my favorite Advent devotionals. The author shares art, music, and prayers to deeply enrich your Christmas season.
For those who love the classics…
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The very first chapter of this book IS about Christmas. Which is a reason to read it at any time! I love connecting with the March sisters and reading about their simple, beautiful lives. I will always suggest and love this book! It’s one of my life books.
For the family looking for a new favorite read-aloud…
- The Legend Of the Poinsettia Retold and Illustrated by Tomie dePaola
My girls love this story and the art. It’s a book they ask for us to read over and over again at Christmastime.
For those who love fairy tales…
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Specifically, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe! It begins with “always winter, but never Christmas”, but it doesn’t stay that way! If you have never read or enjoyed this series, then do yourself a favor and put it on your TBR.
For anyone who wants to build a classic tradition for their family…
- The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
This is a beautiful pop-up, interactive Advent devotional that my whole family loves. We gather around, hang up a little ornament on the paper tree and read scripture and pray together. A very worthwhile investment!
For anyone who loves classics, memories, and books that make you laugh…
- A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd
The book that inspired the movie! It’s funny, it’s just like the movie and it will make you feel all nostalgic for your childhood Christmas memories.
For those ready to jump into 2025 and pursue their dreams…
- Hero On A Mission by Donald Miller
This book is so helpful and inspiring. If you are feeling confused or worried about what your next steps should be, then this book will help bring you clarity. Or if you are just looking for some steps to help you move towards your goals, this book will give you the steps you need.
What books would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.” – Agnes M. Pahro
START READING
“We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder
Reading is a gift. One that can be enjoyed no matter your age, no matter the type of book you like, no matter how you read. May this Christmas season bring lots of reading time and good books (and maybe some new books wrapped under the tree!)!
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- Which Christmas book do you think we should add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
- Which Christmas book from the list would you most like to read?
- When and where can you implement your reading habit this Christmas?
- If you were to start a book club or literary group, what would you read?
- What’s one thing from this blog that has inspired you to read this season?
"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." - Luke 2:7