Christmas is a time for celebration and peace, a time for a gathering of family and friends, and a time for cozy, happy books. As such, there is a long and varied selection of Christmas-related titles to choose from. Whether it be a classic festive read or a go-to holiday favorite, there is something on this list for any Christmas-loving bookworm. Here’s a selection of some of the best Christmas books for feeling festive.
What Makes a Christmas Book Festive?
When it comes to Christmas books, there are a few factors that one should consider. Does the book capture the mood or the feeling of the holiday season? Is it an uplifting story, or is it more melancholic in tone? Does it contain any quintessential holiday elements, such as snow, Santa, presents, etc.?
Classic Reads
The following are some classic Christmas books that are sure to put one in the festive spirit.
-Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A beloved classic novel about a miserly man whose heart is opened on Christmas Eve.
-O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi: A classic short story about a poor couple’s Christmas sacrifice for one another.
-Charles Dicken’sThe Cricket on the Hearth: A beloved story about a cricket that visits a family on Christmas.
-Nora Roberts’ All I Want For Christmas: A romantic story set in a New England town at Christmastime.
Mystery/Thriller Reads
For those seeking a bit of suspense with their holiday cheer, here are some mystery/thriller Christmas books to enjoy:
-Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot’s Christmas: A classic mystery set in a country house at Christmastime.
-Dani Pettrey’s Chilly Noel: A romantic suspense novel set in a winter wonderland, centered around a murder mystery.
-Douglas Corleone’s Silent Night: A murder mystery set in the days before Christmas.
-Kendel Lynn’s All Through The Night: A contemporary holiday mystery about an investigation into a murder in a small town.
Cozy Comfort Food Reads
For those who prefer a bit of comfort in their holiday reads, here are some warm and cozy Christmas books to curl up with:
-Jill Shalvis’ Santa Baby: A heartwarming holiday story about bringing a new puppy into the family home.
-Harlan Coben’s Miracle on the 17th Green: A classic holiday tale of a man who finds purpose and forgiveness during the holiday season.
-C.J. Carmichael’s Mrs. Miracle: A warm and cozy Christmas story about a blessed visitor who helps a family in need.
-Melody Carlson’s Christmas at Carnton: A charming holiday story of a couple finding love on a snowy Christmas night.
Contemporary Reads
For those looking for something a bit more modern, the following are some contemporary Christmas books to enjoy:
-George Saunders’ A Very Merry Christmas Story: A tender and magical holiday tale about love.
-David Sedaris’ The SantaLand Diaries: A humorous account of a man’s experience working at Macy’s Santaland.
-Ringuet: Snicket’s The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming: An offbeat and witty holiday story about a latke who does not like Christmas stories.
-Feldman & Golphin’s That’s What Christmas is About: A sweet and contemporary spin on the classic Christmas story, told with modern flair.
Children’s Reads
The following are some classic and beloved children’s Christmas books suitable for all ages:
-Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: A beloved classic about a misfit reindeer who finds acceptance and a place in Santa’s sleigh.
-The Nutcracker: A timeless story about a young girl’s adventures with a toy nutcracker come to life.
-The Night Before Christmas: A classic poem about a family’s adventures on Christmas Eve.
-An Elf for Christmas: A sweet and whimsical holiday story about a family’s unusual houseguest.
There is a large selection of Christmas-related titles available to those looking to feel festive during the holiday season. From classic reads to cozy comfort food books, and from contemporary titles to children’s books, there is something on this list for any sweet tooth craving a little bit of Christmas holiday cheer.
