As the days get shorter and the year winds to an end, the best way to pass the time while the air is crisp is to curl up with a book. Whether you enjoy familiar classics or are in the mood for an adventurous fantasy, there are many books that will uplift your holiday spirit. I’ve curated a list designed to bring warmth to the cold weather, keeping the plot, characters and pace in mind.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
With multiple movie adaptations and spinoffs, “A Christmas Carol” is a story familiar to many. This book follows Ebenezer Scrooge, an older man who only cares for money, on Christmas Eve. As the evening begins, he receives a visit from the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley, who warns him about the consequences of greed. As the night continues, Scrooge is visited by three more ghosts: past, present and future, who impart meaningful life lessons. With immersive writing and complex characters, “A Christmas Carol” is the perfect book to prepare for the colder season and inspires the reader to give back to one’s community this season.
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
For those looking for a lighter option, “In a Holidaze” is an enjoyable and popular romance novel. For fans of “Groundhog Day,” this book details the story of Maelyn “Mae” Jones as she is forced to relive the Christmas week over and over. As Mae relives the week, the reader watches her confront her past mistakes and make amends. This book provides an escape from daily life, as the main character goes to live at her family’s cabin in Utah. Cozy and enjoyable, this book is a great way to pass the time.
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
Set in a small coastal town in Ireland, “A Week in Winter” is a great way to embrace the winter spirit. As the story begins, readers will be swept away by Binchy’s description of the town and characters. The story centers around Chicky Starr, as she attempts to refurbish an old home and turn it into a dream destination. As the book progresses, we learn more about the guest, their relationships and their complex problems. If you are in the mood for a character-driven story about community, or if you are just looking for something that will get you ready for winter, I highly recommend “A Week in Winter.”
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
Fantastical and memorable, “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” is a must-read to get into the winter mood and to read with family. From the moment the main characters Peter, Lucy, Edmund and Susan Pevensie step into their wardrobe and arrive in the magical world of Narnia, the reader is transported as well. The story follows the four siblings’ journey in the land of Narnia, as they embark on a quest to save family and friends. The first in a seven-book series, this book is an excellent choice if you are looking to get invested in a gripping series this holiday season.
Whether you want to read a light romance or the classics, one or more of these books is the perfect option to curl up with on a cold, wintery day.
