I love a short and sweet holiday book. Throughout December, I rarely read anything else. It’s the one time a year I take a break from bestsellers, nonfiction, and self-improvement through reading. I swap my normal reading list for holiday books that are quick reads, heartwarming, and festive. The list below includes my favorite holiday books to read in December. Most can be read in a day or two. Some are cute romances, some center around tradition and family. All will leave you with warm fuzzy feelings for the holiday season.
The Santa Suit
Mary Kay Andrews
Recently-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse in the North Carolina mountains that’s stuffed with the former family’s belongings. She discovers a Santa suit tucked away on top of a closet with a note in the pocket from a young girl asking Santa to bring her father home from the war. As Ivy tries to solve the mystery and find the little girl from the letter, she discovers love and connection in her new small town.
In a Holidaze
Christina Lauren
If you liked The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, you’ll love this one. In a Holidaze is a fun romantic comedy that had me laughing out loud, just like The Unhoneymooners. Since she was born, Maelyn Jones has always spent Christmas in a snowy Utah cabin with two other families. But on top of career and love troubles, she learns it will be her last Christmas at the beloved cabin. This fun romance follows a Groundhog Day plot that I struggled to put down.
A Nantucket Christmas
Nancy Thayer
Anyone else love books set on Nantucket? A Nantucket Christmas is packed with Nantucket holiday traditions, including the Christmas Stroll and decorated Brant Point Lighthouse. Newly married Nicole Somerset is new to Nantucket and is hosting her stepdaughter, Kennedy, for the holidays. Nicole and Kennedy must navigate uncomfortable family dynamics to find common ground and enjoy the holiday season as a family.
Last Christmas in Paris
Hazel Gaynor
This isn’t really a holiday book, but Christmas does play a role in the plot. If you’re looking for a historical fiction romance that’s not completely centered around Christmas, this is the book for you. Last Christmas in Paris takes place during World War I and follows Evie and Thomas as they exchange letters over the years. I love novels written through letters and this is one of my favorites.
Christmas at the Island Hotel
Jenny Colgan
If you enjoyed The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan, you’ll love Christmas at the Island Hotel. The fourth book in the series also takes place on the fictional island of Mure in Scotland and follows Flora and the Island Hotel’s staff as they prepare for the holidays. The memorable cast of characters make this novel stand out. Although it helps to have read the other books in the series, I do think this novel can stand alone as a holiday read.
The Paper Bag Christmas
Kevin Alan Milne
The Paper Bag Christmas is the sweetest holiday read. It’s short enough to finish in a day or two and has a beautiful, heartwarming message. Two young brothers find themselves spending the holiday season volunteering in the cancer ward of a children’s hospital. Through the relationships they form with the patients, the boys find unexpected joy and meaning in Christmas.
The Christmas Tree
Julie Salamon
Another short and sweet Christmas story. Anna is a lonely little girl who befriends a small fir tree. A story of friendship and the love and appreciation of nature, The Christmas Tree follows Anna and her tree as they grow up together. If you have a love of New York City and Rockefeller Center during the holidays, this is a great choice.
What are your favorite holiday books? Share in comments!
P.S. My favorite sustainable and ethical gift ideas and some tips for a stress free holiday.
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