In theory this is the perfect time of year to curl up with a heart warming Christmas book, in front of a warm fire, under a warm, comfy blanket. Reality tends to look a little bit different! However given that this has been the year of quarantine you may find that you have more time on your hands than you have in the past! Regardless of what your situation is this year I hope you are able to carve out a little bit of time to slow down and drink in the season. Here are a few of my favorite Christmas books- some are young adult or children’s books, others are classics, and one is hopefully for you this Christmas season!
A Season of Giving by Richard Peck
I originally read this one when I was in middle school, but I went back and listened to it this year and I still really enjoyed it! Told by Bob, the 12 year old son of the town newest preacher, this book is full of quirky characters that make up this small town- not the least of which is Mrs. Dowdle, Bob’s next door neighbor. We hear about the many different escapades that happen in the months leading up to Christmas and ultimately are reminded that some of life’s biggest gifts do come in the form we expect.
When Christmas Comes Again
This is a book from the Dear American Children’s series but it is still one of my favorites. It’s full of all the Christmas feels! Simone is 18, and has to figure out what she is going to do with her life, and then America enters World War 1 and there are many options then available to her. Simone’s brother enters the war, and Simone wants to do her part too. This yearning ends up landing her halfway across the world and introduces to a handsome soldier, the future could be bright for Simone- but only if everyone makes it through the war safely.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
I’m sure you are familiar with this story but if you have never actually read it- please do it! Not only is this a classic book that everyone should give a try reading at least once but you will feel your spirits lift so incredibly at the end of the story- you won’t be able to help but get in the Christmas spirit!
The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
This is a short little story about a young family, Richard, Keri, and their 4 year old daughter, who rent out a wing of a house, owned by an elderly woman named Mary. They find their landlord to be a gracious woman and quickly grow fond of her. One day Richard stumbles across a beautifully engraved box in the attic. Later he dreams about and angles and awakes to hear music that leads him back to the box. The box and Mary ultimately lead him to the realization of what Christmas is truly about.
Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber
If you want a light and uplifting Christmas read with all the cheesy sweetness of your favorite Hallmark movie this one will scratch your reading itch! Merry is finishing up a year of working as a temp at a consulting firm. She really likes her job and has been grateful to have it as it has allowed her to save up money to finish her college degree. The only thing Merry dislikes is her handsome but disagreeable boss, who always seems to have a bone to pick with Merry. Merry’s mother and brother want to add some fun to her life and sign her up on a dating sight. Merry is reluctant at first but starts to come around to the idea, especially as she meets a very nice guy named Jay online….but what will Merry do when she meets Jay and he isn’t what she expected?
I hope these help to give you some ideas for your reading life this Christmas! In the meantime I am always anxious to hear about any other good books that I haven’t read yet- what are some of your favorite classics? Do you have one that you read year after year and embodies the feeling of the season for you? I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below or meet me over on instagram or Pinterest at EssentiallyEmmaMarie!
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