From watching “The Grinch” to baking cookies to listening to Christmas music, there are so many ways to get into the spirit of the holidays. Why not add another activity to the list?
Get the same warm feeling of watching a cheesy Hallmark movie — through reading a book!
Choose a Christmas or winter-themed book to snuggle up with by the fire. Add a pair of cozy socks and some hot chocolate for some peaceful relaxation time over winter break. Here are a few titles to consider….
“In a Holidaze” by Christina Lauren
Maelyn Jones is incredibly sad over the fact that this Christmas will be the last time she and her family spend the holiday in their Utah cabin, the place where she has celebrated the season every year since she was born. As she is crying, driving away, Maelyn is miraculously given another chance. The next thing she knows, she is on an airplane heading to Utah, reliving Christmas again and again. In this “Groundhog’s Day” style book, you’ll get to experience all of the fun holiday traditions spiced up with a mutual pining romantic relationship. What’s not to love?
“Window Shopping” by Tessa Bailey
If you’re a fan of Ted Lasso, get ready to fall for the love interest in this book— the author said it herself! Grumpy, ex-convict Stella is found staring at a Christmas window display when she encounters Aiden. Stella has dreamed of being a designer all her life, so when Aiden, the department store’s manager, offers her a job, the story gets interesting. Set in festive NYC where readers get a behind –scenes look at the retail business during the busiest time of year – not to mention two completely opposite characters falling for each other – this book is a gift in itself.
“The Holiday Swap” by Maggie Knox
The Parent Trap, but with an older, Christmas twist! In an accident, Chef Charlie loses her abilities to taste and smell, which are both critical to her job. Meanwhile, her twin Cass is struggling to get her life on track as she runs the family bakery and deals with an ex who won’t leave her alone. The solution? Switch places, just days until Christmas. Read about baking, romance and family dynamics in this heart-warming, feel-good story.
“Cross Country Christmas” by Courtney Walsh
Lauren Richmond isn’t the biggest fan of Christmas and rarely travels home for the holidays.
However, when her brother is expecting a baby, he arranges a trip for her to travel back to the Midwest —along with her brother’s good friend Will, who also happens to be her childhood crush of over 10 years.
Stuck in a car together from California to Illinois, the two will be forced to spend time together and discover whether or not they have changed from what’s happened in the past.
Filled with witty banter, cozy feelings, complex characters and deeper moments, this book is a must-read for romantics this holiday season.
“One Day in December” by Josie Silver
Imagine this: you’re walking outside on a snowy December day when you lock eyes with someone through a bus window. You have an instant connection, and you think he’s the one… until the bus drives away and his face is gone.
Laurie thinks they are destined to meet again and spends an entire year scanning bus stops and cafes in London looking for the boy. What she doesn’t expect is to run into him at a Christmas party —as the new boyfriend to her best friend.
This book spans 10 years of friendship and heartbreak, and you’ll fall in love with these characters the whole way through.
“My True Love Gave to Me” by Stephanie Perkins, Holly Black, Ally Carter, et. al.
This holiday anthology is filled with twelve different holiday stories in one! Written by famous authors like Jenny Han (author of “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”), Gayle Forman and Rainbow Rowell, this book is perfect if you’re looking for shorter stories that are just as festive and give you a cozy, wintery feeling. The stories span all different holidays, from Christmas to Hanukkah to Kwanzaa to New Year’s and Winter Solstice. Plus, this gives you an opportunity to see which author’s story you liked best so you can read more of their books!
Which holiday story are you going to read over winter break? Tell us on Twitter @VALLEYMag with a photo of your book!
