Five books to curl up with this holiday season
by Jenna Chapman
It’s hard to believe that this whirlwind of a year is coming to a close. While the holidays might look different for your family this season, I still hope you have the chance to be grateful for good health. This year has shown us that the little things are the most important. If you’re spending less time in big groups this year, maybe you’ll have some extra time to pick up a book. Here are some suggestions to get you in the holiday spirit.
One Day In December by Josie Silver
If you’re looking for a Hallmark movie in the form of a book, this one’s for you. It is a fun, wintry romance set in London, which seems even more romantic since international travel is on hold this year. The story follows Laurie, who shares a magical moment with a stranger on a bus when they lock eyes through a window. She’s convinced they are destined to be together, but she never sees him again. Until she gets invited to meet her best friend’s boyfriend… and, of course, it is the guy from the bus.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
You’re never too old to pick up this classic, especially around the holidays. Escape into the wintry world of Narnia with siblings Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan as they encounter a cast of fantasy characters. Through their adventures, they meet the Lion Aslan and are soon tasked with saving the world beyond the wardrobe from the White Witch. Since this is the first book of a series, you could spend the whole winter break soaking in these stories.
Home Work by Julie Andrews
“The Sound of Music” is a beloved movie to watch with the family, so why not learn about the behind the scenes of the film from Julie Andrews’ eyes. In her second memoir, “Home Work,” Andrews recalls her time in Hollywood, including the making of “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins.” Co-written with her daughter, the book discusses both Andrews’ professional and personal life. Reading this book feels like sitting down with an old friend telling you stories.
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
A funny twist on a classic tale, “Mr. Dickens and His Carol” is a historical fiction book that follows author Charles Dickens. His latest book is not successful and people are always hounding him for money. It may look like he is living a lavish life, but he’s in conflict with his publishers and trapped in a total writer’s block. In an attempt to spark some inspiration, he ends up going on a Scrooge-like adventure himself. This book is a perfect read for Christmastime.
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
Looking for some cozy inspiration this winter? “The Little Book of Hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) is a guidebook to making your home and life happier. Hygge is a description of that feeling that overcomes you when you are perfectly comfy and content. For me, Hygge is sitting under twinkling Christmas lights with fuzzy socks on and sharing hot chocolate with loved ones. This little manual is written by Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. Since we tend to stay indoors during the cold Michigan winter, why not take the chance to make your home as delightful as can be? This book is a perfect place to start.
I hope this holiday season is full of love and good health for you and your family. I know I’ll be spending some time with these wintry reads, and if you choose to pick up one of these books, I wish it will bring you joy.
Jenna Chapman
Jenna Chapman is a Stockbridge High School graduate who loves curling up with a book or listening to an audiobook on evening walks around her neighborhood in Chicago. You can find more reading suggestions on the book blog she and her partner have on instagram.com/neverdogear.
