The countdown to Christmas is about to begin. And the closer we get, the more we look for a way to lift our Christmas spirit. Movies are one option but are more suitable for evenings with your family or boyfriend/girlfriend. When we are alone, Christmas books are probably the best option because we have the opportunity to introspect ourselves in the magic of the story without being interrupted. That’s why we at The Dope Lists have selected ten books to immerse you in the atmosphere of December. There is something for every taste.
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
It is probably unnecessary to explain why this work is included in the list. Dickens’ Christmas Carol has become so popular and loved that hardly anyone has not heard of it. Many people even have a tradition of rereading it every year. In addition, she is a constant source of inspiration for many film productions and other literary works. After all, a classic is a classic.
Seven Days of Us – Francesca Hornak
Let’s face it – typical Christmas books are pretty romantic and sugary. Obviously, this is exactly what we need in the last month of the year. But Seven Days of Us is an exception. Of course, there is a romantic thread. Still, the plot is intriguing and different and shows a family’s attempts to deal with their problems at Christmas, reminding us that all obstacles in life are overcome more easily if you have the support of your loved ones. It sounds like the perfect Christmas message, doesn’t it?
The books of Jenny Hale
We couldn’t choose just one of Jenny Hale’s Christmas novels. Whoever you start (Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses, We’ll Always Have Christmas, It Started with Christmas, Christmas at Silver Falls, Coming Home for Christmas), you will not regret it. Romance is at the heart of the stories, but so many detailed descriptions of the decoration and the atmosphere make you feel like you’re there. You have the feeling that you can smell the aroma of Christmas cookies with ginger and cinnamon, warm cocoa, and the ornate evergreen tree.
The Christmas Thief – Carol and Mary Higgins Clark
The book includes three stories (The Christmas Thief, Dashing Through the Snow, Silent Night) written by Mary and Carol Higgins Clark. The late Mary Higgins Clark, a New York Times bestselling author, specializes in writing books in the thriller and mystery genre and has written over 30 suspense novels. Almost all of her works are bestsellers and suitable for adults and young readers. If you are a fan of the genre, do not miss the chance to immerse yourself in these Christmas mysteries.
The books of Karen Swan
Karen Swan’s case is the same as Jenny Hale’s. We simply could not distinguish only one Christmas novel, as it seems that a significant percentage of the author’s works are related to the holiday. Christmas seems to be her favorite feast, and it is the source of the most inspiration for writing. Her books have a more complex plot, in which the most essential facts about the story are revealed at the end, but Karen Swan definitely knows how to keep the reader interested.
The Hygge Holiday – Rosie Blake
This book cannot be called precisely a Christmas one, but inexplicably how it carries the holiday spirit. The story tells of a small town that lost hope until Clara appeared – a charming lady who followed the principles of hygge (Danish philosophy of comfort, closeness to loved ones, and the joy of simple things). And what is the perfect recipe for hygge? Hot chocolate, candlelight, and someone to fall in love with.
Maigret’s Christmas – Georges Simenon
Here’s something for fans of crime stories. This is a collection of three crime stories by Georges Simenon. Christmas in Paris is an incomparable experience, but there are cleverly conceived crimes behind the thousands of sparkling lights and decorations that not everyone can reveal. If you introspect in the adventures of Commissioner Maigret, you will not regret it.
One Day in December – Josie Silver
Have you ever been attracted to a person at first sight? Most people don’t believe it’s possible, but you know how nice and exciting it is if it has happened to you. Laurie is also skeptical about love from the first eye contact, but fate makes her change her mind. A story about discovering a soul mate, even if it is impossible to be with him, makes us believe that everyone has their perfect partner – you just have to find him/her.
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding and a Selection of Entrées – Agatha Christie
The ranking would look unfinished if it did not contain a book by the world’s most famous author of crime novels. The book is a compilation of some of Agatha Christie’s best stories. Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, who won her the title of First Lady of the Crime Genre, take part in the six stories and impress with their flair and detective skills. That’s one of the most exciting Christmas books!
The Snow Queen – Hans Christian Andersen
We started the list with classics and will close the compositional frame, finishing it with another one. This is one of the Danish author’s most prolonged and significant tales, inspiring many film and television adaptations, theater productions, operettas, video games, and other literary works.
We bet that our first and last suggestions are familiar to you, and you have probably read them. But we guarantee that these Christmas books will awaken your holiday spirit, and you can get ideas for decorations and gifts.