The Joy of Seasonal Reading: Why It’s Never Too Early to Dive into Christmas Books
The other day while I was on Facebook, I saw a photo in a reader’s group of the member’s newest haul and they were all Christmas books. And with Hallmark and GAF airing Christmas movies since the middle of last month, it’s feeling a lot like Christmas. And there are a few compelling reasons why it’s never too early to embrace the joy of Christmas reading.
- Extended Holiday Magic: One of the most delightful aspects of seasonal reading is that it extends the holiday season. Instead of limiting the celebration to just a few weeks in December, starting your Christmas reading early allows you to savor the magic for a more extended period. From the heartwarming tales of love and hope to the adventures of characters navigating the holiday hustle and bustle, these stories bring the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the season.
- Anticipation and Excitement: There’s something special about the anticipation and excitement that builds up as you dive into Christmas books ahead of the actual holiday. You can begin your journey long before the tree is decorated and the carolers start singing, creating a sense of joy and excitement that lasts until Christmas day. The pages of these books serve as a delightful countdown, filling your heart with the same warmth and joy you experience during the holidays.
- Stress Reduction: The holiday season can be a hectic and stressful time for many. Reading Christmas books in advance can serve as a welcome escape from the chaos. These tales offer a tranquil refuge from the demands of holiday shopping, cooking, and preparations, allowing you to unwind and relax while getting lost in the enchanting world of fiction. The characters’ journeys and their triumphs over various challenges can inspire and motivate you during a time when you need it most.
- Tradition and Togetherness: Reading Christmas books together as a family or with friends can become a cherished tradition. Whether it’s snuggling up by the fire to read aloud, sharing book recommendations, or even participating in a book club, it’s an opportunity to bond over the love of storytelling and the holiday spirit. These shared moments create lasting memories and strengthen the sense of togetherness that defines the holiday season.
- A Plethora of Choices: The beauty of Christmas reading is the sheer variety of books available. From classic tales like Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” to modern romances and mysteries set during the holidays, there’s a book for every taste. Whether you prefer heartwarming stories of redemption, thrilling mysteries, or humorous accounts of holiday mishaps, the extensive selection ensures you’ll find the perfect book to suit your mood.
There’s no wrong time to begin your Christmas reading. The magic and joy of the season can be experienced through the pages of a book, and the earlier you start, the more you can savor the spirit of the holidays. So, don’t hesitate to pick up a Christmas book and let its enchanting tales fill your heart with warmth and wonder, regardless of the date on the calendar. After all, the love of reading and the celebration of the season go hand in hand, creating an unforgettable experience that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Now, if you’re not ready to pick up a Christmas book just yet, maybe you’ll be interested in an autumn themed book with a reportedly haunted house, a deeply buried family secret, a and a couple of yummy recipes. Last month. A CORPSE AT THE WITCHING HOUR, the sixth book in the Food Blogger Mystery series was released. I had so much fun writing the story and testing the friendship between Hope and Drew and also throwing Hope a life curveball. So. Much. Fun. Oh, yeah, there’s the dead witch outside of the haunted house who may or may not have been following Hope for a couple days.
What are you reading now? Are you ready for holiday stories? Or are you a reader who doesn’t read by season?
Debra Sennefelder is the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series and the Resale Boutique Mystery series.
She lives and writes in Connecticut. When she’s not writing, she enjoys baking, exercising and taking long walks with her Shih-Tzu, Connie.
You can keep in touch with Debra through her website, on Facebook and Instagram.
I totally agree, Debra! I not only love reading Christmas themed books, I love writing them. I enjoyed writing Drop Dead Ornaments, my 7th Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery, so much that I followed it up with Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide, the 8th book in the series. I haven’t started my holiday reading, though, because I’m currently judging some books for a contest. If I’m lucky, one of them will be set during the holidays.
I love Christmas themed mysteries. I’m currently writing one and now, based on your experience, I may want to write another one because I am having so much fun with it. 🙂 Hope there’s a holiday themed book in that stack of manuscripts. That would be a lovely present. 🙂
Glad you still have a “fall” book for me to pick up… but I have to admit that I am one of those who love when the radio stations play a Christmas in July set of songs.
I hear you! I love fall themed books too. Once we hit August, I’m in my most favorite time of the year. I love holiday music but only after Thanksgiving. 🙂
I always try to save some to read during December, but I enjoy jumping into a Christmas book year round. And there are so many, if I just read them in December, I’d never get through them all.
That’s a great point. There are so many Christmas books and so little time to read.:) Thanks for stopping by yesterday. Have a great day!
I’m so behind I think I’m ahead. Thank you, Debra, I look forward to having time to read anything and joyous right now is just what I need. I’m glad you had fun testing your protagonists’ relationships. That adds such enjoyment for the reader!!!