7 Book Suggestions to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Ho ho holy smokes! Can you believe that the holidays are just around the corner? While the leaves might still be vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow - and pumpkins are dotting every yard - winter is only a few weeks away. And if you live in the midwest like us, winter may be a little closer than you think.

We love winter and all the fun holidays that come with it. From snuggling up with a classic Christmas tale to learning a new Hanukkah game to pass the time with friends and family, the winter holidays can bring us closer to the ones we love and give us an opportunity to unwind and relax. Our favorite way to get in the holiday spirit is with books! And a book themed candle or two of course. Here are some of our holiday book suggestions to get you and your whole family in a merry mood this holiday season.

Children’s Holiday Books

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman are known as “the worst kids in the history of the world.” From practical jokes to wild shenanigans, this family of six raises trouble wherever they go. And this year, drawn by free snacks, they’ve stumbled into the church’s annual Christmas pageant! But as the Christmas spirit fills the air and the six rowdy children hear the Christmas story for the first time, things begin to change in this small town.

A Christmas Carol

“If I had my way, every idiot who goes around with Merry Christmas on his lips, would be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. Merry Christmas? Bah humbug!” To sayEbenezer Scrooge doesn’t like Christmas would be to say that water is kind of wet. This curmudgeonly old miser is tight-fisted and cold-hearted. But after being visited by three Christmas spirits, his feelings about Christmas begin the change. Whether your child has already read this classic tale or not, taking the time each year to read this hallmark of Christmas cheer would be a great way to start the holiday season. Plus, you could probably find a local production of the stage adaptation of this well-known work in your town to enjoy after you, and your children have finished reading the book!

Penina Levine is a Potato Pancake

Some children are excited for the Hanukkah break, but not Penina Levine. You see, her sister is driving her absolutely crazy, her best friend will be out of town for the whole break, and worst of all, her favorite teacher is leaving! But when she learns why her teacher is heading out on a mysterious leave of absence, and that her best friend's dream trip to Aruba is threatened by a snowstorm, the tables turn, and Penina suddenly must be the one to bring a little Hanukkah spirit to her friends.

Have a Happy…

Birthdays are supposed to be fun and full of cheer. But what happens when your birthday is eclipsed by another type of cheer? Christmas cheer to be exact. Chris has been looking forward to his birthday, as any eleven-year-old would, but is upset because he knows that his special day will be outshined by all the other holidays happening. Taking solace in the carvings he is working on for Kwanzaa, Chris really isn’t sure if there will be any birthday or Kwanzaa tidings in his house this year.

Adult Holiday Books

Lights of Love

Having carefully planned her Hanukkah celebration down to the very last detail, Nancy Gardner was confident that her holidays would be absolutely perfect. But then her first love, Mike Powers, shows up and throws a wrench in her carefully laid plans. As Nancy, now joined by Mike, makes her way through the glittering parties and family gatherings of the season, old flames are reborn. Mike knows that he and Nancy are meant to be together, but can he convince her that their love can last beyond Hanukkah?

Kwanzaa in Hawaii

Kwanzaa in Hawaii, by Dr. Ayin Adams, is a celebration of all things Kwanzaa. Through a collection of philosophical values, cultural poetry, recipes, and photographs Dr. Adams enhances the meaning, scope, depth, and intimate ritual of Kwanzaa. This book is perfect for both children and adults alike, people of all races and cultures, genders, and abilities. Flip through the pages and relive the histories of Kwanzaa and reinvest in the meaning of the holidays.

The Gift of the Magi

Outside of A Christmas Carol,The Gift of the Magi is a must-read at Christmas time. This classic holiday story embraces the true meaning of Christmas through a heartwarming story. This well-loved story has been retold countless time, by everyone from Mickey Mouse to the Rugrats. When Christmas rolls around this year, reconnect with your loved one by rereading this humbling tale. One dollar and eighty-seven cents and goodwill are all you need to make your holidays merry and bright.

The Best Gifts for Book Lovers During the Holidays

To start the holiday season off right, give the gift of a good book to yourself or others! Grab any of the titles listed above, a steaming hot beverage, one of our book themed candles, and a warm blanket and settle in for some serious holiday binge reading. What books will you be reading this season? Share with us below! We hope that you and yours have a happy holiday season.