It’s December first, which means the first day of Advent (yassss chocolate!) and the first day of Blogmas. I’ve never done Blogmas before, but decided to do it this year because it sounds like a lot of fun, and I wanted the challenge of posting every day for 24 days.
The posts I have planned will be a combination of my usual reviews, tags, and weekly features, with some festive Christmas posts added into the mix. I thought I’d kick things off with two posts today: my usual Friday 56 feature, and this post about festive reads.
I’m not usually a seasonal reader; I’ll read summery books in winter and wintery books in spring, but there is something cosy about reading festive books in December. These are just a few books I’ve rounded up because they fit the Christmas vibe.
The Book Thief
The Book Thief isn’t necessarily a Christmas-themed book, but it’s cosy and heart-warming and a joy to read at this time of year.
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
The ice and snow when we first reach Narnia always makes me feel wintry when I read this, and the message of good triumphing over evil is perfect for Christmas.
Harry Potter
Harry Potter seems to have become a lot of people’s go-to read for the Christmas period. It’s a comforting, family-orientated read about friendship and courage, and I can completely understand why people choose to snuggle up with it in December.
Snow Like Ashes
Set in a world where the seasons are not just time periods, but different areas of the kingdom, Snow Like Ashes is an ideal festive read; it has snow, cold, and magic in wonderful excess.
A Christmas Carol
Perhaps the most famous of them all, A Christmas Carol is arguably the original Christmas story. It’s dark, it’s twisty, and doesn’t have an altogether happy ending, but the moral of the story is one that we associate with Christmas: be generous and kind to others and their kindness will shine back on you.
Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares
Set in the Christmas period, this is a cute, wintry romance about two people who meet and communicate though a notebook they find in a bookstore. It’s an enjoyable read to warm up your cold days.
A Shiver of Snow and Sky
As another snowy adventure, this time about stars and monsters, A Shiver of Snow and Sky is a cacophony of dark and light that will make for a fun Christmas read.
The Night Circus
The magic of the Night Circus makes it perfect for any time of year, but the costumes, fire displays, and enchantments will sweep you away splendidly.
What are some of your most festive reads? Are there books you always re-read during the Christmas period? Let me know!
coffeeinonehandbookintheother.wordpress.com 
Love your blogmas image, 1st of all. I love Harry Potter and am really hoping to read it around Christmas. I’ll be studying for my mock exams then too so it should be lovely and comforting! I’ve had A Shiver of Snow and Sky for ages and still not got to it 🙈. It’ll probably be the new year before I manage it now though 😦
Amy xx
http://www.goldenbooksgirl.wordpress.com
Aww, thank you so much! I had fun playing around with the colours when I was making it. Nice, which one of the HPs do you think you’ll re-read? I found A Shiver of Snow and Sky to be quite atmospheric, but lacking in plot and characterisation, so you’re not missing out too much. Having said that, just because it wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean others won’t love it!
Great list! I love to read classics like Jane Austen in winter. They’re so comforting to reread.
Thank you! Yes, Austen definitely has that seasonal vibe!
The lion, the witch and the wardrobe is such a perfect Christmas book! I also like reading Harry Potter and the Ootp in the winter, even though its quite dark – there’s something about that book that just makes it seem more Christmassy to me (also GoF because of the Yule Ball!)
I haven’t really planned any seasonal books because in terrible and disorganised.
Oooh yes, I’d definitely agree with The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe! I think it’s the most festive of the series. I know what you mean about HP4 and HP5, there’s something quite Christmasy about them. I haven’t really planned any seasonal reads either, but I might read A Christmas Carol at some point!
Oh, I like the addition of A Shiver of Snow and Sky. I have that on my shelves so that might be the perfect next book to read once I’m finished with The Bear and the Nightingale, which coincidentally is also a wintery book.
Yeah, A Shiver of Snow and Sky is very much a wintery read. I didn’t enjoy it too much unfortunately, but that’s not to say it won’t be a fun read for others! How is The Bear and the Nightingale? I’ve seen the gorgeous cover, but haven’t heard much hype about it.
I love what I’ve read of The Bear and the Nightingale so far. There are bits that confuse me a little (like why the characters sometimes have three different names) but I’ve found the story to be interesting and completely engrossing. It reads almost like a fairytale, which is fabulous.
And the cover (especially the new paperback edition) is utterly gorgeous. I think it is certainly one of my favourites!
This sounds great! I’m definitely more inclined to read it now that I’ve heard such positive words from you! I love fairy tale-inspired stories so I’d probably really enjoy it. (I’m reading The Language of Thorns at the moment, which is all fables and fairy tales and loving that.) Might have to add it to my Christmas list 😉
Yay! I still need to read Language of Thorns. Maybe I’ll finally be in the mood for it soon.
I’m up to the fourth story out of six and I’m absolutely loving it. Honestly did not expect to enjoy it this much!
I love it when that happens!
Me too! 😀
Yay! I love festive reads! Harry Potter is always a good idea in the winter, I am currently listening to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and I love it so much ❤ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is also perfect for this time of the year. I am very curious about Dash and Lily's Book of Dares, it sounds really fun. ❤
Aww that sounds ideal! How are you enjoying the audiobook? Dash and Lily is the one on the list that I haven’t actually read yet, but fancied trying to pick it up this Christmas (if I have time) so thought I’d add it in anyway. Apparently, it’s a little tropey, but good fun. 🙂
I love listening to audiobooks, especially when I am on my way.
I’m hoping to start my Audible free trial next year, as I’ve never really listened to audiobooks before, but I know I’d enjoy them. 🙂