The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us, don’t they? One minute we’re convincing ourselves we still have time, and the next we’re knee-deep in school events, gift lists, community activities, family traditions, last-minute deadlines, and that quiet pressure to “make the season magical.” And in between all of that, we’re trying to find tiny pockets of peace — even just a moment to breathe, to sit still, to remember that the holidays aren’t supposed to feel like a marathon.
So this year, I’m choosing to slow down in the simplest way I know: by reading. There’s nothing like curling up with a good book while the world sparkles outside — or while your kids ask for snacks for the tenth time and you pretend you didn’t hear them for just one more page. Books feel like a warm blanket this time of year, especially the ones that remind us of family, love, grief, hope, chaos, and everything in between. And because I know many of us would rather be curled under fairy lights with a story that takes us somewhere else, I’ve put together a little holiday reading guide filled with books that match every mood of the season — sweet, sentimental, nostalgic, funny, and even a little murdery.
Here are the five stories keeping me company this Christmas.
The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
This charming rom-com follows identical twins Charlie and Cass, who decide to switch lives right before Christmas. Charlie, a TV baking show host dealing with a concussion and a controlling co-host, swaps places with Cass, who’s running the family bakery in their small hometown. What starts out as a simple switch quickly becomes a tangled mix of mistaken identities, unexpected moments, and budding romances on both sides.
This book feels like watching one of those comfort Christmas movies you return to every year. I loved how light and uncomplicated it was — the kind of story that doesn’t demand anything from you except to relax. Reading it gave me the same feeling as sitting in front of a warm oven while cookies bake. If you need something to lift your mood or reset a rough week, this one does the job beautifully.
The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle by Joanne Huist Smith
This true story follows Joanne Huist Smith and her three children as they navigate their first Christmas after the sudden loss of her husband. Just when the holiday feels unbearably heavy, a mysterious group of “Christmas elves” begins leaving small gifts on their doorstep for 12 days. Each gift carries a message of kindness and connection, slowly helping the family rediscover hope, warmth, and community.
This book absolutely undid me. I read it during my second Christmas as a widow, and I cried through so many pages because I knew exactly what it felt like to pretend you’re fine during the holidays when you’re anything but. It reminded me how grief can pull us under without warning — but also how the smallest acts of care from others can help you breathe again. It’s gentle, healing, and a book I’ll always hold close.
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
Mae Jones is stuck. Stuck in life, stuck in love, and now stuck in a literal time loop. After an embarrassing holiday and a disastrous confession, she suddenly finds herself reliving the same Christmas vacation over and over again at her family’s beloved cabin. Each reset gives her another chance to change her choices, confront what she truly wants, and maybe — finally — find the happiness she’s been avoiding.
This one was pure fun. I loved the chaotic energy, the warm family dynamics, and the soft romance that slowly unfolded as Mae learned to stop settling. It reminds me of those holiday seasons where everything feels messy and out of control, but somehow works out anyway. It’s a great pick if you want something full of heart but still light enough to make you smile after a long day.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
This beloved classic tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter old man who’s visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. Through visions of his past, present, and future, he’s forced to confront the consequences of his choices — the love he rejected, the moments he wasted, and the life he still has the power to change. By morning, Scrooge emerges transformed, embracing generosity and compassion with a newfound spark.
Every time I reread this, I appreciate something different. This year, it reminded me of how important it is to pause and really see the people around us — kids, family, friends, even strangers. It’s a good reset button for the heart. The older I get, the more I understand why this story endures: it’s about hope, redemption, and choosing joy even after life hardens you. Sometimes we all need that little nudge from the ghosts of our own memories.
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
When a wealthy, controlling patriarch invites his estranged family home for the holidays, tensions run high — so high that he ends up murdered in his own locked bedroom. Enter Hercule Poirot, who must untangle years of grudges, secrets, and family lies to uncover the truth. It’s a classic Christie setup: a stormy night, a dysfunctional household, and a detective who misses nothing.
I love squeezing in at least one mystery during the holidays, and this one hits the spot. There’s something oddly comforting about reading a murder mystery while surrounded by twinkly lights. Christie’s writing feels crisp and clever, and Poirot is at his best here — sharp, smug, and endlessly entertaining. If you want a break from the sweetness of holiday reads, this adds just the right amount of spice.
The holidays can be beautiful, but they can also be overwhelming, emotional, and a little messy — and that’s okay. Books help soften the edges. They give us moments to breathe, to reflect, or simply to escape for a while. I hope this reading guide brings warmth to your season and maybe even inspires a new holiday tradition for you and your family.
If you want more book recommendations or want to share what you’re reading this December, feel free to email me at ihorton@whatsupmag.com.
