5 Books To Snuggle Up With...

Holiday Reads: 5 Books to Snuggle Up With This Season

As the weather turns frosty and your social calendar inevitably fills with "mandatory" holiday cheer, nothing beats curling up with a good book. Preferably with a blanket and snacks—lots of snacks. Here are five holiday reads guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and feel the warm fuzzies.

1. "The Christmas Bookshop" by Jenny Colgan

Carmen’s life has hit a patch rougher than Aunt Linda’s overcooked turkey. After losing her job, she’s forced to move in with her perfect sister (cue the sibling rivalry) and help save a failing bookshop. Expect quirky customers, festive decor disasters, and enough family drama to rival your holiday dinner table. This book is a feel-good cocktail of humor and heart—and a great reminder that books (and sisters) can save the day.

2. "One Day in December" by Josie Silver

Imagine locking eyes with your soulmate through a bus window, only to watch said soulmate not get on the bus. That’s Laurie’s life. Over the next ten years, fate—or a cruel sense of humor—throws them together and apart in a series of heart-wrenching, swoon-worthy moments. It’s like every rom-com you’ve ever loved, but better. Bonus: it pairs perfectly with a mug of hot cocoa (extra marshmallows, of course).

3. "A Boy Called Christmas" by Matt Haig

Think you know Santa Claus? Think again. Before the beard and belly, he was just a boy named Nikolas with a big heart and a slightly smaller reindeer. On his journey to Elfhelm, he encounters magic, danger, and enough holiday spirit to turn even the Grinchiest among us. Perfect for all ages, this book is a reminder that believing in the impossible can lead to incredible things—like, say, getting through family game night without a meltdown.

4. "Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham

Luther and Nora Krank decide they’ve had it with the annual tinsel-tornado that is Christmas. No decorations, no parties, no stress—sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s all fun and games until their neighbors start a mutiny, and their daughter decides to surprise them by coming home. Chaos ensues. If you’ve ever fantasized about skipping Christmas entirely, read this first. You’ll laugh, cringe, and ultimately embrace the madness that is holiday tradition.

5. "The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories" by O. Henry

Ah, the classic tale of ironic gift-giving. Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della’s hair. It’s sweet, heartbreaking, and makes you reconsider exchanging presents entirely. This timeless collection is perfect for readers who enjoy stories packed with humor, warmth, and just the right amount of emotional devastation.

So, this holiday season, grab one (or all) of these gems, cozy up, and let these stories remind you why winter is the best season for bookworms. Pro tip: keep snacks and tissues within arm’s reach—you’ll need both.