7 Christmas Books to Read When You Celebrate the Holiday Alone
Spending Christmas celebrating alone can be a depressing and lonely time for some, but for others, the time can be liberating and refreshing. Sometimes curling up near the fireplace with a good book at Christmastime is just what you need to end the year in a tranquil, yet invigorating time. Choose a book from the list here to celebrate the Christmas holiday snuggled under a warm blanket.
New releases
If you like reading the most current bestsellers, you might like one or all of these books.
1 Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
This 400-page novel takes place during the Great World War 1. Will Elliot and his best friend, Thomas Harding head off to the war, and Will’s sister, Evie believes the war will be over before Christmas. They plan on taking a trip to Paris at Christmas time, but their plans are thwarted by the drawn-out war. So, Evie and Thomas became pen pals, which leads to a long-distance romance.
Fifty-four years later, Thomas returns to Paris. He takes his letters with him and a surprise awaits him there. This historical fiction novel receives good reviews from readers. Fans state that this is a tear-jerker and is perfect for the holiday season. It is a highly recommended holiday must-read.
2 A Lot Like Christmas by Connie Willis
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As an award-winning member of the Science Fiction Hall of Fame and a Grand Master of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Connie Willis knows how to write enthralling stories, including this one. A Lot Like Christmas is a collection of Christmas stories filled with traditional Christmas themes that evoke numerous emotions among its readers.
3 The Usual Santas: A Collection of Soho Crime Christmas Capers
If you are a crime-story lover, then you will love this collection of Christmas Crime stories by various authors. The collection contains eighteen stories that will bring laughter and suspense into your reading pleasure. The reader’s reviews often state that the book is an enjoyable collection of short stories and make a great gift for book lovers.
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Classics
Classics are just that – classic. Whether it has been awhile since you have read one or you read one each year, the books listed below might be a great addition to your holiday reading list.
4 A Merry Christmas: And Other Christmas Stories (Penguin Christmas Classics) by Louisa May Alcott
If you love Little Women or any other books from this classic author, you will love this collection of Christmas stories from Louisa May Alcott. The stories capture Americana in the nineteenth century during Christmas time from a woman’s perspective.
The Christmas spirit is definitely felt in this collection of stories which include “A Merry Christmas”, “Kate’s Choice”, “The Quiet Little Woman”, “Tilly’s Christmas”, “What Love Can Do”, “Rosa’s Tale”, and “Mrs. Podgers’ Teapot”. The collection received five stars out of five stars reviews.
5 The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern
The Greatest Gift is the short story that inspired the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. Philip Van Doren Stern came up with the idea of a dream he had. He printed out the story on pamphlets and sent them in Christmas cards.
One of the cards was sent to Frank Capra who turned his idea into the famous classic movie. This is a short story that can be read in one sitting, but it is one to definitely read during the holidays.
Christmas mysteries
For those of you who just can’t get enough of mysteries throughout the rest of the year, these books are perfect for the ultimate fan this holiday season.
6 Mistletoe Mysteries: Tales of Yuletide Murder by Charlotte MacLeod
Mistletoe Mysteries: Tales of Yuletide Murder is a collection of mysteries from fifteen top modern mystery authors including Mary Higgins Clark, Marcia Muller, Aaron Elkins and others. For fun, quick mystery reads during the holidays, this one is a winner.
7 Murder For Christmas: 26 Tales of Seasonal Malice edited by Thomas Godfrey
This collection of Christmas mysteries from authors like Agatha Christie, Woody Allen, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Robert Louis Stevenson plus so many more is a great choice. With the various authors, you will get a variety of styles of mystery writing for an entertaining read. Readers absolutely loved this collection of mysteries and recommend it to everyone.
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There are so many great books to read especially around and about Christmas. Reading new releases or classics that you have not read before or have not read for a long time can be a fun way to celebrate Christmas.
The collections mentioned here will provide fun and quick reads from a variety of authors and writing styles, which keep your attention and leave you wanting more. So, if you are one of those who does not mind the solitary time at Christmas, spend the time enjoying it with a good book.
