In case you didn’t find enough books on black Friday, here’s a round-up of Christmas reads by Inspy Romance authors. Make your list and check it twice. It’s a doozy that should get you through New Years :)
Seaside Christmas: A Sydney Sweethearts Novella Narelle Atkins
Chelsea Somers is the girl he never called back.
Six years later, former bad boy Gus Donovan is intrigued by Chelsea, but his past mistakes continue to haunt him. Gus is determined to prove he’s a changed man—prove it to his friends, his family, his father. And prove it to Chelsea.
Chelsea has embraced the faith she once mocked, and she’s focused on furthering her career in health promotion and staying away from politics. She’s drawn to Gus, although his busy role as an advisor for an Australian senator doesn’t impress her. When she’s forced to confront her fears and deal with a past family tragedy, can Gus convince her to trust him and take a chance on him?
A heartwarming Christmas romance novella set in Sydney, Australia. Seaside Christmas is a standalone novella and Book 3.5 in the Sydney Sweethearts series.
Hope for Christmas (Hope Ranch Book 1) by Elizabeth Maddrey
An independent single mom who doesn’t believe in love at first sight collides with a man who does.
Cyan Hewitt drifts onto his estranged grandparents’ New Mexico ranch in time for Thanksgiving… and stays. As a cyber security consultant, he can telecommute, so why not from here, where his restless soul is soothed and his heart is awakened by the attractive ranch housekeeper?
Maria Sanchez works at Rancho de Esperanza to provide a stable life for her son. She’s content—mostly—in her roles as housekeeper, part-time student, and mom, but when her precocious seven-year-old is diagnosed with diabetes, her world shatters. There’s no time for distractions from the long-term visitor who’s stirring a longing in her for more.
Cyan may think her faith and courage are inspiring, but Maria feels vulnerable. Relying on others has only ever resulted in broken dreams. Christmas might be a season of hope, but does she dare risk everything for love?
Hope Ranch is a place where second chances and God’s love are waiting for everyone. Click to buy your copy of this contemporary Christian romance and come to Hope Ranch today!
Pathway to Peace (Grant Us Grace Book 4) by Elizabeth Maddrey
A woman hiding from her past. A man excited about his future. Opposites attract, but secrets threaten their happiness.
Lindsey Bowers has spent five years trying to escape her mistakes. She’s created a life, such as it is, where few people know her history. If that means she has to keep people at arm’s length, so be it.
Gavin Harder is ready to tackle the future. Newly relocated to the D.C. area, he plans to spend Christmas with his grandmother and get settled before attending the Police Academy in January. He can’t wait to protect and serve with his new brothers in blue.
When Gavin’s grandmother invites Lindsey to share Thanksgiving dinner with them, Gavin makes it clear he’s not looking for a relationship. But the instant attraction he feels has him rethinking that decision. Before long, attraction turns to friendship with the hope of something more.
If they can move beyond the secrets they’re both keeping.
Pathway to Peace is the fourth book in the 5-book contemporary Christian romance Grant Us Grace series. Set in the greater Washington D.C. area, the Grant Us Grace books provide thought-provoking spiritual threads wrapped up in swoonworthy romance.
A Heart Reconsidered (Peacock Hill Romance Book 6) by Elizabeth Maddrey
She wants to be more than friends, he’s busy playing the field. Will he realize he loves her before it’s too late?
Having spent her entire adult life working for her sister, Claire McIntyre is ready to leave Peacock Hill and stand on her own two feet. Especially since she’s sick of having Danny’s date-of-the-week thrown in her face. Why hasn’t he ever noticed her when she’s right in front of him? The potential of a job offer—and more?—from Jamie Fischer is the perfect opportunity to start over.
Danny Kent has always considered Claire one of the guys, so the flash of jealousy when he sees her dancing with someone else is unexpected. What does that guy have that Danny doesn’t? With Claire already making plans to move away, how can Danny convince her to reconsider and give them both a chance at love?
The Peacock Hill Romance series takes readers to a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia. At Peacock Hill, new friends gather to restore a Gilded Age mansion, discover their passion, and fall in love in a brand-new series of contemporary Christian romances by Elizabeth Maddrey. Return to Peacock Hill for the final installment of this faith-filled contemporary Christian romance series full of realistic problems and a journey to lasting love.
Operation Mistletoe (Operation Romance Book 1) by Elizabeth Maddrey
Victoria Spencer hates Christmas.
For the last ten years, disaster has struck on Christmas Eve, leaving Tori dreading the holidays. When she’s assigned to cover the light displays for her newspaper, she’s determined to spend as little time on the article as possible. Especially once she realizes she’s to feature frat boy Gabe “The Babe” Robertson, her former college crush.
Gabe Robertson is a different man than he was in college. Every December, he transforms his acreage into a winter wonderland designed to celebrate the birth of Christ and share God’s love with the community. He also uses the lights to raise money for Operation Mistletoe, an organization that sends Christmas to troops stationed overseas.
Unable to set aside her prejudice, Tori looks for ulterior motives in Gabe’s actions and determines to dig deeper. Will her investigations destroy any chance of a Merry Christmas?
Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams: A Christmas Novella Collection by Amy R. Anguish, Hope Toler Dougherty, Linda Fulkerson, Regina Rudd Merrick, & Shannon Taylor
Vannatter
A collection of Christmas romances by five multi-published authors.
Mistletoe Make-believe by Amy Anguish – Charlie Hill’s family thinks his daughter Hailey needs a mom–to the point they won’t get off his back until he finds her one. Desperate to be free from their nagging, he asks a stranger to pretend she’s his girlfriend during the holidays. When romance author Samantha Arwine takes a working vacation to St. Simons Island over Christmas, she never dreamed she’d be involved in a real-life romance. Are the sparks between her and Charlie real? Or is her imagination over-acting … again?
A Hatteras Surprise by Hope Toler Dougherty – Ginny Stowe spent years tending a childhood hurt that dictated her college study and work. Can time with an island visitor with ties to her past heal lingering wounds and lead her toward a happy Christmas … and more? Ben Daniels intends to hire a new branch manager for a Hatteras Island bank, then hurry back to his promotion and Christmas in Charlotte. Spending time with a beautiful local, however, might force him to adjust his sails.
A Pennie for Your Thoughts by Linda Fulkerson – When the Lakeshore Homeowner’s Association threatens to condemn the cabin Pennie Vaughn inherited from her foster mother, her only hope of funding the needed repairs lies in winning a travel blog contest. Trouble is, Pennie never goes anywhere. Should she use the all-expenses paid Hawaiian vacation offered to her by her ex-fiancé? The trip that would have been their honeymoon?
Mr. Sandman by Regina Rudd Merrick – Events manager Taylor Fordham’s happily-ever-after was snatched from her, and she’s saying no to romance and Christmas. When she meets two new friends—the cute new chef at Pilot Oaks and a contributor on a sci-fi fan fiction website who enjoys debate—her resolve begins to waver. Just when she thinks she can loosen her grip on thoughts of love, a crisis pulls her back. There’s no way she’s going to risk her heart again.
Coastal Christmas Charade by Shannon Taylor Vannatter – Lark Pendleton is banking on a high-society wedding to make her grandparent’s inn at Surfside Beach, Texas the venue to attract buyers. Tasked with sprucing up the inn, she hires Jace Wilder, whose heart she once broke. When the bride and groom turn out to be Lark’s high school nemesis and ex-boyfriend, she and Jace embark on a pretend romance to save the wedding. But when real feelings emerge, can they overcome past hurts?
A Texas Holiday Reunion (Texas Cowboys, 3) by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
His Christmas Homecoming
With her foreman out of commission, Resa McCall needs horse trainer Colson Kincaid to run her family ranch through the holidays. But having the handsome single dad back in Bandera, Texas, is unsettling.
Colson broke Resa’s heart years ago, and she can’t risk getting close again. Still, working with him and bonding with his sweet little girl is making the ranch feel merry and bright. Being at Resa’s side stirs up emotions Colson thought were long gone. But he has a powerful secret that could keep them apart forever. Can Colson give Resa the one Christmas present that might finally bring them back together—the truth?
Wish Upon a Star by Tabitha Bouldin
Christmas in Jingle Junction by Tabitha Bouldin
Fired from her retail position for saying Merry Christmas to a customer, Sonya Simmons chafes at the over-commercialization of the season and the difficulties of finding a new job. If only she’d actually said Merry Christmas instead of Merry Kisses to the tall, good-looking man buying enough toys for at least a dozen children. How embarrassing!
It was fun to fluster the pretty toy store clerk, but Heath Collins, the mall’s volunteer Santa Claus, hadn’t meant to get her fired. When his elf assistant comes down with a bad cold, Heath offers Sonya a few days’ work, only to discover she believes Santa is nothing but a liar and a fraud instead of an opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives.
Can Sonya and Heath embrace each other — opinions, traditions, and all — in time to share merry kisses for Christmas?
The Riverbend Romance Novellas are a series of contemporary Christian romance stories. These inspirational romance novellas are heartwarming shorter reads with true-to-life (but fictional) characters who face challenges in finding their one true love.
More Than a Tiara: A Christian Romance (Christmas Romance at the Miss Snowflake Pageant Book 1) by Valerie Comer
Marisa Hiller abandoned her modeling career to nurse a broken heart in Montana, far from the photographer who ruined everything. Her family farm is now part of a CSA program teaching gardening and cooking to single moms, but when the coordinator begs her to represent the program in the Miss Snowflake Pageant, Marisa balks.
Jase Mackie has long regretted the hot accusations he’d flung at Marisa over two years before. God has forgiven him but hasn’t answered his prayer to bring Marisa back into his life… until Jase finds himself out West as the official photographer for a beauty pageant, face to face with the woman he’s never forgotten. Can Jase make amends for past mistakes and offer Marisa not only a tiara, but a partner in her crusade to help needy children and families?
Welcome to Helena, Montana, and fall in love at Christmas! Enjoy the rich heritage and innate charm of Montana’s capitol city in this Christmas romance series celebrating heart-warming stories of love and second chances as Marisa, Bren, and Heather discover love amid the glitz of beauty pageants.
Other Than a Halo: A Christian Romance (Christmas Romance at the Miss Snowflake Pageant Book 2) by Valerie Comer
Even though she’s a new woman in Christ, single mom Bren Haddock was no angel as a teen. Now managing the Hiller Farm for a CSA, life is good until a friend offers to enter her daughter into the Little Miss Snowflake Pageant. Old insecurities flare when she meets the intriguing head of marketing for the pageant.
Rob Santoro isn’t so sure about handling the pageant portfolio until he meets Bren. Soon he’s fallen for her and her two kids, but when a Thanksgiving adventure goes awry, he’s left wondering how to love a woman who refuses to be loved. What will it take for Bren to retire her tarnished halo and move into a fulfilling, forgiven future?
Better Than a Crown: A Christian Romance (Christmas Romance at the Miss Snowflake Pageant Book 3) by Valerie Comer
As a runner-up in 27 competitions, Heather Francis tries to teach young contestants there’s more to pageants than winning, even though her mother never got that memo. It’s hard enough to focus and ignore the inner voice calling her a fraud without being attracted to Grizzly Gulch Resort’s brooding temporary chef.
Levi Esteban’s temp job as chef in Helena, Montana, and caregiver for his niece, Shelby, would be perfect if it weren’t for the Miss Snowflake Christmas festivities. Levi’s been against pageantry all his life and isn’t about to change his stance, regardless of his fascination with Shelby’s coach.
When Shelby’s parents’ trip is extended, Levi and Heather must join forces to care for her and pull off the pageant. Is there something better than a crown in their future?
The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion: a second chances Montana Ranches Christian Romance (Saddle Springs Romance Book 1) by Valerie Comer
A jilted cowboy gets a second chance at love when his ex-fiancée returns with her small daughter.
When Kade Delgado joins his buddies in a Cowboy Santa program to shower Christmas blessings on old folks and single moms, he doesn’t expect his former fiancée to return to Saddle Springs, in need and with a child in tow. Does God really expect him to treat Cheri the same as the others on his new Christmas list?
Cheri Mackenzie has never forgiven herself for the pain she caused Kade by fleeing a week before their wedding, but undoing the past is impossible. Circumstances force her back to her aging grandparents’ Montana ranch, where Kade, now a widower with a toddler, is making himself cheerfully indispensable. When she receives kindness instead of the hostility she surely deserves, she can’t help but pray for a Christmas reunion with the cowboy she’s never stopped loving.
Is there any hope for a second chance at love?
Welcome to Saddle Springs, the fictional western town that’s home to Montana Ranches Christian Romances! Revel in the lush mountain scenery with rocky peaks, tumbling rivers, and peaceful lakes. Meet the cowboys who ride the ranges, mend fences, and are lassoed by romance in this new Christian cowboy romance series.
Cadence of Cranberries: A Christian Romance (Urban Farm Fresh Romance Book 10) by Valerie Comer
A widow and a divorcé attempt to meld family customs in helping plan their kids’ wedding, but neither is looking for love a second time around.
Winnie Santoro misses moments with her late husband, especially now that her older kids are dating. When her son asks her to invite his girlfriend’s dad for Thanksgiving dinner, she agrees, but is surprised to find the kind, handsome owner of her favorite coffee truck on her doorstep.
Charlie Jalonen retired early and bought a coffee roastery in Spokane. His marriage has been over for years, and he’s finally finding a place in his daughter’s life. But when her boyfriend proposes at a joint family Thanksgiving dinner, Charlie is thrust into a flurry of wedding bells, flowers, and music alongside a charming widow with vastly different ideas.
As Thanksgiving gives way to Christmas, Winnie and Charlie find they have more in common than their engaged kids. Could the cadence of cranberries be crooning a love song for them, too?
These urban farming stories explore what a city neighborhood focused on local food might look like: raising goats, chickens, and bees in the heart of the city while sharing in food projects and engaging in each other’s lives. Oh, and falling in love!
Not Until Christmas Morning: A Christian Romance (Hope Springs Book 5) by Valerie M. Bodden
She’s a fixer… He’s about as broken as they come… Can they learn to turn to God for healing and hope this Christmas?
Leah has always been a fixer. That’s why she decided to foster a troubled teen. And it’s why she’s determined to give him the perfect Christmas. It might also be why she feels compelled to reach out to her grinchy, reclusive neighbor Austin. But she’ll have to be careful that reaching out doesn’t turn into something more—she’s been hurt by crossing the line from friendship to romance once, and she’s not willing to let it happen again.
After losing his leg, his friend, and his faith in Afghanistan, Austin figures he’s about as broken as they come. Hope Springs is simply a stopping point—a place to rehabilitate his leg, get over the burden of his PTSD, and get back into shape to redeploy. He has no desire to get to know anyone while he’s here, least of all the meddlesome—if sweet—woman next door. But when she calls on him to help her make Christmas special for her foster son, something compels him to relent. Soon, his heart belongs to both of them.
But what if Austin is too broken for even Leah to fix? Can the two of them learn to turn to God for hope and healing—and maybe even a chance at love—this Christmas?
Not Until Christmas Morning is a heartwarming Christian romance filled with faith, love, and the reminder to trust God “even if.”
Puppy Love and Mistletoe (Happiness in Hallburg Book 1) by Merrillee Whren
When Hallburg city employee Amelia Dunford returns a missing dog to his owner, handsome consultant Scott Graham, she is drawn to him and his love for the little girl for whom he is a guardian. But Amelia’s bad childhood experience makes her afraid of dogs, and Scott has joined the mayor’s task force in charge of trimming the town’s budget—two red flags that warn her away.
Amelia’s warm nature captivates Scott, but he believes his PTSD makes him too flawed for a relationship. Besides, they are on opposite sides of the town’s budget battle, and mixing business with a relationship could spell disaster.
Can a little girl and a fluffy black dog bring Amelia and Scott together in a Christmas miracle?
Christmas in Mistletoe Square: Christmas Romance Novella Collection by Cara Putman, Teresa Tysinger, Pepper Basham, and Janine Rosche
Christmas is in the air in Kedgewick Creek, North Carolina, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Will romance find four couples in the month of December or will the pressure to keep the festivities Mistletoe Square is known for keep these couples apart? Find out in this collection of four novellas from inspirational authors.
The Christmas Clue to Finding You by Pepper Basham
After five years away, Piper Dawson returns home to Kedgewick Creek and is pulled into a Christmas Scavenger Hunt that resurrects a heartbreak from Christmas past she’s not quite ready to mend. Will a matchmaking granny, a little Christmas magic, and a cute guy in a kilt make all the difference to her Christmas yet-to-come?
Silver Bell Secrets by Cara Putman
Growing up with dyslexia, Avery Blair didn’t love books, but the family-owned bookshop held her heart. She never expected her little business on the backside of nowhere to garner a New York City publishing house’s attention. Hunter Chase has lived an “always winter, never Christmas” existence, and spending the holidays in Christmas Town U.S.A. wasn’t exactly on his Christmas wish list, but he had no choice when his boss gave him an ultimatum. Can small town and big city discover a Christmas future that will last far beyond the page?
An Unscripted Christmas by Teresa Tysinger
Ellie and Oliver Larson face a Christmas full of uncertainty rather than festive cheer. Ellie is tired of playing a supporting role to Oliver’s passion of running the Kedgewick Creek Playhouse. Oliver can’t imagine his life without her. When things go off script, will their love story find its second act?
Dreams in Toyland by Janine Rosche
Toy shop owner Peyton Hammond knows a secret that could take down online giant Kiljoy Toyz and its owner, Joey Kiljoy. After the two adversaries spend Christmas Eve delivering gifts for charity, will the sun rise on newfound love, or will prejudice and lost dreams keep hope in the dark?
Somehow, This Christmas: A Laurel Cove Novella (Something Borrowed Collection) by Teresa Tysinger
It’s Christmastime in Laurel Cove, North Carolina when not-so-merry mishaps threaten wedding planner Cate Forsyth’s holiday nuptials and reputation. Firefighter Noah Bennett can’t wait to marry his bride, but the going gets tough and he starts to wonder if his previous jaded views of marriage were right all along.
When the pressures of impressing a premier wedding blogger distract Cate from what their big day is really all about, will their happily ever after melt away?
This Laurel Cove Romance novella originally appeared as book 4 in the Something Borrowed: Christmas Weddings Collection. Check out the others in the series by Toni Shiloh, Andrea Boyd, Mikal Dawn, and Jaycee Weaver.
Award winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance and has over a dozen published titles. A romance reader since her teens, she hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as she demonstrates that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does. She gleans fodder for her fiction in rural Arkansas where she spent her teenage summers working the concession stand with her rodeo announcing dad and married a Texan who morphed into a pastor. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and son, flea marketing, and doing craft projects.
I read Christmas books mainly at Christmas time. Thank you kindly.
I read Christmas books all year long. We don’t travel over Christmas but we usually host a gathering of family and friends on Christmas Eve.
I mainly read them from about Sept. Normally don’t travel although 3 times I went to Melbourne because the cricket starts the day later on Boxing day and wanted to go to the Boxing day test. I was alone but each time spent time with a friend the day before Christmas. I went to church for Christmas then went to the zoo and got back in time to go to an area near where I stayed in the CBD where they had a Christmas choir and also a some displays that do a short story every half hour. Also spent time looking at the windows of one of the stores. While I was alone it wasn’t lonely.
I live alone with 2 cats (who may or may not be around for lunch). I plan to have roast lamb and hot chips (weather depending if its close to 100 I will cook the lamb early and have it cold with salad). and I have a couple of one serve puddings (salted caramel) for dessert although thinking of making a pineapple parfait. Then will will be watching some Christmas movies.
A couple years ago I did go to a friends place (5 adults and 12 kids aged 2 – 22). It was fun and I would love to do it again. My friend was visiting her brother which I why I got to go. (Grew up with them both)
Hi Shannon! I primarily read Christmas themed book during Christmas in July and then starting in November, but opposed an occasional one during the rest of the year.
This Oma usually has a family gathering in mid December, so my grandkids can open presents and play with their toys at home on Christmas morning. As German I have served beef rouladen, but the grandkids prefer ham with Oma’s famous cheesy potatoes. Since hubby and I usually are home alone on Christmas, I make Cornish Hens stuffed with rice for our special Christmas dinner or I have made duck with an apple stuffing. Many Germans have goose for Christmas, but I haven’t been willing to spend $100 on one, duck is less expensive.
Tomorrow is the First Sunday of Advent and Hanukkah starts. Happy Holidays.
I read Christmas books year round. We no longer travel during the holidays. Our Christmas is a quiet affair, but the memories of the ones of our childhood are special. Kids running around during Nochebuena, while the pig was being roasted outdoors, music and dancing were a must .
I read Christmas books all year round, thanks to my proofreading job! I’m usually home at Christmas; however, this year I’m going on a trip! I might even get to see snow for the first time, and have a White Christmas!!
I mainly read Christmas books in the winter.On Christmas we have soup and bread bowles we use to have pizza but we decided we like bread bowles better.we stay home for Christmas cause we have church meetings for Christmas.Our house is the gathering place.
These books all sound like great reads and they all have beautiful covers! I can read Christmas books anytime of the year, but especially when it’s getting closer to Christmas! Have a great weekend and stay safe. (not entering this giveaway, as I don’t read ebooks at all, I am not tech savvy at all, but Thank you)
Thank you for the list. I read Christmas books year round.
It just seems cozier if you read them when it’s cold and you can wrap up in a blanket, Kelley. We listen to Transiberian Orchestra Christmas music year-round though.
We travelled when I was a kid over Christmas. I remember one year, we were coming from Illinois to Arkansas to see family. We got snowed in a motel halfway between. A few years ago, we went to see TX family before Christmas and drove home on Christmas Eve.
You always make me curious, Ausjenny. What is Boxing day and what is a Boxing day test. What is CBD and what are hot chips. Your experiences sound fun and different. And the food sounds yummy. We open presents on Christmas Eve with my parents. Sometimes at their house, sometimes at ours. Christmas day, my house is the gathering place for my husband’s family and mine. Mine consists of my parents since I’m an only child. I clean and spruce and cook for 2 days. It’s fun and exhausting. And when it gets dark, we have a bonfire, sit around it, and visit. I think that’s everybody’s favorite part.
I remember rushing around on Christmas day and our son not even having time to play with his new stuff when he was little. I like the way you do Christmas early. We have ham, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole with pumpkin pie and four layer delight for dessert. Yum.
Yum, the pig part and dancing sound good and fun. As I get older, I enjoy quieter holidays. Our Thanksgiving is quiet. We go to our niece and nephews that evening, but the day is quiet.
I understand completely, Trudy. I was writing a Christmas book in July and editing some in September. I can’t remember when our last white Christmas was. We usually only get a dusting of snow where I live and never on Christmas. Last year, we got a good 8 inches, but not at Christmas.
The soup and bread bowl sounds yummy, Kendra. I learned how to cook a ham a few years ago because our house became the gathering place.
It was fun putting the list together, Jcp. I like Christmas movies too. I record them all and watch when I have time. Sometimes well into the summer.
Since I’m in FL, the only way I’ll get a White Christmas is if it snows this year while I’m visiting friends!! They had a White Christmas last year, so maybe!
I’m good any time of year, Alicia. But Christmas reads are cozier when it’s cold and I can wrap up in a blanket and read. I understand completely. I prefer paper. But I’m out of author copies :)
Here’s hoping, Trudy.
For Christmas we don’t usually travel but spend Christmas with the family, usually just the 4 of us: my dad, my mom and my younger brother but sometimes my grandmother or my uncle comes … or both.
My mom will cook a meat and my dad takes care of the salad or vice versa, it doesn’t matter much who cooks.
Then we will dress up (a somewhat old custom hehe to dress for dinner) and have dinner while we talk. At twelve o’clock at night we deliver the gifts … and we drink a liquor that in my country is called “Cola de mono” in English, would it be Tail of Monkey? weird name that has nothing to do with its components, it has milk, coffee and hot water, it may contain cinnamon or cloves. And we eat Easter bread (that’s what it’s called in Chile, at least it’s a Christmas cake with candied fruit and walnuts or almonds).
I thought I read Christmas books all year round, but it’s more around July, and then October to January. We usually have a traditional dinner with my family, and when things were “normal”, we hosted everyone. This will be our second Christmas meeting via Zoom, but it makes us grateful for technology. :)
Wow, so different, Lilly. And interesting. So you live in Chile? Easter bread sounds like what we call fruitcake. I love fruitcake, but for some reason most people don’t and make fun of it.
My family cancelled some of our gatherings last year, Priscila. But this year, we’re back at it. I hope your family can get together face to face soon. But Zoom is a wonderful thing. Most of the writer’s conferences have been on Zoom for the last few years. I’ve taught classes and heard book pitches on Zoom. But I’m ready to meet my writer buds face to face.
I tend to read Christmas books from July through December.
I haven’t ever purposely read a Christmas book in the summer, Lori. I probably should. I hate summer heat. Maybe a Christmas book would take me away from humidity.
There’s some great books here! One of traditions on Christmas is to have a nice big meal on Christmas day and enjoy each other’s company.
Our gatherings revolve around food and visiting too, Megan.
I read Christmas books all year around. We have ham and mashed potatoes for Christmas dinner. Our house is the gathering place. Thank you so much for sharing such fabulous books. God bless you.
I start reading Christmas books in November till about January or so & generally only read them this time of year.
Since we spend Thanksgiving week out of town to visit family, we stay home for Christmas and I cook a turkey meal with all the fixings. There’s only four of us so it’s a small affair at home.
That’s pretty much my schedule for reading Christmas books too, Trixi. There’s no place like home.
We have ham too, Debra. I’m not a big turkey fan. Though I do like the deep fried ones.
Well, in Chile it is tremendously popular, supermarkets are filled with it and there are several varieties: with chocolate, only nuts, with candied fruit, with or without raisins, with liquor, with honey, etc.
Yum. I never did understand how or why it got a bad rap here.
We go to 3 family members houses for turkeys & ham big dinners with gifts. I read Christmas books all year round
I read holiday books all year not just on that season. I go to family members but there a drive away & go home but we have a few days to celebrate.
CBD is the central business district (Or the centre of the city. Hot chips are just that hot chips or what you call fries (not the thin ones though)
Boxing day is a day celebrated by most commonwealth countries. Originally it was when the day after Christmas gifts were given to the poor. It now is associated with boxing day sales (which is like your black Friday sales). Its normally a public holiday and I am a cricket fan and there is always a test (5 day game Australia v some other country) the one starting on the 26th of Dec is normally in Melbourne and a tradition now.
We open presents on Christmas day and now I am alone I tend to make they stretch them out over the day (normally only a few but its nice to stretch out).
Thanks for the explanation, Ausjenny. I’m always fascinated by what other countries and even regions or states, call things. I appreciate the lesson.
We used to have 3 places to go, Amy. Most years are 2 now. I always feel like I’ll never want to eat again. But the very next day, I’m hungry.
Family is so special, Sylvain. I’m glad you get to spend Christmas with yours. I read summer themed books year round, so why not Christmas.
I am willing to read Christmas books year round. As for my family’s Christmas dinner, we usually have a buffet of hearty appetizers and finger fiods.
That sounds like a good idea, Jessica. Especially if you have 2 or 3 meals to eat. Appetizers and finger foods would be a nice change.
I read Christmas books year-round!
We go caroling with our youth group :)
We usually travel after Christmas, for New Year’s celebration.
We go caroling at our church too, Natalya. We’re making plans to go through our church neighborhood caroling, along with our widows and shut-ins. We always meet at the church afterward for soup and chili, coffee and hot cocoa.
Shalom!
I read Christmas CCR when it comes into my head, no matter what the calendar says, but maybe not in June or July (?)
Happy first week in Advent and happy Hannukah!
I have a couple of books that don’t have Christmas in the title or on the cover, Anke. Bt they’re set during Christmas. They’re my favorites and I periodically reread them whenever the mood strikes and then go, Oh yeah, this is a Christmas book and keep reading, even if it’s June.
Hi, Shannon! I don’t restrict my Christmas story reading to the Christmas season. Most of my reading is driven by “what’s next on the TBR pile!”
We usually travel for Thanksgiving and stay local for Christmas. Even after all these years, we have never been the ones to host the holiday meals. Others have always had the traditions or the room. So, what do we eat? Whatever they’re serving!
A special “Happy Holidays” to all our Messianic Jewish friends who are getting to triple dip with Thanksgiving, Hannukah and Christmas!
Hey Lincoln, I never dreamed I’d host the family gathering for Christmas. It was always at my mother-in-law’s. But she’s older now and we’re the only ones who had room, so here we are. I do enjoy it. But I need a day to stare at the wall afterward :)