Christmas in July: 10 Holiday Themed Reads
When I read The Summer of Christmas in May, it got me thinking about the specific joy I feel when I encounter something from the holiday season when it’s outside that specific season. Whenever Nick and I are streaming a new series, he will tell you that I get so excited when we encounter the holiday episodes. My favorite episodes of The Office are the Halloween and Christmas ones.
When I create my holiday reading guide every season, I’m looking for books that bring holiday magic but don’t make me roll my eyes. The Debbie Macomber style of Christmas books aren’t my jam. I like my holiday books to be packed full of winter vibes but also feel realistic. All of the books listed here fall into those parameters.
I don’t often read holiday books before September, but sometimes, you just need a taste of the coziness.
Here are 10 holiday stories to cool down with this Summer.
Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Shepherd
I talk about this book often because it’s just so fun. It’s an enemies to lovers office Romance between a holiday enthusiast and Grinch like boss.
Jingle Wars by R. Homes and Veronica Eden
This book is on the insta-lovey side, but there’s a snowed in scene that is * chef’s kiss * perfection. It’s set in a small town where tensions brew between the local owner of a B&B and the heiress of a hotel mogul.
10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
A fun YA about a high school senior who gets dumped right before the holidays so her large, meddling family decide to set her up on 10 dates before Christmas to cheer her up.
The Van Der Beekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glasser
This middle grade is very special to me because it’s set on the same block where my first NYC apartment was. It’s about a family trying to save their apartment from their landlord who wants to sell the building after the holidays, but he’s a bit of a Scrooge.
Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert
It’s no secret that I love Talia Hibbert. If you’re looking for a book that is festive fun but also has some grit and heart to it (but it’s cheesy), Talia’s holiday books are perfect. This one explores themes of homelessness as well as a spicy romance with a tattoo artist. Wrapped Up in You is also a great one by her!
Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
It’s also not a secret that I love Tessa Bailey! This holiday novella is inspired by Ted Lasso. It takes place at a Saks 5th Avenue esque store in NYC and the romance is between the manager of the store and a woman recently released from prison. It has so much heart and explores important themes.
Amor Actually
If you just want a taste of the holidays. this collection of short stories is perfect! 9 different stories from Latinx authors set on Christmas Eve in NYC. My favorites are by Alexis Daria and Mia Sosa.
One Way or Another by Kara McDowell
Another fun YA story with some magical realism that the holidays are known for. A teen struggling with anxiety slips and hits her head. Now she gets to live out two alternate timelines: one in NYC and one in Arizona.
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
While I didn’t love every aspect of this book, the holiday vibes are on point! It has a ground hog day element to it but I loved that it was about a group of college friends that started the tradition of spending the holidays together. They still do it with grown children and even after divorces and babies. It will make you feel like you’re in a cabin in Park City.
The Christmas Toy by Krista Wolf
If you’re looking for something that is pure escapism, this is a Reverse Harem (1 girl, 3+guys) romance. It’s set in a cabin in Vermont and it has a surprising amount of plot for something I thought was going to be pure smut. There’s plenty of that don’t worry, but it’s also just fun.
What are your favorite holiday reads?