When I think of Christmas stories, the first that comes to mind is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. You probably thought of that one too, right? In recent years I’ve started reading mystery and romance stories set around Christmas. They are usually a bit on the cozy side and they have helped to get me in the holiday spirit. But to my delight, I discovered that ghost stories are not just for the spooky season but also the Christmas season!

Last year while browsing at an indie bookstore I picked up How Fear Departed the Long Gallery by E.F. Benson. After reading the introduction which mentioned that Christmas ghost stories were once a tradition during the Victorian era and remained popular during the early 20th century, I thought how can I not make this a part of my own Christmas Eve tradition?

So last year while waiting to open presents, I enjoyed the spooky story and illustrations. If you are still looking for some festive reading, and with time being in short supply due to all the festivities, check out Seth’s Christmas Ghost stories published by Biblioasis. These small books would make really nice stocking stuffers too!

This year I have The Crown Derby Plate by Marjorie Bowen ready to be read. Isn’t the cover great?

Let me know if you are reading any holiday-themed novels or if you have some holiday reading traditions you are looking forward to this year.

December is really flying by isn’t it? I hope you’ve all been enjoying the season and all your plans for the upcoming festivities are going well.

I’ve still been super busy at work and even missed my book club meet up last week because I was so tired but this has been a good weekend. Finally put up our mini Christmas tree, went thrifting (it’s been so long) and got in some reading time and crafting time.

I’ve been really in the mood for light reads and picked up The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan. It’s delightful and all I know is that I want to run off to a cute boutique B&B for a week stay and be pampered and read all day. No cell phones, no emails, just books, warm drinks, nature and relaxation. Doesn’t that sound divine? I think that’s why I’m loving this book so much because I’m imagining being there! haha…

I’m listening to The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman. This is about Sonny Dunes, a Palm Springs meteorologist who is replaced by a virtual meteorologist. Sonny decides to return home to northern Michigan. This one is quite predictable and I wasn’t sure if I was going to DNF or finish but I liked reading about all the winter festivals and some of the minor characters are making this one worthwhile.

I’m still making my way through a yearlong poetry book and should have that finished on the last day of the year.

Speaking of which, yes, I have started my annual favorites and year in review post. I love putting that together. I’m also thinking about reading plans for next year and actually some crafty plans too. I’ve enrolled in a year-long online art class so I’m super excited about that. I hope you all have a wonderful week and more book talk soon!