For those who want to use these last 10 days before Christmas to get themselves in the mood (or to dwell in a more traditional head space in the midst of this unquestionably nontraditional year), I thought I would remind readers of all the many holiday short stories, novellas, novels, and nonfiction offerings out there. I did a pretty comprehensive overview last year of a bunch of alternatives, so let me just give you those urls with a brief explanation and you can explore your options!

For a classic Christmas, check out this list of beloved read-alouds and come-back-tos:

Christmas classics

For a book-length experience, here are some novels and true-life experiences:

Novel Christmas

And for those who want something unsentimental, here are some that are a bit more tart than sweet:

Alternate Christmas

Finally, to hark back to a recent find, read Connie Willis’s latest Christmas offering:

Christmas joy

Have yourselves a lovely reading holiday, while I attempt to finish Troubled Blood in time to make it #130 on my Goodreads Challenge for 2020!