Yes, I realize it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet. But by this time next week we’ll be bombarded by Christmas music from every angle, and so you might as well give in and get in the spirit!

I’m not a “Christmas person,” although there are some traditions I enjoy. Among this list are a few books I’ve read in previous years that definitely get me in the mood for the holidays!

6 Books to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

1. Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris 

My first introduction to Sedaris was hearing him read from The Santa Land Diaries on NPR. That essay about his time as a Macy’s Christmas elf is still on of my all time favorites of his. It’s here in this holiday themed collection, along with several others all in Sedaris’ classic snarky style.

2. You Better Not Cry by Augusten Burroughs

Similar to above, this is a collection of Burroughs’ essays on the holidays. With his typical self deprecating humor and overt cynicism, these are some of his funniest pieces. He has a such a skill for finding humor in the dark moments of his life. I love that it reminded me of the tendency we humans have to try to make Christmas-time perfect and how that can backfire.

3. Wishin’ and Hopin’ by Wally Lamb

Reminiscent of the classic A Christmas Story, this is a funny yet touching short novel about the ups and downs of the holiday season. Our main character is a catholic School fifth grader named Felix Funicello, a distant relative of the iconic Annette.

4. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

Best known for The Wizard of Oz, here Baum applies his quirky fantastical style to the story of Santa Claus. Beginning with his infancy, Baum gives us his take on how many of our Christmas traditions came to be. We learn why Santa must deliver toys at night, and how reindeer came into service, among other legends.

5. The Ecco Book of Christmas Stories edited by Alberto Manguel

This is a collection of 23 Christmas related stories from various authors such as Truman Capote, Graham Greene, Vladamir Nabokov, Ann Beattie, Richard Ford and Jeannette Winterson. It’s a wide range of stories from International writers, covering many different aspects of the holiday.

6. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I plan to listen to this audio book in the coming weeks and am looking forward to it stirring up my Christmas spirit! Plus it’s not very long. It’s the classic warning tale of the dangers of capitalism, and a reminder of the true reason for this season. Of course you could watch one of the countless film versions, but what better way to enjoy the story than to take in the original?—————————————————————–

What’s your favorite holiday book? 

How do you get in the mood for the holidays?