The most festive time of the year is here! For most of us, the 2021 holiday season looks different than last year. Many folks are excited to revive old celebrations, while others are embarking on new traditions.
No matter how you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, reading is a wonderful way to spend your holiday downtime! Books can help you unwind after shopping or getting your home ready for guests. Plus, they give kids something to do with their free time or on long journeys to see family.
Here are a few holiday-themed books you can pick up or download at Bucks County Free Library. Browse our cloudLibrary shelves for even more options.
Books for Adults
Can This Be Christmas? by Debbie Macomber
A heartwarming novella! On a cold and snowy Christmas Eve, a train full of holiday travelers is stranded in New Hampshire. Despite their disappointment over the breakdown in their holiday plans, they come together with local townspeople who open up their hearts to the travelers.
Hiddensee: A Tale of the Once and Future Nutcracker by Gregory Maguire
A heartwarming novella! On a cold and snowy Christmas Eve, a train From the writer of Wicked comes another imaginative spin on a beloved classic. This novel centers on the one-eyed toymaker who carves the legendary toy that leads the adventures of The Nutcracker.
Holiday by Candlelight by Laurel Greer
After a tragic accident, Dr. Matsuda can no longer practice surgery. But soon he falls for a new colleague – a Search and Rescue volunteer – and must decide whether he’s up for another risk.
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
This book contains six holiday-themed essays and stories by legendary humorist David Sedaris. Bonus: Sedaris’ infamous essay about being a Macy’s elf is in this book!
The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer
Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt secretly loves Christmas. In fact, she’s a bestselling author of Christmas romance novels, which her observant Jewish family doesn’t know. When her publishing house won’t renew her contract unless she writes a Hanukkah romance, she’s inspired by the Matzah Ball: a sold-out celebration on the last night of Hanukkah.
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
This charming novel follows Dickens as he plays out the elements from A Christmas Carol. It’s funny and full of historically accurate details and nods to Dickens’ original story.
Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
A British romance! While on a spontaneous holiday vacation, Vivian meets Malcolm: one of the Queen’s private secretaries. The two of them must make peace with a whirlwind romance that ends on New Year’s Day…right?
Books for Kids
A Hanukkah with Mazel by Joel Edward Stein
Misha, a poor artist living on the outskirts of town, finds a hungry stray cat curled up with his milk cow. Soon Misha and the cat, which he names Mazel (Hebrew for “luck”) become friends and celebrate Hanukkah together.
Reading age: 3 to 7
Ming’s Christmas Wishes by Susan L. Gong
As a daughter of immigrants in 1930s California, Ming is not treated like the other kids in her class. To help her, Ming’s father takes her into the mountains to visit an old friend. On her journey, she learns to draw strength from nature, her heritage and her family’s bond.
Reading age: 3 to 7
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
A Christmas tale from a Bucks County writer! Rob wants to get his father something special for Christmas. But it’s Christmas Eve, and he doesn’t have much money to spend. What could he possibly give his father? This is a wonderful book to read as a family on Christmas Eve.
Reading age: 4 to 8
Felíz New Year, Ava Gabriela! by Alexandra Alessandri
On a trip to visit family in Colombia for the holidays, shy Ava Gabriela must find her voice so that she can enjoy all of her family’s New Year’s Eve traditions.
Reading age: 4 to 7
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis
In their father’s will, seven constantly fighting brothers are instructed to make gold out of seven spools of thread. Using the seven principles of Kwanzaa, this beautifully illustrated book shows how family members can come together to benefit their family and community.
Reading age: 4 to 8
A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time by Mary Pope Osborne
If your kids love the Magic Tree House books, they’ll devour this one! This story blends magic, mystery and history in a fun twist on A Christmas Carol.
Reading age: 7 to 10
Ghosts of Greenglass House by Kate Milford
Thirteen-year-old Milo is spending the winter break stuck in Greenglass House. It’s full of unusual guests who are not what they seem. This cozy tale is full of suspense, friendship, and a hunt to find a famous smuggler’s lost treasure.
Reading age: 10 to 13
