Happy December, Friends!!
It took me a while to figure out how to decorate it and I still think I want to add a framed vintage Christmas card/photo above the bookcase. I've always wanted to have a special place for these books since Christmas is my favorite holiday π Now, my dream has come true—wooo!
Don't forget...you can still receive my FREE Christmas Book/Movie PDF (not quite as updated as this post, but still pretty accurate), simply email me: babsbelovedbooks at gmail dot com! Includes a fill-in sheet for favorite Christmas books, Christmas activities, TBR and holiday gratitude π₯³π
Also, click HERE to see my Christmas Book Collection on Goodreads (including full reviews) π€©
Check out this wonderful Christmas TBR collaborative post with the lovely Caro on Instagram!
Are you ready to see a few pics of my Christmas book collection??? (Hope you said yes!) To see even MORE of my Christmas books, take a peek at my Christmas Collection Instagram posts/reels:
- Christmas Book Highlights!
- Christmas Cookbooks
- Christmas Non-Fiction
- British Library Crime Classics
- Christmas Favorites
- Christmas Children's Favorites
- Christmas Short Story Book Collection (reel)
- Christmas Middle Grade Books (reel)
- Christmas Classics & Novels (reel)
- Christmas Children's Books (reel)
- Christmas Non-Fiction Books (reel)
- Christmas Mysteries (reel)
FINALLY, here's a list (with some photos and ratings...if I read the book!) of the current books in my Christmas collection (if not pictured, they have been donated, on e-book/Audiobook, or borrowed from the library):
CLASSICS:
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 5π
- The Quiet Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott 4.5π
- Christmas Treasury by Louisa May Alcott 3.5π
- How It All Happened by Louisa May Alcott 5π
- The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry 5π
- The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson 5π
- Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies 4π
- The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman 4π
- Christmas: A Story by Zona Gale 3π
- The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens 3π
- The Christmas Hirelings by Mary Elizabeth Braddon 5π
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis 5π
- The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum 5π
- The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore 5π
- Kitty's Class Day by Louisa May Alcott
VINTAGE DOMESTIC FICTION:
- Christmas at Fairacre by Miss Read 4π
- The Christmas Mouse by Miss Read 4π
- No Holly for Miss Quinn by Miss Read 4π
- Christmas at Thrush Green by Miss Read 5π
- Christmas Tales by Miss Read 4.5π
- Ten Days of Christmas by G.B. Stern 2.5π
- Edwardian Christmas by John S. Goodall 5π
- The Thirteen Days of Christmas by Jenny Overton 4π
- The Old Peabody Pew by Kate Douglas Wiggin 4.5π
- A Christmas Card by Paul Theroux 4π
- The Well of the Star by Elizabeth Goudge 3.5π
- The Dean's Watch by Elizabeth Goudge 5π
- Miss Plum and Miss Penny by Dorothy Evelyn Smith 5π
- The Waiting Game by Elizabeth Cadell 4.5π
- The Romance of the Christmas Card by Kate Douglas Wiggin 5π
- Four Midwestern Sister's Christmas Book by Holly J. Burkhalter 4.5π
- Christmas with the Savages by Mary Clive 4.5π
- Merry Christmas, Mr. Baxter by Edward Streeter
- The Lost Angel by Elizabeth Goudge
- Christmas at High Rising by Angela Thirkell
VINTAGE MIDDLE GRADE:
- The Sister of the Angels by Elizabeth Goudge 5π
- I Saw Three Ships by Elizabeth Goudge 5π
- Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories 4π
- The Bird's Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin 5π
- Albert's Christmas by Alison Jezard 5π
- Christmas with the Chyrstals by Noel Streatfeild 3.5π
- The Tuckers: The Cottage Holiday by Jo Mendel 4π
- Maida's Little Shop by Inez Haynes Irwin 5π
- The Lion in the Box by Marguerite de Angeli 5π
- Sally's Family by Gwendoline Courtney 4.5π
- Castaway Christmas by Margaret J. Baker 5π
- How Six Found Christmas by Trina Schart Hyman 3π
- The Christmas Dolls by Carol Beach York 4π
- The Mystery House by Carol Beach York 4π
- The Magic Christmas Tree by Lee Kingman 4π
- Noel's Christmas Tree by Amy Le Feuvre 3π
- Christmas at Nettleford by Malcolm Saville 3.5π
- The Willows at Christmas by William Horwood
- Tell a Tale of the Tuckers by Jo Mendel
- The Little Colonel's Christmas Vacation by Annie Fellows Johnston
- Letters from Father Christmas 5π
- Santa's Surprise Book by Joan Potter Elwart 4π
- The Christmas Box by Alison Uttley 3.5π
- At Home with Christmas Gnomes by Erik Foreman 3.5π
- A String of Blue Beads by Fulton Oursler 4.5π
- The Happiest Christmas Day by May Greenwood 5π
- A Pint of Judgement by Elizabeth Morrow 4.5π
- Dolly and Molly on Christmas Day by Elizabeth Gordon 4π
- The Christmas Dolls by Elvira Woodruff 5π
- Becky's Christmas by Tasha Tudor 5π
- Mother Makes Christmas by Cornelia Meigs 4π
- The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown 4π
- Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert E. Barry 4.5π
- The Tale of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter 3π
- A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas 3π
- Buddy's Favorite Christmas Stories & Poems by Weekly Reader Books
LITTLE GOLDEN BOOKS:
- Christmas Mice (Mini) by Richard Scarry 5π
- The Nutcracker by Rita Balducci 3π
- Walt Disney's Little Toy Shop by Al Dempster 5π
- Raggedy Ann and Andy Help Santa by Polly Curren 4π
- The Twelve Days of Christmas by Mike Eagle 4π
- ABC is for Christmas by Jane Werner Watson 5π
- My Christmas Treasury by Gale Wiersum 3.5π
- Uncle Mistletoe by Jane Werner Watson 4.5π
- The Christmas Tree That Grew by Phyllis Krasilovsky 4π
- Jingle Bells by Kathleen N. Daly 3.5π
- The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore 5π
- Santa's Surprise Book by Joan Potter Elwart 4π
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Barbara Shook Hazen 4π
- Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie 4π
- A Christmas Party by Georgette Heyer 4π
- Who Killed Father Christmas by Martin Edwards 4π
- Silent Nights by Martin Edwards 4.5π
- The White Priory Murders by Carter Dickson 2π
- The Mistletoe Murders by P.D. James 3.5π
- Christmas at the Grange by T.E. Kinsey 4π
- A Surprise for Christmas by Martin Edwards
SHORT STORY COLLECTIONS:
- A Christmas Book by Elizabeth Goudge 4.5π
- Country Christmas by Miss Read 4π
- Round the Christmas Fire by Vintage Classics 4π
- The Child's Christmas by Evelyn Sharp 4.5π
- Journey into Christmas by Bess Streeter Aldrich 4.5π
- A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote 4π
- A Literary Christmas by British Library 3π
- Christmas Every Friday by Charlie May Simon 3π
- Miss Read's Christmas Book 3.5π
- Stories for Christmas by British Library Women Writers 4π
- Stories for Winter by British Library Women Writers 3.5π
- Pearl S. Buck's Book of Christmas
- Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson
- The Twelve Crimes of Christmas by Carol-Lynn Rossell Waugh
- The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories by Jessica Harrison
- Forever Christmas: Tasha Tudor by Harry Davis 5π
- Our Christmas Book by Linda Campbell Franklin 5π
- Christmas from the Heart of the Home by Susan Branch 4.5π
- Christmas at Home by Country Living 4π
- Christmas with Rosamunde Pilcher 5π
- Home for Christmas by Susan Branch 5π
- Dorothy Wordsworth's Christmas Birthday 3π
- Cosy by Laura Weir 5π
- A Very Vintage Christmas by Bob Richter
- Take Joy by Tasha Tudor
- Especially at Christmas by Celestine Sibley
- The Complete Christmas Book by Franklin Watts
- 1942 Sears Christmas Book by Sears
- The Christmas Book 1922-1962 by Good Housekeeping
- 1981 50th Edition of the Holiday Wish Book by Sears
CONTEMPORARY:
- Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher 5π
- An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen 4π
- A Highland Christmas by M.C. Beaton 4π
- Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor 4π
- The Christmas Tree by Julie Salamon 5π
- The Women in Black by Madeline St. John 4π
- Christmas in Cornwall by Marcia Willett 4π
- The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman 4π
- The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson 3.5π
- A Costwold Christmas by Kate Hewitt 3π
- A Christmas Journey by Ann Perry 3π
- A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg
- The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
- The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
ROMANCE:
- A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews 4π
- Lady Osbaldestone #1 by Stephanie Laurens 3.5π
- Lady Osbaldestone #2 by Stephanie Laurens 4π
- Victorian Christmas by Patricia Gaffney 4π
- Miss Davenport's Christmas by Marion Chesney 3.5π
- A Regency Christmas by Anita Mills
- A Regency Christmas #2 by Mary Balogh
- A Regency Christmas #9 by Sandra Heath
- The Fifth Day of Christmas by Betty Neels
YA:
- The Valancourt Book of Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories by Tara Moore 4π
- The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater 5π
- Happy Vegan Christmas by Karoline Jonsson 5π
- The Christmas Cookie Book by Virginia Pasley
- Dragon's Merry Christmas by Dav Pilkey 5π
- The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson 4π
- Snow White's Christmas by Walt Disney 3.5π
- Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Christmas by Joy Cowley 3π
- Christmas on Exeter Street by Diana Hendry 4π
- Lighthouse Christmas by Toni Buzzeo 4π
- On Christmas Eve by Peter Collington 4π
- A Little Women's Christmas by Heather Vogel Frederick 4π
- A Treasury of Family Christmas Poems by Union Square Kids 4π
- Silent Night by Will Moses 5π
- One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell 3.5π
- I SPY Christmas by Walter Wick 5π
- A Christmas Dress for Ellen by Thomas S. Monson 4π
- Cat Family Christmas by Lucy Brownridge 5π
- The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet Ahlberg 4π
- Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht 4π
- The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden 5π
- Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck 3π
- The Nutcracker (adaptation) by Janet Schulman 3.5π
- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg 4π
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss 5π
- Franklin's Christmas Gift by Paulette Bourgeois 5π
- Cranberry Christmas by Wende & Harry Devlin 4π
- Arthur's Christmas by Marc Brown 4.5π
- Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad by Mercer Mayer 4π
- A Christmas Like Helen's by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock π
- Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas by Melanie Watt π
- Little Sparkly Christmas Sticker Book by Fiona Patchett
- Merry Christmas from Besty by Carolyn Haywood
- The Best Christmas Stories Ever by Apple Classics
- Christmas on Sesame Street by Jon Stone
- Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas by Russell Hoban
FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIES:
- A Christmas Carol (George C. Scott)
- Miracle on 34th Street
- 84 Charing Cross Road
- The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
- The Grinch That Stole Christmas
- Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
- Rudolph
- Frosty
- The Year Without a Santa Claus
- Santa Claus is Coming to Town
- Little Women (1949 and 1994)
- Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
- The Holiday
- Holiday Affair (1949)
- Remember the Night (1940)
- The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
- Twas the Night Before Christmas
- Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Christmas Vacation
- Scrooged
- Klaus
- Andy Williams Christmas Album
- Merry Christmas by Johnny Mathis
- Merry Christmas by Bing Crosby
- Merry Christmas by Andy Williams
- Have a Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives
- Favorite Christmas Songs by SINGER
- Barbie's Christmas Party
- Home for Christmas by Henri Renee/Dynagroove
- New England Sleigh Ride by Mobil
- December by George Winston
- Silent Night by CBS Records
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Candy Cane Smoothie
- Gingerbread Smoothie
- Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and Peppermint Marshmallows
- Soft Peppermint Puffs
- Candy Cane Peppermint Bark
- Decorated Gingerbread Men
- Candy Cane Pretzels
- Vintage Christmas Cookies (with red and green sprinkles)
- Garlic Green Beans with Cranberries
- Christmas Eve Chinese Take-Out (I always get Spicy String Beans and Steamed Rice)
(Note: These are all vegan Christmas recipes or vegan-friendly brands. World of Vegan is where I work, too!)
Now, it's your turn!! In the comments, let me know YOUR Christmas favorites! Give me your recommendations, please π
- Books (of any genre)
- Movies
- Food/recipes
- Music
The
past few years, I've decided to start reading from my Christmas TBR in
mid-November so that I don't have to rush (and also so that I can read
as many Christmas-y books as possible!) π
This plan been working out really well and also gives me more time for Christmas Book Buddy Reads and Read-a-Longs! Here are my goals for this season:
With my book bestie @carosbookcase:
❄︎ Castaway Christmas by Margaret J. Baker
❄︎ The Waiting Game by Elizabeth Cadell
❄︎ The Willows at Christmas by William Horwood
❄︎ The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
With my dear friend @gina.stanyer.books:
❄︎ Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
With the 'Queen of Christmas' Cosy Club @bagfullofbooks:
❄︎ Village Christmas by Miss Read
❄︎ Taken by the Hand by O. Douglas (January)
With the lovely and inspiring Julie of the @elizabethgoudgebookclub:
❄︎ Sister of the Angels by Elizabeth Goudge
A hugely comprehensive list and so many of my favourites, too! I'm rereading "The Christmas Mouse" this evening and buddy-re-reading "Tied Up In Tinsel" with my husband.
ReplyDeletePenny! Thank you so much! π❤️ There's so much I wanted to change or photos to add to this post, but I was getting obsessive and I figure I'd better stop. lol! Plus, the whole thing looks better on the desktop compared to the phone, so I'm not sure if it's looking as good as it should. So happy that you're rereading The Christmas Mouse! I haven't heard of Tied Up in Tinsel, but I'll add that to my list! You made my day with your comment! π€ππ
DeleteWhat a beautiful post Gina! I wasn't aware of any of the read alongs until now, maybe next year as I don't have the books ... I am getting myself a copy of Miss read's Christmas stories (Omnibus - I am guessing a collection of 3). Your collection is inspiring, Thank you for sharing π❤️
ReplyDeleteHi Raina! Thank you for visiting my blog—it really means a lot to me when someone comments and takes the time to read it! π So happy that my Christmas book collection inspired you - yay! I think you'll love Miss Read's Christmas stories...they never disappoint and they get more cozy every year I read them. Have a wonderful holiday!! π€©π❤️
DeleteAbsolutely wonderful - what an amazing compilation, Gina! How do you do it? Happy Christmas and New Year to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteI loved getting the chance to browse your incredible collection, Gina! So many great ideas for titles to add to my own little Christmas collection. I know this must have taken you a lot of work, but it is so appreciated, and admired! Looking forward to all of the Christmas books we have left to read this month!
ReplyDeleteAwww love this, Gina! (gosh it must have been so long since I've commented on something, that Google has my profile set to my college animal rights group, haha). - Michelle
ReplyDelete