For some it’s the music. For others, the movies, baking, or decorations really put them in the holiday spirit. For me, it’s the books. 

Come autumn when all the new Christmas themed anthologies and single titles begin hitting the shelves, my fingers just itch to crack them open so I can lose myself in a holiday story. There is simply nothing like curling up in front of the Christmas tree with a good book and warm cup of cocoa (with mint, please) to pass a cold, snowy night. My cat evens gets into the season, curling up in my lap for a long winter’s nap. 

Each year, I scour the list of titles releasing for the holidays and make a few choice selections. Many are historical romance novels—there’s just something magical and heartwarming about reading a Christmas story set in Regency England, Victorian London, or 19^th century America. Perhaps it’s the return to simpler times, or the sleigh rides so often mentioned in Christmas carols, but it always puts me in a festive mood. I usually pick up the Regency Christmas Anthology published by Harlequin each year for its excellent short stories with just the right dash of holiday romance. I also add one or two mysteries or contemporaries to my stack just for diversity. This year I’m excited to read the entry by Brenda Novak in The Night Before Christmas Anthology, a romantic suspense novella.  

In addition to new books, I also reread some of my old books, including favorites from childhood. Titles such as The Mitten, based on a Ukrainian Folk Tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas,and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I wait eagerly until November 1^st, my self-imposed restriction, and then peel back the first cover with glee. Break out the eggnog and pop in some Bing Crosby—the holidays are here.