Is there really such a thing as starting too early with Christmas books? (Absolutely not!)
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to embrace it than by diving into a magical book. Maybe you’re hunting for the best Christmas books to gift your loved ones? Or perhaps you want to treat yourself to a heartwarming tale (we see you, Christmas adult fiction fans!). Either way, we’ve got you covered with a mix of must-reads that are as classic as carols and as fresh as snow on Christmas morning.
1. The Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips
Published in 1984, The Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips is a lyrical and introspective novel. It delves deep into the emotional landscapes of its characters. At its core, the novel explores the aftershocks of war and personal tragedy. A mother, grappling with the death of her son in World War II. A young man returns from the war. A young woman, torn between familial duty and her desire for freedom. Phillips captures the intricate dynamics between these characters with stunning precision. Their stories unfold in parallel, bound by shared themes of longing and the passage of time.
Jayne Anne Phillips creates a world that feels both intimate and universal. This book invites readers to reflect on their own relationships, losses, and moments of grace.
2. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover ‘It Ends with Us’ is an emotional rollercoaster that tackles heavy themes like love, loss, and the cycle of abuse. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you long after you’ve read the final page.
The story follows Lily Bloom, a determined young woman. Who seems to have everything going for her: a budding career and a blossoming romance with the charming neurosurgeon. But as their relationship deepens, Ryle’s dark side begins to surface, forcing Lily to confront difficult truths about love and resilience. The narrative also weaves in letters from Lily’s past. Revealing her first love, Atlas, and the impact he still has on her life.
3. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Few books leave as profound an impact as When Breath Becomes Air. This memoir by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at the age of 36, is a meditation on mortality, purpose, and the meaning of life.
Paul takes readers through his journey from being a promising young medical student to a doctor standing on the precipice of life and death. The book is divided into two parts: the first explores Paul’s years of training and his love for both literature and medicine. The second delves into his heartbreaking diagnosis and his reflections on what truly matters when time is limited.
This is the ultimate gift for anyone going through a transformative phase in life or someone who appreciates deeply introspective and life-affirming stories.
4. The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot
T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land is a fragmented yet profoundly evocative exploration of the despair and disconnection of post-war Europe. Divided into five sections, the poem juxtaposes life and death, spiritual decay, and fleeting glimpses of renewal. From the haunting imagery of barren landscapes in the opening to the polluted Thames reflecting moral stagnation in “The Fire Sermon,” Eliot weaves together myth, memory, and modernity.
Figures like the blind prophet Tiresias and Madame Sosostris deepen its surreal quality, while symbols like water—traditionally life-giving—become harbingers of destruction. The poem ends with “What the Thunder Said,” introducing the Sanskrit mantra “Shantih shantih shantih,” offering a faint, ambiguous promise of peace. Dense with cultural references and poignant imagery, The Waste Land challenges readers to confront the fractured human condition, making it an intellectually rewarding and thought-provoking gift.
5. Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Kubla Khan is a mesmerizing exploration of imagination, creation, and the interplay between beauty and chaos. Written in 1797 after an opium-induced vision and famously left unfinished, the poem begins with a vivid depiction of Kubla Khan’s pleasure dome in Xanadu—a surreal paradise where nature and human ambition intertwine.
Beneath its grandeur lies a sense of danger, as the tumultuous river Alph plunges through measureless caverns, symbolizing the uncontrollable forces of nature. The poem shifts to a reflection on the elusive nature of creativity, as the speaker yearns to recreate the ethereal beauty of his vision, captured in the haunting lines about the “damsel with a dulcimer” and the intoxicating “milk of Paradise.” Hypnotic in rhythm and rich in sensory imagery, Kubla Khan captures the tension between inspiration and frustration, leaving readers enthralled by its dreamlike mystique and endless interpretive possibilities.
How to Personalize Your Book Gifts
Books are already thoughtful, but adding a personal touch can make them even more special. A heartfelt note explaining why you chose the book can make the gift unforgettable. Share a favorite quote from the book or how it reminded you of the recipient. For the voracious reader in your life, why stop at one book? Create a bundle of complementary titles, like pairing The Night Watch with The Waste Land for a literary-themed set.
Tips for Choosing the Right Book for Every Reader
- Think about the genres or authors they love.
- Choose books that hold universal appeal or have evergreen themes.
- The selections here are diverse enough to cater to nearly every type of reader!
Give the Gift of Stories and Words
This holiday season, skip the generic gifts and opt for something meaningful. Christmas books that speak to the heart. From emotionally gripping memoirs like When Breath Becomes Air to poetic masterpieces like Kubla Khan. Every title in this guide has been chosen to inspire, delight, and transform.
So, what are you waiting for? Find the perfect story for someone you love and let the magic of words make this Christmas unforgettable!