Happy Thanksgiving week! Since this week marks the start of the Christmas season for many of us, I wanted to share a few recommendations to get you in the holiday spirit and—for those of you who are traveling—to help pass the hours.
In the spirit of early Christmas, I’d like to give you a few gifts.
1. This Cozy, Thought-Provoking Playlist
I love Christmas music. I love music that sounds like it was born in a coffee shop. I love music that makes me think. Put all three of these together and you can bet I’ll listen on repeat all season long. Every year, I add a few songs to this playlist and listen to the older ones with joy. I hope you like it as much as I do!
2. This Adorable Audiobook
This book is the definition of nostalgia. My mom read it to my brother and me on a road trip when we were little and I’ve reread it a few times since. This audio version is free for Spotify+ members and just delightful.
If you’re trying to meet your GoodReads goal, this is a great book to add. It takes just over an hour and half to listen to and will definitely cheer you up if you (like me) are already suffering from some seasonal depression. Plus, the new movie version is out and if you don’t read the book first you are not allowed to see it. It’s the law. (Or, at least, it should be.)
3. These Lesser-Known Dickens Stories
Something about Christmas always makes me want to curl up with a Charles Dickens novel or story. I’m sure you’re familiar with A Christmas Carol and have probably seen a version of it even if you haven’t read it. It is a truly delightful book and can be read in a single sitting.
However, I have fond memories of reading his other Christmas stories in my flat in St. Andrew’s, munching biscuits and sipping cocoa while the wind wuthered outside. I particularly enjoyed “The Haunted Man.” In this story, a man is offered the opportunity to forget all sorrow and pain. It seems too good to be true and, of course, it is. This little tale is convicting and encouraging, sentimental and powerful.
I managed to snag a copy used, but you can purchase a complete collection of Dickens’s Christmas stories using the following link:
Conclusion
That’s all for now! I’ll have more recommendations as the season progresses, but these are the top three I’d suggest for adding a bit of coziness to your Thanksgiving week. Enjoy!
Ryanne Molinari 