is it too early to start reading holiday books?

i was at barnes and noble a few days ago on my lunch break just browsing the shelves (currently on a book buying ban trying to get through my TBR) and saw SO SO SO many christmas/holiday romance novels on display!

they were on the spotlight tables in the front and COVERED the romance shelves in that respective section of the store.

because there are sooo many i must ask: is it TOO early to start reading them? how early is too early? are there any that you recommend?

i reread let it snow pretty often (probably going to reread again this year)…are there any books that you read every christmas?

#holidaybookhaul #holidaybookrecs #letschat #fyp #barnesandnoble

2025/11/4 Edited to

... Read moreOkay, so I totally get the feeling when you walk into Barnes & Noble and BAM! Holiday books everywhere, and it's barely fall. My mind immediately goes to: 'Is it too early? Am I breaking some unwritten rule of seasonality?' But honestly, after years of festive reading, I've come to my own conclusions about when it's perfectly fine to dive into those snowy, romantic, and heartwarming stories. For me, the official 'holiday reading season' unofficially kicks off right after Halloween. Once the spooky season is over, my brain is ready for all things cozy and bright. Why wait? It's a great way to extend the festive cheer and get into the spirit before the December rush. Plus, it gives you plenty of time to enjoy all the amazing titles out there without feeling rushed. Some people might prefer to wait until Thanksgiving weekend, seeing it as the true start to the holiday season, while others are strict about December 1st. And honestly, there's no wrong answer! The best time to start reading holiday books is whenever you feel the festive spirit calling. Speaking of amazing titles, seeing all those displays at the bookstore got me thinking about my own favorites and some new ones I spotted. Of course, 'Let It Snow' is always on my re-read list—it just feels like Christmas in a book! But this year, some of the covers I saw really caught my eye. There's 'So, This Is Christmas' which looks like a charming rom-com, and 'A Merry Little Lie' by Sarah Morgan with its super cute pink cover, perfect for a lighthearted read. I also spotted 'The Christmas Tree Farm' which sounds like the perfect cozy read with those adorable dogs on the cover. For something a bit more adventurous, 'Date Night in December' and 'Mint to Be' both promise sweet wintery romances that will warm your heart. And if you're into those classic, heartwarming vibes, 'Holiday Ever After' by Hannah Grace and 'Snow Kissed' by RaeAnne Thayne always deliver on that comforting feeling. I even saw 'Christmas Fling' and 'A Jingle Bell Mingle' for some fun, lighthearted stories. And for those who love a bit of cheeky fun, 'Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal' definitely stands out! It's clear there's a holiday book for every mood and every reader out there. My biggest tip for anyone wondering when to dive in? Don't be afraid to start early! It spreads out the joy and gives you more time to savor each story. Also, check out what’s new, but don't forget the classics everyone talks about—they're classics for a reason! And if you're like me and love a good re-read, embrace it! There's something so comforting about revisiting a beloved story during the holidays. What are your thoughts? Do you have an official start date for holiday books, or are you like me and ready to jump in as soon as the first display goes up?

16 comments

cbrower's images
cbrower

I just finished Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal! I loved it, but if you do so - read How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by her! It’ll make more sense!!

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Maria Juárez's images
Maria Juárez

Never 🔥 reading Mint to be now 🍋

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