Frosted Diaries | A Cozy December Reading List

I’ll be honest, I didn’t sit down this year with a perfectly planned list of Christmas reads.

I didn’t have a stack waiting on my nightstand or a spreadsheet of festive titles ready to go.

What I did have was that familiar December feeling. Wanting the month to slow down. Wanting my evenings to feel softer. Wanting something cozy to reach for when the days feel full & the nights come early.

So this list came together the same way my December usually does, a little intuitively. Some books I return to every year. Some winter reads that just feel right when the tree is up. & a few newer picks I’m excited to settle into as the month unfolds.

These are the books I’m reaching for when I want December to feel a little extra cozy. Not everything here is a traditional Christmas story, but every book on this list fits the season in its own way.

If you’re figuring out your December reading mood as you go too, you’re in good company.

+ Cozy Classics I Always Return To

There are certain books that feel like tradition. I don’t necessarily read them cover to cover every year, but they’re part of the season.

A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
This one never gets old. It’s reflective & a little moody, which I actually love. I like reading it at night, when the house is quiet & the lights are low. It’s a reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.

Little Women (Winter Chapters) – Louisa May Alcott
I don’t need the whole book in December, just the winter chapters. They feel warm, familiar, & full of heart. It’s the literary equivalent of sitting in a lived-in house where everyone knows each other well.

The Nutcracker – E.T.A. Hoffmann
Short, whimsical, & slightly strange in that old-world way. This one feels especially magical early in December, when the season is still unfolding.

Letters From Father Christmas – J.R.R. Tolkien
This is pure charm. Gentle, imaginative, & surprisingly emotional. It reminds me why I loved stories so much as a kid. & why I still do.

+ Cozy Contemporary Christmas Reads

These are the books I pick up when I want something easy, comforting, & very December-coded. Perfect for evenings when your brain is tired but you still want something festive.

The Christmas Bookshop – Jenny Colgan
Books, Christmas, found family. It’s cozy without trying too hard. This one feels like a soft landing after a long day.

In a Holidaze – Christina Lauren
Light, fun, & genuinely enjoyable. It’s festive without being over-the-top, which I appreciate.

One Day in December – Josie Silver
A little nostalgic, a little emotional. This is a good mid-December read when feelings start sneaking in.

The Christmas Orphans Club – Becca Freeman
Found family at Christmas always gets me. This one feels modern, warm, & very real in the best way.

+ Moody, Atmospheric Winter Reads

Not every December book needs to be cheerful. Some of my favorite winter reads are quiet, snowy, & a little introspective.

The Bear and the Nightingale – Katherine Arden
This book feels like winter folklore by candlelight. Snowy villages, old magic, & a slow, immersive pace. It’s not a Christmas book, but it belongs to December.

The Snow Child – Eowyn Ivey
Soft, haunting, & beautifully written. This one feels like snow falling at dusk. It’s quiet & a little bittersweet.

Wintering – Katherine May
This is the book I reach for when it’s time for a good rest. It’s reflective, grounding, & perfectly aligned with the slower energy of the season.

+ Short & Savor Reads for Busy December Days

December can be full, both in good ways & exhausting ones. These are perfect when you want something comforting but don’t have the energy for a long commitment.

Christmas Days – Jeanette Winterson
Short stories & reflections that feel thoughtful & festive without being cheesy.

The Comfort Book – Matt Haig
I love dipping into this one a little at a time. It’s gentle & reassuring. Perfect before bed.

The Gift of the Magi – O. Henry
Short, classic, & still emotionally effective. A good reminder of what actually matters.

+ Cozy With a Little Edge

Sometimes I want winter vibes with a bit of intrigue, especially on stormy nights.

The Hunting Party – Lucy Foley
Snowed-in setting, tense atmosphere, & great pacing. Perfect for cold evenings.

An Unwanted Guest – Shari Lapena
Another winter lodge mystery that’s easy to get lost in when the weather outside matches the mood.

+ Elevated Holiday Romance

Romance, but grounded. Festive, but not fluffy.

Kiss Her Once for Me – Alison Cochrun
Warm, emotional, & refreshingly real. This one has heart.

A Winter in New York – Josie Silver
Food, nostalgia, & soft winter romance. It feels cozy without being overdone.

+ How I Like to Read in December

December reading looks different for me. I don’t rush through books. I let myself read slowly, reread favorite passages, & set books down when life gets busy.

A few pages before bed still counts. Reading the same book all month still counts. Starting something new on December 27th absolutely still counts.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that reading in December is about presence.

So if you’ve been wanting your December to feel a little calmer, a little cozier, maybe start with a book. One that fits the season you’re actually in.

& if you’re reading something festive this month, I’d truly love to know.

– L

xx