writer/author

Kristen Gibson

HOLIDAY/WINTER-Tainment: Books AND More 

It’s been a tough year, and a good year. Right now, I’m in the mood to embrace the Holiday Spirit before 2025 winds all the way down. If you need a break, inspiration, or even gift ideas, here are some books, shows, and more that may help. The list is long and varied, so settle in with one of these Cozy Hot Chocolate beverages from Delish and enjoy.  

Books

A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart by Morgan Lockhart

This romantasy is on my TBR wish list. “In this holiday romance with an enchanting twist, a magic-averse witch returns home to save her small town’s beloved winter festival in time for the holidays with the help of her estranged coven and distractingly handsome childhood rival.” 
(Bookshop)

The Mistletoe Mystery : A Maid Novella by Nita Prose
Christmas spirit, a sweet romance and mystery are sprinkled throughout this charming story. Since it’s a short read, you have extra time to finish your holiday to-do list. 
“A heartwarming, magical story about the true spirit of the season The Mistletoe Mystery reminds us that love is the greatest mystery of all.” (Bookshop)

Cookbooks 

Mother Sauce by Lucinda Scala Quinn

The book boasts 100 iconic Italian-American recipes and stories of the women who created them. “Home cooks and food lovers alike will delight in this masterful collection of America’s favorite comfort foods, from Baked Ziti and Sausage and Pepper Hoagies to Chicken Marsala and Cannolis. With gorgeous recipe shots, archival photos, ingredient sidebars, and cultural essays, Mother Sauce brings nonna’s cooking to kitchens everywhere.” (Bookshop)

Dorie’s Anytime Cakes by Dorie Greenspan
Recipes, illustrations and expert advice to make all kinds of cakes, like the BFF Brownie Cake, Holiday Bundt, Buttermilk Plum Cake, PB and Chocolate Squares, and more. “Anytime Cakes celebrates the simple—but still exciting and special—with more than 100 recipes for easy-to-make, easy-to-love cakes…including loaves and rounds, muffins, crumbles and Bundts—even savory cakes—plus frostings, fillings, and other flourishes.” (Bookshop)

Movies

RED ONE (Amazon Prime)

This is a fun Christmas movie with plenty of humor and action. “After Santa Claus—Code Name: RED ONE, is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.  

​Klaus (Netflix) 

There are some fantastic Christmas movies, favorites we’ve watched since childhood. Klaus was one we watched with our younger kids a few years ago and we all really enjoyed. Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, this film tells the tale of a postman who befriends a reclusive toymaker.

Music
There are a lot of Holiday and Christmas Albums out there, but here are a couple notable ones. 

A Very Special Christmas
I was introduced to these albums by my incredible in-laws. It’s only fitting these albums are at the top of this list as they hold a special meaning this year and have a variety of great tunes, from Christmas in Hollis to Silent Night. Many award-winning and famous artists are featured, so listening is a good way to fit a variety of music into your holidays. ​

Barenaked for the Holidays (It’s just a play on the band name)

Speaking of variety, here is an album our whole family can enjoy. It’s got twenty tracks of Christmas, Hanukkah and winter-themed songs loaded with festive fun. Features “Carol of the Bells,” “Jingle Bells,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” with Sarah McLachlan, and “Elf’s Lament” with Michael Bublé.

When the Weather or Your Mood Edges Toward Icy

The Last Frontier (Apple TV)

If you want a thriller set in the Alaskan wilderness after a prison transport plane crashes, then this series from ‘The Blacklist’ creator Jon Bokenkamp is one to try. U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick and his team must track down dangerous inmates through the snowy wilderness while trying to protect their community. The hunt is filled with perilous obstacles, but Remnick persists and in the process uncovers a larger conspiracy. The last episode of the first season already dropped, so you can binge it in a weekend or over the holidays.

Carry-On (Netflix)

This thriller has a stellar cast with high stakes, suspense, and action. An airport security guard, Ethan Kopek played by Taron Edgerton tries to outwit an unknown passenger (Jason Bateman) trying to force Kopek to help smuggle a deadly package onto a Christmas Eve flight.

Want more lists and ideas? Here you go.

50 Best Gifts for Book Lovers 2025 (Oprah Daily)

60 Delightful, Surprising, Actually Useful White-Elephant Gifts (The Strategist)
2025 Best New Christmas Movies (Good Housekeeping)
16 Best Movies to Watch During Hanukkah (GH)

Cheers and Happy Holidays!
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