Christmas in July: Bringing Holiday Cheer to Your Summer Reading
Welcome to the enchanting world of Christmas in July, a delightful time to infuse your summer with a sprinkle of holiday magic. For reader, this is the perfect season to blend the warmth of Christmas with the sun-drenched days of summer. This year I’m all in on Christmas in July and I think it has to do with the fact that I’ve just turned in the next Food Blogger mystery and it’s set during Christmas and I’m beginning the planning of the book’s release so my thoughts are definitely very merry. I thought today I’d share with you some tips to help you bring a little holiday festivity into your summer reading. Ready?
Create a Cozy Reading Nook:
Transform a corner of your home into a festive retreat. Drape twinkling fairy lights, add some holiday-themed pillows, and keep a cozy blanket nearby. Surround yourself with the scents of Christmas by lighting a pine-scented candle or simmering a pot of cinnamon and cloves.
Choose Festive Reads:
Dive into holiday-themed cozy mysteries and romantic suspense novels. Titles like “A Christmas Cozy Mystery” or “Snowy Nights of Romance” can transport you to a winter wonderland. The mix of mystery and romance will keep you turning pages, no matter the temperature outside.
Holiday Treats and Drinks:
Enjoy your reading with a side of festive treats. Bake some gingerbread cookies, make hot cocoa (or iced cocoa if it’s too warm), and indulge in peppermint-flavored snacks. The familiar tastes and smells will heighten your holiday experience.
Host a Christmas in July Book Club:
Gather your friends for a virtual book club. Pick a Christmas-themed mystery or romance, and discuss it over a video call. Add some holiday trivia games or a secret Santa book exchange to enhance the festive spirit.
Festive Soundtrack:
Create a playlist of your favorite Christmas carols and background music. Listening to holiday tunes while you read can make the experience even more immersive.
There you have it, five tips on how to bring a little Christmas charm into July into your summer reading. If you’d like some more Christmas in July inspiration, check out my website’s blog where I’ll be sharing a weekly guide to the Hallmark movies and some cozy mystery recommendations to pair with those movies. Let me know what you’re reading this month in the comments below. I hope you have wonderful July and be sure to stay cool!
Debra Sennefelder is the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series and the Resale Boutique Mystery series.
She lives and writes in Connecticut. When she’s not writing, she enjoys baking, exercising and taking long walks with her Shih-Tzu, Connie.
You can keep in touch with Debra through her website, on Facebook and Instagram.
July is also when Hallmark starts releasing their new ornaments for the year, so that helps with the Christmas in July feel.
This month, I’m looking forward to just one Christmas read – The Case of the Ghost of Christmas Morning by P.J. Fitzsimmons.
Hi Mark, I’ve been seeing buzz about the new ornaments. I have a few friends who are collectors. They love getting new releases. I’ll have to check out that book, it sounds fun. Merry Christmas in July! 🙂
Debra
I hadn’t thought about a Christmas read yet — though I’m sure I’ll look for the novella that Kensington usually puts out when the real holiday comes around. For now, I’m destined to take some of your suggestions for fun (a good drink, etc), and curl up with a non-Christmas book.
Sounds like a good plan! Enjoy your fun drink and non-holiday read. 🙂
Debra
Great ideas. I love thinking about winter when in the throes of beastly summer heat!
Hi Saralyn,
I’ve been thinking at least about fall since the first humid day last month. 🙂 And last week with temps in the 90s plus high humidity, I was thinking about mid-January. hahaha I’m over this weather. But I know this weather isn’t over with me so I’ll take some A/C, some holiday movies and a Christmasy book to help me cope. Merry Christmas in July!
Debra