Thursday, January 5, 2023

Sisters' December Reading Challenge

 

Our December reading was so much fun! I was surprised at how many quiet evenings I had at home this month to enjoy a crackling fire and a good book.

This post containes affiliate links.

1. Read a Christmas classic.

Charity - The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

It can barely be Christmas if I haven’t dipped into this classic once again! This year I delved into the historical context, author’s life, and the writing style of the book, which made me understand how influential this book was and still is today.

Gina -  The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Charity and I purchased a webinar on The Christmas Carol and spent several afternoons listening to an explanation of the background of Victorian literature and English Christmas traditions. It was such a fun way to learn more about a favorite book.

2. Read an Advent book.

Charity - Hallelujah by Cindy Rollins

I enjoyed this study of Handel's Messiah so much last year that I decided to repeat the experience. The beauty of Scripture put to music and the powerful story of Christ's birth and resurrection, awed me once again.

Gina - Waiting on the Word by Malcolm Guite

For the last couple years, I've been attempting to gain a greater appreciation for poetry. I have enjoyed Malcolm Guite's poetry so purchased his Advent complilation. Guite organizes a poem for each day from December 1 to January 6 and includes a short discussion on the poem. The poems come from a wide variety of authors from the past centuries, including some of Guite's own work. Reading this book was the perfect beginning of each day. I may have formed a new poetry-reading habit.

3. Read a cozy book.

Charity - A New Song by Jan Karon


The Mitford series is the definition of cozy. I enjoyed rereading several of Karon’s delightful books in her series about a small town and a faithful priest. The comical characters always have me chuckling and the descriptions of food and cups of tea make me hungry every time. 

Gina - Welcome Home by Myquillyn Smith

A dabbled in a number of books that could fit this category, including reading a Mitford book and Emily Steiner's newest book. But when a friend gave me Welcome Home by Myquillyn Smith, I knew this was my cozy book. Smith (known as The Nester online) has written several books on home decorating, but this may be my favorite yet. She shows how you can use the five senses to decorate your home for the four seasons in a cozy minimalist style. The book is lovely, warm, and inspiring and I expect to refer to it as the seasons change in the coming year.

For the next two months, Charity and I plan to join the Brighter Winter Reading Challenge. This is the fourth year and is always a winter highlight. It isn't too late to join in.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails