December is a month brimming with joy, festivities, and traditions from around the world. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or celebrating with loved ones, it’s the perfect time to explore books that celebrate the spirit of the season. In today’s post, I bring you a collection of what I feel are some of the best books to celebrate the season’s many celebrations. From holiday classics to tales of diverse traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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The Best Books to Celebrate the Season

So here I bring you, a small part of what I feel are wonderful reads, some of the best books to celebrate the season, no matter where you are and what you celebrate. It is not exhaustive, and of course, I missed a few celebrations. Do help me add to the list of celebrations and the best books to celebrate them as well!

For this week’s theme at Top Ten Tuesday, which is – holiday freebie

Hornbill Festival

• What: A vibrant celebration of Nagaland’s tribal heritage—a festival that brings together art, music, and traditions in a social and cultural showcase.
• When: December 1–10.
• Where: Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland, India.
• Why: To showcase tribal traditions and foster unity.
• More: Think tribal dances, handwoven crafts, and delicious bamboo shoot delicacies.
• Books: The Rain-Maiden and the Bear-Man: and Other Stories by Easterine Kire (Folktales). I just discovered this author and she sounds amazing. I hope to get to her books, including this one, soon. And one more, simply because – though this one is not set in Nagaland, but from another N.Eastern Indian state – Manipur:  And That Is Why… Manipuri Myths Retold by L. Somi Roy (Anthology | 8 – 17 years, and up)

Personal Note: Attending this festival sounds like stepping into a kaleidoscope of traditions. It’s a cultural immersion I’d love to experience someday as is visiting the north-eastern part of India (on my bucket list for too long now)

St. Nicholas Day

• What: A Christian festival honoring Saint Nicholas, the man behind the legend of Santa Claus.
• When: December 6.
• Where: Celebrated across Europe, especially in Germany and the Netherlands.
• Why: Recognizes St. Nicholas’s generosity and compassion, and celebrates kindness, generosity, and the spirit of giving
• More: Children put out shoes to receive small gifts or treats, a tradition that adds extra joy to the season.
• Book: The Baker’s Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale by Aaron Shepard and illustrated by Wendy Edelson (Children’s Picture Books | 3 – 9 years, and up)

Reflection: I find it so very heartwarming that a story about selflessness from centuries ago still inspires acts of kindness today. Don’t you think so?

Dickens Festivals

• What: A social and cultural celebration of Charles Dickens and Victorian-era Christmas traditions.
• When: Various dates in December
• Where: Various places around the worlds (check below for list of places/dates)
• Why: To relive the charm of Dickensian worlds.
• More: Costumed characters roam the streets, and roasted chestnuts fill the air—just like stepping into a Dickens novel.
• Book: Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin and/or Mr. Dickens and His Carol: A Novel by Samantha Silva (Biographical Fiction)  as well as The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford (Biographies) 

Thoughts: It’s always amazing how literature not only entertains but shapes our traditions. Would you enjoy walking through a scene right out of A Christmas Carol? I know I would love to, and hope to attend the one in our area if time permits. If you want to check it out, here are some of the places/dates for Dickens Festivals:

• Amelia Island, Florida – Dickens on Centre – Dec 12 – 15
• Port Jefferson Village, New York – Dec 7 – 8
• San Francisco – Dickens Fair – Nov 23 – Dec 22
• St. George, Utah – Dickens Christmas Festival – Dec 4 – 7
• Garrison, North Dakota – Dickens Village Festival – Dec 6-7, Dec 13-14
• Deventer, Netherlands – Dickens Festival – Dec 14 – 15
• Medford, New Jersey – Dickens Festival – Dec 7
• Rochester, London – Dickensian Christmas Festival – Dec 7 – 8
• Holly Dickens Festival, Michigan – Dec 7 -8, Dec 14 – 15

Whirling Dervish Ceremony

• What: A religious Sufi ceremony honoring Rumi’s teachings through spiritual dance and rituals.
• When: December 7–17, 2024.
• Where: Konya, Turkey.
• Why: To celebrate Rumi’s death anniversary, regarded as his union with God.
• More: The ceremony is mesmerizing, with flowing robes and soulful music creating an atmosphere of transcendence.
• Book: Rumi: Persian Poet, Whirling Dervish written and illustrated by Demi (Children’s Literary Biographies | 9 – 12 years, and up)  .

Musings: Watching the dervishes whirl feels like witnessing poetry in motion—a mesmerizing dance of devotion and unity. I have watched these dances only on screen so far, and know I would love to be able to see them in person some day!

Bodhi Day

• What: A religious Buddhist festival marking Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
• When: December 8.
• Where: Celebrated globally, especially in Buddhist countries.
• Why: To reflect on the principles of mindfulness, compassion, and enlightenment.
• More: Includes meditation and simple rituals.
• Book: Under the Bodhi Tree: A Story of the Buddha by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Kailey Whitman (Children’s Picture Books | 4 – 8 years, and up). Also, for adults, who want to learn more about mindfulness and the Buddha, there is Thich Nhat Hanh’s Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha

Reflection: There’s something profoundly peaceful about dedicating a day to mindfulness and clarity. Couldn’t we all use a bit of that? I know I could!

Lady of Guadalupe

• What: A Catholic festival celebrating the Virgin Mary’s appearance to Saint Juan Diego in 1531.
• When: December 12.
• Where: Mexico, especially at the Basilica of Guadalupe.
• Why: To honor Mary as a symbol of faith and cultural identity.
• More: Includes pilgrimages and colorful celebrations.
• Book: The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe by Pat Mora with illustrations by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher (Children’s Picture Books | 5 – 8 years, and up)

Thoughts: Pilgrimages remind us that faith is not just a belief—it’s a journey that connects us to something greater.

Kartigai Deepam

• What: A religious Hindu festival venerating the Hindu gods Shiva, Parvati, and Kartikeya through the lighting of lamps.
• When: December 13.
• Where: Tamil Nadu, India.
• Why: To celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
• More: Homes and temples glow with rows of lamps, creating a serene yet festive atmosphere.
• Book: Son of Shiva by Preetha Rajah Kannan (Hindu Mythology) 

Reflection: There’s something magical about the simple act of lighting a lamp—small, yet powerful, it transforms the night. Check out my post about this beautiful, beloved-to-me festival here

Santa Lucia Day

• What: A Christian festival in Scandinavia that honors Saint Lucy, the symbol of light in the darkest time of the year.
• When: December 13.
• Where: Scandinavia, especially Sweden.
• Why: To celebrate the triumph of light in dark winters.
• More: Processions with girls wearing crowns of candles, and saffron buns sweeten the day.
• Book: Lucia Morning in Sweden by Ewa Rydaker with illustrations by Carina Stahlberg (Children’s Picture Books | 4 – 8 years, and up)

Musings: There’s something poetic about wearing candles to symbolize light—quite literally carrying hope for brighter days ahead.

Fiesta of Santo Tomás

• What: A colorful Guatemalan festival celebrating Saint Thomas, the patron saint of Chichicastenango.
• When: December 13–21.
• Where: Chichicastenango, Guatemala.
• Why: To preserve cultural heritage and honor Saint Thomas.
• More: The highlight is the “Palo Volador,” a daring pole-flying ritual performed by local dancers.
• Book: Abuela’s Weave by Omar S. Castañeda and illustrated by  Enrique O. Sanchez (Children’s Picture Books | 6 – 9 years, and up)

Thoughts: The blend of ancient Mayan rituals and Catholic festivities is like witnessing history come alive—what a vibrant way to celebrate!

Dongzhi Festival

• What: A social and cultural celebration of the winter solstice with Taoist and Confucian influences.
• When: December 21.
• Where: China and East Asia.
• Why: Marks the year’s longest night and return of light.
• More: Families gather to make and enjoy tangyuan (sweet rice balls).
• Book: Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats by Nina Simonds and Leslie Swartz with art by Meilo So (Children’s Picture Books | 4 – 8 years, and up)

Thoughts: Isn’t it comforting to know that even in the darkest times, we celebrate the promise of light returning?

Christmas

• What: A Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
• When: December 25.
• Where: Celebrated globally.
• Why: To celebrate the birth of Christ and spread the message of love, hope, and goodwill.
• More: Trees twinkle with lights, stockings hang by the fire, and the aroma of holiday treats fills the air.
• Book: The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern (Classic Fiction |Short Reads)

Reflection: No matter where or how it’s celebrated, Christmas seems to wrap the world in a shared warmth—like a cozy blanket for the soul. I recall eating fruit cake and rose cookies during Christmas as a little girl at the homes of friends and neighbors who celebrated the festival, and of course singing carols at school events for Christmas.

Hanukkah

• What: A religious Jewish festival commemorating the Maccabean revolt and the miracle of the menorah oil.
• When: December 25–January 2.
• Where: Celebrated worldwide by Jewish communities.
• Why: To celebrate faith and perseverance.
• More: Lighting the menorah and playing dreidel are among the cherished traditions.
• Book: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel  with illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman (Children’s Picture Books | 4 – 8 years, and up)

Reflection: Eight days of light remind us that even a small spark can shine brightly, especially in challenging times. It is so

Kwanzaa

• What: A social and cultural African-American festival celebrating unity, heritage, and values.
• When: December 25–January 1.
• Where: Primarily in the United States.
• Why: To honor African traditions and values.
• More: Families light a kinara (candle holder) and share stories, meals, and music.
• Book: Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis and illustrated by Daniel Minter (Children’s Picture Books | 5 – 10 years, and up)

Reflection: The emphasis on unity and values feels like a universal lesson—something we can all take inspiration from.

Related Reads and More: Best Books to Celebrate the Season

• Top Ten Tuesdays of Christmas Stories and Happy Holidays
• Books for Santa that We Will Love Too
• Festive Reads and More: It is the Season After All
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Women Christmas: And Here is How to Do it!
• It’s a Wonderful List of Holiday Movies Based on Books
• Bookish Gifts I’d Love to See Under the Tree
• Beautiful Words Related to Light
• 3 New(er) Festivals of Lights

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, December’s festivals, whether religious, social, or cultural, all share common threads of light, hope, and community. They invite us to pause, celebrate, and connect—not just with our own traditions but with the beauty of others’ as well.

Which of these celebrations are you familiar with (other than the most popular ones, of course)? Which ones do you celebrate, or would you like to know more about? What about the books? Have you read any of the listed books? If yes, which ones do you like? If not, which ones would you get for yourself or for loved ones? Any recommendations for each of these celebrations, aka your own list of best books to celebrate the season?