8 Enchanting Ways to Celebrate a Very Bookish Christmas Eve
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring… except for the bookworms! If you’re a fellow book lover, why not make this Christmas Eve extra special with some literary-inspired festivities? Celebrate Christmas Eve in a truly bookish way. These eight magical ways will make your heart grow three sizes, just like the Grinch’s!
1. Host a Festive Book Exchange
Gather your fellow bibliophiles for a merry book exchange! Ask each guest to bring a wrapped book. It could be a beloved classic. It might be a thrilling new release. Or it could be a quirky indie find. Set up a cozy corner with twinkling lights and plush pillows, then take turns selecting and unwrapping your literary gifts. The best part? Everyone goes home with a new story to dive into on Christmas morning!
2. Read Aloud by the Fire
There’s something magical about hearing a story read aloud, especially on Christmas Eve. Gather your loved ones around the fireplace (or a festive YouTube fireplace video!) and take turns reading passages from your favorite holiday tales. Start with the heartwarming A Christmas Carol. Continue with the whimsical How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Let the words dance off the pages. Let them into your hearts.
3. Deck the Halls with Author-Inspired Decorations
Transform your home into a literary wonderland! Create ornaments with quotes from your favorite authors. Hang garlands made of old, damaged books. Craft a tree topper inspired by your favorite literary character. Imagine a Sherlock Holmes-themed tree with magnifying glass ornaments. Or, a whimsical Alice in Wonderland tea party setup on your mantle!
4. Embark on a Genre-Themed Reading Marathon
Challenge yourself to a Christmas Eve reading marathon, but with a twist! Pick a genre and dive into a selection of short stories or novellas. For mystery lovers, curl up with a collection of Agatha Christie’s holiday whodunits. Fantasy enthusiasts might enjoy Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather or some wintery tales from Narnia. Don’t forget to brew a pot of spiced tea and wrap yourself in a cozy blanket for the full experience!
5. Play Literary-Themed Games
Who says board games are the only option? Create your own bookish games for a night of intellectual merriment! Try “Guess the Character” charades, where players act out famous literary figures. Or how about “First Line Trivia,” where you read the opening line of a book and others guess the title? For the creative souls, engage in “Collaborative Storytelling.” Each person adds a sentence. Together, you create a unique holiday tale.
6. Create a Children’s Literature Storytime Corner
Embrace the magic of children’s books by setting up a special storytime nook. Hang twinkling fairy lights. Scatter soft cushions. Fill a basket with beloved children’s classics, like The Polar Express and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Invite the little ones, or the young at heart, to snuggle up for an evening of enchanting tales. Don’t forget the hot cocoa and cookies!
7. Host a Virtual Book Club Christmas Special
Can’t gather in person? No problem! Organize a virtual book club meeting with a festive twist. Choose a holiday-themed book or a wintry classic like “Little Women” to discuss. Encourage everyone to wear their coziest reading attire and bring their favorite holiday treat. Use the chat function to share favorite quotes or holiday book recommendations.
8. Craft Bookish Christmas Ornaments
Get crafty and create ornaments inspired by your favorite books! Use polymer clay to sculpt tiny books. Paint wooden ornaments with book covers. Create paper snowflakes with literary quotes. You will have a fun and creative evening. You’ll also create unique decorations to cherish for years to come.
Remember, dear book lovers, the true magic of Christmas lies not just in the presents under the tree, but in the stories we share and the memories we create. This Christmas Eve, let the power of literature bring you closer to your loved ones. It can transport you to worlds of wonder and joy.
From all of us at abookgeek.com, we wish you a very merry and bookish Christmas Eve!
We’d love to hear how you’re planning to celebrate your bookish Christmas Eve! Who knows? Your tradition might become someone else’s new favorite!