Lifestyle Guide: Hosting a Holiday-Themed Book Club

 

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. 'Tis the season to be jolly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. 

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather friends, sip something warm, and dive into a good book. We love the idea of hosting a holiday-themed book club meeting; it not only adds a festive twist to your reading group, but also creates a cozy space to connect over stories and traditions. 

Whether you’re a seasoned host or a first-time organizer, we’ve got you covered, so let's get to planning that memorable holiday book club meeting!

 

 

Pick the Perfect Holiday Read

The cornerstone of any book club is, of course, the book! For a holiday-themed meeting, choose a book that captures the spirit of the season. Whether it’s a cozy mystery, a heartfelt romance, or a classic holiday tale, your book should set the tone for the festivities. 

And we’ve got the perfect book boxes for the occasion — not only are they fabulous books, but our world-famous surprise gifts are guaranteed to bring the books to life and add joy to your reading experience!

Christmas Box 2024

Our beloved annual Christmas box has made its return for 2024! Boxes include:

• A copy of A Winter Wish by Emily Stone
• A collectible sticker, full book club kit with discussion questions, signed bookplate from the author, and more bonus goodies!
• FIVE stunning (and festive) gifts to bring the story to life!

12 Days of Book-Club-Mas 2024

Our Advent Calendar recipients will receive an anthology of about 400 pages featuring 12 short stories, each with an accompanying gift! Each story is written by a different author who wrote these tales specifically to bring our selected gifts to life! As you read each short story, you'll be prompted at key moments within them to open the corresponding gift for the day. These gifts are all incredibly useful, beautiful items, perfect for the bookworm in all of us! These gifts are not Christmas themed (only the wrapping is wintery to match the season!) and each item can be used and enjoyed year-round.

Each book box includes a custom and exclusive book of 12 short stories that can only be found in our box, along with 12 beautiful gifts (one for each story!).

 

 

Set a Festive Scene

Transform your meeting space into a cozy holiday haven. Think twinkling lights, warm blankets, and holiday music softly playing in the background. Add festive touches like seasonal candles, a small holiday tree, or garlands to make your book club feel extra special.

Pro Tip: Create a holiday-inspired centerpiece with books wrapped in decorative paper and tied with ribbons. It’s both thematic and Instagram-worthy!

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we’re all about attention to detail and can’t think of a better touch than our book-shaped dinner plates!

 

 

Plan Seasonal Snacks and Drinks

No book club is complete without refreshments. Elevate your holiday book club meeting with festive snacks and drinks that tie into the season’s cheer.

Snack Ideas:

• Sugar cookies shaped like books or snowflakes.
• A charcuterie board with holiday-themed garnishes (think cranberries and sprigs of rosemary).
• Mini hot chocolate or eggnog shooters.

Drink Ideas:

• Mulled wine or spiced cider for a cozy vibe.
• A hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and festive toppings.
• Holiday mocktails for a non-alcoholic option.

Incorporate Holiday Traditions

Bring the spirit of the holidays into your book club by incorporating traditions that celebrate the season. This could be a book exchange, a holiday trivia game, or even a craft session.

Ideas for Festive Activities:

• Book Swap: Have each member bring a wrapped book to exchange Secret Santa-style.
• Holiday Trivia: Test your group’s knowledge of holiday literature, movies, and traditions.
• DIY Bookmark Station: Set up a crafting corner where members can create their own holiday-themed bookmarks.

 

 

Add a Discussion Twist

While book discussions are the heart of any book club, you can make it extra engaging by weaving in holiday themes.

Discussion Ideas:

• What holiday traditions are highlighted in the book?
• If the book’s setting were decorated for the holidays, what would it look like?
• How do the characters’ actions reflect the spirit of the season?

For a more lighthearted approach, you could even discuss which character would win “Best Holiday Spirit” or who would make the best (or worst!) Secret Santa.

 

Send Guests Home with a Keepsake

Show your appreciation by giving attendees a small, thoughtful gift to take home. It could be something simple but meaningful, like a festive candle, a mini notebook, or a holiday ornament.

Budget-Friendly Keepsake Ideas:

• Book-themed ornaments.
• A printout of a favorite holiday quote from the book you discussed.
• Personalized bookmarks tied with a holiday ribbon.

 

 

Virtual Alternatives

If your group can’t meet in person, don’t let distance dampen your holiday cheer. A virtual holiday book club can be just as festive.

Tips for a Virtual Book Club:

• Mail small gift boxes with snacks or bookmarks ahead of time.
• Use Zoom backgrounds with holiday themes to set the mood.
• Play a holiday-themed trivia game during your meeting.

Spread the Cheer

Encourage your book club members to bring a donation for a local charity, like gently used books, canned goods, or winter essentials. It’s a great way to combine your love for reading with the spirit of giving.

The holiday season can be hectic, but a festive book club meeting offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, connect, and celebrate with fellow book lovers. By combining the magic of reading with the joy of the holidays, you’re creating a tradition that’s sure to be cherished year after year.

So grab your favorite holiday read, invite your friends, and let the festivities begin. Here’s to a season of good books, great company, and unforgettable memories. Happy hosting!