The festive season can get busy, but it offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, reflect, and savour small joys. Fairy lights glowing softly in the background, a steaming mug in hand, and a story that feels like a warm hug for your soul—these are the little comforts that make December special. For readers, this is the time when reading becomes more than a habit—it becomes a cherished practice that reminds us to pause amidst the holiday whirlwind.
At Boozy Books, we love how stories, drinks and community blend perfectly this season. From chatting about books with friends to sipping something warm and immersing in a layered narrative, this is the moment to enjoy connection, comfort, and cheer—one page, one sip, one shared laugh at a time. And as the year draws to a close, it’s also a gentle reminder to celebrate growth, friendship, and all the stories that have carried us through 2025.
This Month’s Read: How My Neighbour Stole Christmas
Meghan Quinn’s How My Neighbour Stole Christmas is the kind of festive rom‑com that hits all the right notes. Set in the Christmas‑obsessed town of Kringletown, where twinkling lights and holiday spirit reign supreme, we meet Cole Black, a man determined to keep his distance from the cheerful chaos of the season.
When Storee Taylor moves in next door to care for her Aunt Cindy and enters the town’s annual “Christmas Kringle” contest, things start to shift. She is determined, hopeful and a bit vulnerable; he is gruff, closed‑off and set in his ways. Their rivalry begins as a battle of decorations, contests, and holiday pride—but slowly, banter turns to understanding, and standing‑apart turns into standing‑together.
The story weaves humour and heart: there are challenges and sabotage, but also moments of vulnerability, healing, connection and festive magic. What makes it especially fitting for Boozy Books is how it emphasises community, belonging and the courage to open your heart—even when life has built walls around it. This is a read that invites you not just into the romance, but into a world of shared stories, laughter, and warmth.
Book & Drink Pairing: Winter Warmer
To match this month’s read, we’ve paired it with a drink that feels like a cosy evening in: the Winter Warmer.
How to make it:
- Fill your favourite mug with hot chocolate.
- Add 25 ml of dark rum.
- Top with whipped cream and marshmallows.
This simple drink invites you to wrap up, make a space for yourself, and slow the world down a little. Whether you’re reading alone or sharing the moment with friends, it’s the perfect companion. And why not share the moment! Tag us @boozybooks.co with your book + drink pairing for a festive community highlight.
Gift Ideas for Book Lovers
The season is about giving, and what better gifts than ones which reflect the love of reading and community? Here are some ideas:
- Books from someone’s TBR list – giving a book means giving the promise of time, escape, and new memories.
- Bookmarks – a small but meaningful accessory that celebrates the act of reading.
- Bookish clothing & accessories – items like the embroidered hoodies, sweatshirts, or tote bags from Literature Stitches become cosy, tangible symbols of belonging to a reading‑community.
- Festive or reading mug – one you can associate with the Winter Warmer, or with all your cosy reads this season.
These gifts go beyond the object itself—they’re little reminders to pause, unwind, and enjoy a good story. For the person receiving them, they’re a way of saying, “I see you, I know what makes you happy.”
Themes to Explore
As you turn pages in How My Neighbour Stole Christmas, here are a few themes to keep close:
- Transformation & Growth – Cole’s journey from grumpiness toward connection shows how change can begin in the smallest moments.
- Community & Belonging – The town’s traditions, quirks, and competitions mirror how our Boozy Books chapters create space for shared laughter and friendship.
- Unexpected Love – Often, what we resist eventually becomes what we most need. This includes relationships, stories, and shared experiences in book clubs.
- Comfort & Connection – Just as Christmas has its own special customs, so does reading: picking up a mug, opening the cover, and settling into community discussions in person or online.
Let these threads guide your reflection this month—perhaps bring them to your chapter discussion or simply ponder them over a quiet drink.
Reading Tips for Winter Nights
December is the perfect month to settle into some cosy reading moments:
- Create a dedicated nook: A favourite chair, a soft blanket, or even a corner of your bed can make reading feel like a true escape.
- Pair with comfort drinks: A Winter Warmer, spiced tea, or mulled wine enhances the feeling of indulgence and calm.
- Set the scene with seasonal sounds: Gentle music, the crackle of a fire, or even quiet street hums can enrich your experience.
- Reflect & share: Whether it’s a chapter that made you laugh or a line that hit home, share thoughts with your chapter group or online—these small interactions deepen connection.
Even if the calendar is packed, these little habits help reclaim quiet, meaningful moments for yourself.
Join the Conversation
Here’s how to step into the December flow:
- Grab your copy of How My Neighbour Stole Christmas and begin reading at your own pace.
- Make your Winter Warmer, settle in a comfy spot, and take a moment just for you.
- Share your setup on Instagram—book + drink + cosy corner—tag @boozybooks.co and connect with our broader community.
- Join one of our Boozy Books Chapters (whether in-person or online). Bring the story, bring your thoughts, bring your drink—and relax into connection.
- Already in a chapter? Bring the themes—transformation, belonging, comfort—to your next meet-up or chat.
- New here? This is your invitation. We’re a warm, inclusive community of women who share stories, laughter, and good drinks. There’s always a seat waiting for you.
Closing Thoughts
Even as the season rushes by, some of the most meaningful moments happen when we slow down. How My Neighbour Stole Christmas reminds us to find heart and humour, even when walls are up and the world seems too bright. At Boozy Books, we believe the best gifts are stories, shared drinks, and friendships that feel like home.
Here’s to cosy blankets, glowing lights, steaming mugs, laughter with friends, and the pages that bring us together. One chapter, one sip, one friend at a time. Let this December be a month of reflection, delight, and connection—before the new year sweeps in.
Cheers to the season, to community, and to those quiet, magical moments in between.
Boozy Books 🧡
