In 2022 I started my 20 Books of Christmas Challenge and had so much fun I decided to make it an annual challenge. I’d love to have others join me once again in this challenge so let me tell you all about it!
The Why:
I’ll admit it – I’m a bit of a Christmas fanatic. I love reading Christmas-themed books and watching Hallmark Christmas movies.
Each year the book publishers start publishing Christmas books during the summer and early Fall. Yes that’s right. In fact, almost all of these books are published in September and October which may likely surprise many of you.
As a reviewer for Netgalley and Edelweiss+ this means I’m starting my Christmas 2024 reading early. I looked around for challenges which would include this early reading. I didn’t find anything that started before October 1 so I decided to create my own challenge: the 20 Books of Christmas Reading Challenge!
The 20 Books of Christmas Reading Challenge:
Let me introduce you to the 20 Books of Christmas challenge for 2024! My goal is to read 20 Christmas-themed books between September 1 and December 31 which is an increase of 5 books over the two previous years. Why am I doing this? To challenge myself, but also to let those of you who like to read a Christmas-themed book or two some options to read during the holiday season. Many of these books will be new for 2024 with a few from my backlist.
Maybe you would like to join in on the fun?
- Just choose 20, 15, 10 or even 5 books that you’d like to read (and hopefully review). They do not have to be Christmas-themed.
- Make a quick introductory post telling us what you are going to read. You’re welcome to use this image, the alternative I’ve posted below or one of your own.
- Link back to this post and comment below so I know who is joining in. You do not need to have a blog to participate.
This challenge is intended to be very relaxed:
- Want to swap a book? Go for it.
- Fancy changing your list half way through? No problem.
- Deciding to drop your goal from 15 to 10 (or even 5)? I am fine with that.
- Would you rather start in October or November? I’m fine with that too!
My own reading list may change based on availability of the books, but this is what I hope to read. As I read each book I will create a link to my review and post it below. For those of you who don’t like to read holiday-themed books, don’t worry. I’ll still be reading other books that are not part of this challenge.
My 2024 Christmas Books Read:
1. The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley
2. The Merry Matchmaker by Sheila Roberts
3. One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery
4. Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes
5. Christmas in Chestnut Ridge by Nancy Naigle
6. A Sugarplum Christmas by Viola Shipman
7. The Christmas Star by Kate Forster
8. Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews
9. The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan
10. Christmas in Bethel by Richard Paul Evans
11. Take Me Home For Christmas by Miranda Liasson
12. Santa’s Secret by Fern Michaels
13. Seabreeze Christmas by Jan Moran
14. We Three Kings by Kristen Bailey
15. The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne
16. Kiss Me at Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
17. A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber
18. The Christmas You Found Me by Sarah Morgenthaler
19. Baking It Merry by Samantha Chase
If you’d like to see my Christmas books from previous years check out the following links:
Others Who Have Joined Me in The 20 Books of Christmas 2024 Challenge: (Good luck everyone!)
Carla @ Carlalovestoread.wordpress.com
Mark @ carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com
Viki @ hobbiesandeverythinginbetween.blogspot.com
As promised, here are a couple of alternate images for you to use. Or feel free to create one of your own.
Jody
This does sound like a fun challenge, Jodie. Good luck! 😊
thathappyreader
Thanks Jody!
Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
I’ll be joining this again, Jodie💜
thathappyreader
That’s wonderful Jonetta!
ER LeVar
You wouldn’t believe the amount of Christmas books we’re getting at my store already! Christmas reads aren’t my particular favorite, so I won’t be jumping on this one. But I’ll be stealing some recommendations for other readers along the way. 😉
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading ER!
Carla@CarlaLovesToRead
I’m definitely in Jodie. I wanted to start organizing the order for my Christmas reads, so this is perfect timing. I will try and set up my post this week, if the kids let me have computer time. 😁🎄📚💞
thathappyreader
Thanks Carla!
Caroline
This sounds like a fun challenge, I think 5 is more attainable for me! I have spotted some on NetGallery I think I want to read 🙂
thathappyreader
If you do an introductory blog post send me the link and I will add you to my list Caroline!
Jody
Okay, I am in, Jodie. I will be doing the twenty, um, I think. Lol! 😉 I will be making my post very soon.
thathappyreader
Excellent! I’m happy you’re participating Jody!
Jody
Here is a link to my post for the challenge, Jodie. It’s linked to my name.
thathappyreader
I sent you a PM Jody.
Jenni Elyse
Can I sign up but wait to read my books in December? I’m very new to holiday books and I struggle with reading them out of season, lol. I hope you have fun with this challenge! It sounds awesome. 😀
thathappyreader
Whatever works best for you Jenni! As soon as you do an introductory post, comment below and I’ll add you!
Mark
I’ve saved this to come back and sign up when I’m not trying to comment on Sunday Salon posts and then get to bed. 🙂 Love Christmas books, too. I think I have 6 books (cozy mysteries all) to add to the mix this year.
thathappyreader
That’s great Mark! If you’d like to officially join the challenge just comment again with a link to your post introducing the challenge. 🎄
Erin @ Cracker Crumb Life
It looks like a fun challenge! I will have to write it down so I can start it at the end of November.
thathappyreader
Good luck if you decide to join us Erin!
20 Books Of Christmas 2024 #Challenge #20BooksOfChristmas2024 – Carla Loves To Read
[…] out Jodie’s blog for rules and/or to sign up. This is a very relaxed challenge, just one to motivate yourself to […]
Viki
I think I want to join again this year but I won’t be starting reading Christmas books until end of October or beginning of November . Is that ok to join if I am not doing it from September?
thathappyreader
Of course! You can start any time. Once you’ve created a blog post about the challenge just let me know and I will link it on my challenge page. ☺️
Viki
I have posted on my blog about the challenge Here’s the link
https://hobbiesandeverythinginbetween.blogspot.com/2024/09/15-books-for-christmas.html
thathappyreader
I’m so glad you could join in Viki!
Mark
I finally remembered to sign up! https://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2024/09/reading-challenge-20-books-of-christmas.html
thathappyreader
That’s great Mark! I hope you have fun with the challenge. 🎄
sandy jones
I’d like to join in too, please Jodie!
thathappyreader
That’s great Sandy! Just create a post introducing the challenge and send me the link. I’ll add you to my post about the challenge when you have done so. ☺️