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When the twinkling lights go up and mugs of cocoa appear on kitchen counters across the globe, many of us reach not only for a warm blanket but also for a favourite Christmas book. But what exactly makes a Christmas story a "classic"? What is it about certain tales that makes us return to them year after year, generation after generation? Spoiler: it’s not just about snowflakes and sleigh bells.

Truly timeless Christmas books touch something deeper. They offer comfort, redemption, togetherness, and a kind of shimmering hope that glows brightest in the darkest season. Let’s explore some of the most beloved Christmas books and why they’ve become as essential to the season as mistletoe and mulled wine.

Managing a busy household — school runs, meal planning, playdates, dentist appointments, and maybe even a full-time job — is no small feat. A colour-coded family calendar can bring visual clarity, reduce mental load, and help every family member stay in the loop (even toddlers!). Here's how to make it work for you.

When we picture Christmas — twinkling lights, gingerbread scents, advent calendars, and mulled wine — we’re often picturing a holiday with deep German roots. Germany didn’t just influence how Christmas is celebrated there — it helped shape modern Christmas as we know it in both the UK and the US.

Germany was one of the first regions in Christian Europe to embrace and expand the celebration of Christmas, particularly in the Middle Ages. But Germany didn’t just adopt Christmas — it embellished it, decorated it, and baked it into something warm and wonderful.

Monasteries in what is now Germany began staging nativity plays, holding festive services, and composing Christmas hymns (like O Tannenbaum and Stille Nacht). The Christmas season blended with local winter folk customs, giving it that cosy, foresty, magical feel we now associate with the holiday.

When December arrives and the nights draw in, there’s something magical about counting down the days to Christmas. For many of us — whether you're in a cosy London flat, a snowy New England town, or anywhere in between — opening a tiny door or marking off a day on a Christmas calendar is as much a part of the season as mince pies and mistletoe.

But have you ever wondered where this delightful tradition began?

Let’s unwrap the story...

When the weather turns cool and the leaves fall from the trees, it means Thanksgiving is near. This American holiday has a long history and is full of traditions. It’s a time when people come together — to eat, to talk, and most of all, to say thank you. Whether you're with family, with friends, or spending it quietly, Thanksgiving is a lovely reminder to stop and feel grateful.

But where did this cherished celebration come from, and how has it evolved over the centuries?