Hectic holiday season? Reading Resolutions has you covered! Our tasty December challenge is to read a poem, short story, or novella. If you prefer non-fiction, choose an article, short how-to book, or essay.
Our online catalog has lots of suggestions for short reads, including collections of poems and short stories. If you check out a collection, you don't have to read the entire book. Just one story or poem is enough, but if you want to read more, be our guest! Read on for holiday-themed suggestions, or come into the Main library to browse our displays. Still need help? Just ask an Adult Services staff member.
When you've completed your December Short & Sweet Challenge, be sure to visit your Beanstack account and select this badge to be entered into our monthly gift card drawing. Don't forget our Grand Prize Drawing for a $100 restaurant gift card after Reading Resolutions ends on December 31. Each month you complete a challenge counts toward one entry. If you missed a month, there's still time to read a book for that month's theme. Select the correct badges in Beanstack by December 31 to receive your additional entries.
Christmas Tales
Heartwarming and joyful stories that capture the spirit of the season.
The Quiet Little Woman: A Christmas Story by Louisa May Alcott - Three classic Christmas stories from the author of Little Women, inspired by readers of the classic 1868 novel. (Short Story)
Can This Be Christmas by Debbie Macomber - A group of travelers, stranded at a remote New Hampshire depot on Christmas Eve, find their heartbreak turns to joy, when Christmas unexpectedly comes to them. (Novella)
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry - In turn-of-the-century New York City, a poor young couple sacrifices to purchase the perfect Christmas gift for one another. Published in 1907, it is one of O. Henry's most famous stories. (Short Story)
Let It Snow!
Wintery tales of romance and adventure, set in the world's most foreboding places.
Heating It Up by Elizabeth Harmon
- The head of an international research station in Antarctica discovers a mysterious woman hiding in a deserted lodge. In a season of endless night, can love warm their hearts? (Novella)
Beyond The Great Snow Mountains by Louis L'Amour - An American woman who has lived her life among the peaks of the Himalayas, must protect her village and tribe from an intruder. (Short Story)
The Gift of Self-Care
Because the holidays aren't always joyful, consider a healing and compassionate read for the season.
Stitches: A Handbook On Meaning, Hope and Repair by Anne Lamott - How do we find peace in these loud and frantic times, and where do we start again after personal and public devastation? By collecting the ripped shreds of our emotional and spiritual fabric and sewing them back together, piece by piece. (96 pages)
How To Stay Calm In Chaos by Julie M. Gentile - Smart self-care strategies, organized for each day of the week. (42 pages)
The Long Night: Readings and Stories to Help You Through Depression by Jessica Kantrowitz - A writer and theologian presents the wisdom and spiritual writings that aided her during her years-long battle with depression. Presented in short, topical chapters. (156 pages)
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican national holiday of collective mourning, which brings healing through remembrance and celebration. Tradition holds that on Nov. 2, the Day of the Dead, families gather to welcome back the souls of deceased relatives, for a meal of their favorite foods, and a celebration of their lives.