Romanticizing the Holiday Season: My Favorite Cozy Bookish Rituals

Theresa Wilson
3 days ago
6 min read

There’s something about the holiday season that makes me want to slow down and savor every small, comforting moment. Maybe it’s the way the air feels crisper, or how the first snow seems to hush the world for a while. But more than anything, I think it’s the magic of turning ordinary days into something special — finding joy in small rituals, cozy corners, and quiet evenings with a good book in hand.

This year, I’ve been leaning into the idea of romanticizing the holidays — not in the big, grand sense, but in the little ways that make the season feel meaningful. It’s about creating warmth, even when the world outside feels cold, and finding beauty in the slower pace December naturally brings.

Embracing the Magic of Slow Moments

The holidays can easily become a blur of to-do lists, shopping, and events, but I’ve learned to embrace the in-between moments — the ones that make me pause and breathe. Those quiet evenings after dinner when the world outside is dark, and the only light in the room is a soft golden glow.

That’s my favorite time to read.

There’s something about the calm of the evening that makes a story feel even more immersive. The rest of the world fades, and it’s just me, my book, and the hum of cozy background music. I always make a point to find those moments during the holiday season — even if it’s just half an hour with a cup of tea before bed.

Cozy winter scene with a book, pen, cocoa with marshmallows, and a candle on a table. Text: "Romanticize Your Winter" and "JOY."

This winter feels extra special because it’s my first one in my reading nook. It’s a small space, but I’ve put a lot of heart into making it feel warm and inviting. I don’t have my dream reading chair yet, but I’ve layered pillows and blankets to make it as comfy as possible. And honestly, that’s part of the charm — it feels like something that’s growing with me, evolving as I settle into it.

Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a Christmas tree to the corner. To be fair, it went up in November, but I’ve never been one to wait too long when it comes to holiday decorating. There’s something magical about sitting down with a book while the tree lights twinkle beside you — it instantly makes every evening feel a little more special.

Creating a Cozy Space for the Season

When I think of cozy reading, I picture warmth, comfort, and softness — a space that feels like a hug. My nook is exactly that. I’ve added small touches that make it feel festive without being overdone: a few holiday signs, some garland, and warm lighting that feels more like candlelight than a desk lamp.

It’s funny how just a few details can transform a space. Even on cold days when I don’t want to do much of anything, the sight of my cozy nook — the glow from the tree, a stack of books nearby — instantly lifts my mood. It’s a reminder that comfort doesn’t have to come from something extravagant. It can be as simple as soft blankets and a good story waiting for you.

And while I love decorating, I try to keep it personal. Each piece I add has a little meaning — maybe it’s a candle I’ve saved for this time of year or a small ornament that makes me smile. Creating a space that feels uniquely mine helps me reconnect with the quieter joys of the season. In a way, this is one of the simplest ways I romanticize the holidays — by surrounding myself with warmth, light, and things that make me feel at peace.

Rituals That Make Reading Feel Special

My holiday reading rituals are simple, but they never fail to make me feel content. I’ll queue up some holiday instrumental music — soft piano versions of carols or cozy jazz playlists — light my Flannel-scented candle, and make something warm to drink. The scent of the candle mixed with the faint sound of music creates this perfect, peaceful atmosphere that helps me sink right into whatever book I’m reading.

Warm scene with a book, marshmallow-topped cocoa, and lit candle on a wooden tray. Text: Cozy Holiday Reading Rituals. Peaceful mood.

Every year, I start my holiday romances in November, just to ease into the season. This year, I’ve added a little twist: I’m reading a 12-day advent romance book, starting in December so that I reach the final chapter on Christmas Eve. It’s such a fun, festive way to count down to Christmas while still enjoying my love of reading.

Of course, reading is mostly a solo ritual for me. It’s my time to unwind and recharge. But I love sharing ideas, book recs, and cozy traditions with friends and family when the topic comes up. There’s something so heartwarming about hearing how others celebrate and what stories they reach for when the weather turns cold.

Flavors & Scents of the Holidays

The holidays are made up of sensory memories — tastes, smells, sounds — and I try to bring all of them into my reading routine.

My ultimate treat is Santa’s Secret tea from DAVIDs TEA. I’ve had a stash of it for years, and I never touch it until December. It’s my way of marking the start of the season — the moment I brew that first cup, it officially feels like Christmas to me.

That said, hot chocolate is still my classic go-to. It’s nostalgic and comforting in a way nothing else quite is. There’s something about wrapping your hands around a warm mug, maybe with a few mini marshmallows on top, while reading a feel-good story that just defines what cozy means to me.

Outside of reading, I love spending time in the kitchen during the holidays. I’ve been using my Christmas movie cookbook to try new recipes inspired by all those charming festive films. The smell of cookies or cinnamon bread baking while I read makes the whole house feel alive with warmth.

Even when I don’t have time to bake, I like having something seasonal around — maybe peppermint bark, spiced nuts, or even just a candy cane to stir into my hot chocolate. It’s a small thing, but it adds that little touch of magic.

Capturing the Joy in Small Traditions

For me, romanticizing the holidays isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing things more intentionally. Taking time to enjoy the little traditions that make this season special.

I have two full shelves of holiday reads, from cozy romances to festive anthologies, and I track them all in my reading journal. There’s something so satisfying about seeing them lined up, waiting to be enjoyed year after year. I even add small notes or favorite quotes when I finish one, so each book becomes part of my holiday history.

Cozy holiday scene with an open book, candle, and coffee on a tray. Lit Christmas tree in the background. Text: "Romanticizing the Holidays."

This year, I want to start paying more attention to the traditions in the books I read — the little holiday moments or family rituals that characters share. I think it would be fun to pull inspiration from those and maybe try a few myself. Who knows? Maybe a fictional cookie exchange or tree-decorating night will turn into a real-life tradition.

All these tiny rituals — lighting candles, making hot chocolate, decorating my nook — make me feel comforted and nostalgic. They remind me of what I love most about this season: how it slows us down and invites us to notice joy in the everyday.

Romanticizing the Holidays: Finding Magic in the Everyday

I think that’s what romanticizing the holiday season truly comes down to — finding magic in the mundane. It’s about taking something you’d normally rush through, like a quiet evening or a cup of tea, and treating it as something to be savored.

Some nights, I’ll pause mid-chapter just to watch the snow gently falling outside the window or the lights on the Christmas tree twinkling beside me. Those are the moments that stay with me — not the perfectly planned ones, but the ones that happen naturally when I give myself permission to slow down.

Romanticizing isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about creating peace. And in a world that’s always rushing, that feels like the best gift I can give myself.

The holiday season can be busy, but it’s also full of opportunities to pause, reflect, and find joy in the small things. Whether it’s lighting your favorite candle, spending an evening with a good book, or decorating your space just because it makes you happy — those little choices add up to something truly special.

This year, I’m embracing the beauty of cozy moments, the comfort of routine, and the joy of romanticizing the season in my own way.

✨ What about you? What cozy rituals make your holidays feel special? Do you have a favorite festive read or drink that always makes an appearance this time of year? I’d love to hear in the comments!

And if you’re looking for some bookish inspiration to kick off your holiday reading, be sure to check out my Cozy Holiday TBR video!