Christmas in July Reading? Count Me In!

Christmas in July? Yep, it is at my house.

I'm watching all of the holiday-themed movies right now, and I'm loving every minute of it. There's just something about Christmas stories that fills me with joy, no matter what month it is. The lights, the laughter, the kindness, the hope, the reminders that miracles still happen—it never gets old. Maybe that's why Christmas movies are so popular in July.

But it got me thinking... What about books? Are we reading Christmas-themed books now too? We should!

If you're looking for a heartfelt Christmas in July book for middle grade readers (that adults will enjoy too), Snicker's Wish: A Christmas Story belongs on your reading list.

One Amazon reviewer summed it up perfectly:

"Honestly, this is a beautiful, touching story."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Written for readers ages 9–12, Snicker's Wish: A Christmas Story begins when eleven-year-old Jared comes home to find his apartment door open. Instead of looking forward to Christmas, his world is suddenly filled with fear and uncertainty.

But there's a twist, and you know if I wrote it, it involves angels: What happens when a birthday wish and a Christmas wish come together? Only the first child born on Christmas Day knows.

On a snowy winter morning in Crystal City, Jared's search for the only family he knows leads him to McKinney Park, where one little girl's wish changes everything.

It's a story filled with the kindness of strangers, hope in difficult moments, and the quiet miracles that often arrive when we need them most.

That's one of the reasons I think Christmas books aren't just for December. The best holiday stories remind us that hope , kindess, and faith aren't seasonal. They are gifts we can experience any time of the year, even when it's 99 degrees outside.

So here's an idea...

Why not create your own Christmas in July tradition?

Turn on your favorite Christmas music. Watch a holiday movie together. Bake gingerbread cookies, decorate sugar cookies, or use Christmas cookie cutters to turn fresh fruit into festive shapes. Top off mugs of hot chocolate with plenty of marshmallows—even if it's a little warm outside! Then, as the evening winds down, surprise the kids with a Christmas book to read before bed.

I recently heard about a homeschool mom who took this idea one step further. She invited several families over for a Christmas in July celebration, complete with games, treats, an outdoor bbq for dinner, and Christmas stories. Before everyone went home, each child received a Christmas book to keep. I thought that was such a meaningful way to celebrate—even in the middle of summer.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

If it's 95 degrees outside, don't worry—you don't have to skip the hot chocolate! Just give it a frosty makeover.

For Christmas in July Frozen Hot Chocolate you'll need:

• 1½ cups milk (whole milk, chocolate milk, or your favorite dairy-free alternative)

• ⅓–½ cup hot chocolate mix (or 3 tablespoons cocoa powder + 3 tablespoons sugar)

• 2 cups crushed or cubed ice

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• Whipped cream

• Chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder

  
  

Make it extra festive: Before pouring your drink into the glass, drizzle chocolate syrup or hot fudge around the inside of the glass. It looks like something from a coffee shop but takes just a few seconds!

Directions:

1. Add the milk, hot chocolate mix, vanilla, and ice to your blender—in that order.

2. Blend on low, then increase to high until smooth and frosty.

3. Pour into your chocolate-drizzled glasses.

4. Top with a mountain of whipped cream and finish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

And voilà! This drink alone makes the day festive, along with holiday hats and a good book.

If you're looking for a book to share, I'd love for Snicker's Wish: A Christmas Story to be part of your celebration. Because maybe the greatest lesson Christmas in July teaches us is this: generosity doesn't belong to one month on the calendar.

Blessings,

LB