I had so much fun doing my Fall post that I decided I’d like to do one for Winter too!
It’s not even officially winter and I’ve been hit with a decent amount of snow 2 or 3 times already so I was ready to put up this post for sure!
This is the time the weatherman told us we weren’t going to get snow. WE DID.
My niece, Genevieve, playing in the snow for the first time. Last year she was too little to actually play!
The Books
In the winter time I have this inexplicable urge to read the classics. I just want to curl up with some tea, snow falling out my window and get lost in them. This winter I want to tackle a classic but I also want to get into the Christmas/wintery romance books! I’m VOWING to myself to read one (I’ve only read like Dash & Lily and Let It Snow) and I think it will help because I just haven’t been in the Christmas cheer mood. So my Winter reading list is a combination of some classics and some winter-y romances! Hopefully I’ll have some snow falling to set the mood if the past week or so is an indicator of what is to come in Winter!
The Music
I shared my Christmas music playlist here! This Winter playlist is not a Christmas playlist but rather the same as my Fall playlist in that I have so much music and like to make random playlists so I can stop replaying the same songs over and over again. So I make playlists based on the most random of things like these bookish ones. Or ones with songs from dudes with beards. Or with a food in the title. This one, like my Fall playlist, is comprised of songs I listen to with wintery words in the title — cold, December, snow, ice, etc. I’ve been listening to it a looot. Actually quite perfect for these cold days!
You can follow this playlist HERE!
The Movies
These are my staples that I watch over and over again. I know I need to integrate new ones so I’d love some recommendations. I’ve seen A LOT of Christmas movies but not all get in the “every year” rotation but I would loooove to find a new one!
Love Actually –I could watch this at any point during the year. PLUS a young Andrew Lincoln!!! SAWOOOON.
The Family Stone — God, I love this movie! If you love watching family dynamic kind of stuff, DO IT.
Elf — All of the LOLS. I can quote all the lines. YEP. Pretty much the only Will Ferrell movie I’ve watched more than once!
A Christmas Story — Classic! You’ll shoot your eye out!
Home Alone — I will never stop loving this movie. KEVINNNNNN.
The Santa Clause – Can’t go wrong with this one!
How The Grinch Stole Christmas — THE ORIGINAL, YO! Not the Jim Carrey crap. This reminds me of my mom so much <333
The Nightmare Before Christmas — TIM BURTON! Enough said!
So, have you gotten snow already?? What other songs have a wintry word in the title that you think I’d like and can add to my playlist? Discover any new songs from it?? What movies are YOUR staples to watch around the holidays?! Give me a rec for one I’ve maybe never heard of (I’ve watched A LOT)! AND MOST IMPORTANTLY…what books should I read??!
Ashley says
Your nieces cheeks continue to kill me. Also, thank you for the music, because for some reason I fear actually emailing you asking you for recs..and we’re legit friends. You also posted a few holiday movies I haven’t seen. That being said one of my family staples is Die Hard and I think that says everything you need to know about my family.
And no, we haven’t gotten snow yet, but we did hit a record high of 82.
Jamie says
OMG I LOVE TALKING MUSIC. ALWAYS.
Umm can I come visit you?! I WANT WARMTH.
ashley says
YES. Please do. It’s kind of awesome right now. Weird being from Wisconsin and I’m used to snow. BUT AWESOME.
And noted!
Allison @ The Allure of Books says
Christmas movies are the best! My two must watches every single year since I can remember are Christmas Vacation and most importantly…Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas which I CANNOT recommend highly enough. Best movie ever.
I know what you mean about classics in the winter too, I’ve been trying to pick out some for myself as well 🙂 I think I’m going with David Copperfield by Charles Dickens and Kim by Rudyard Kipling. Out of your stack, DEFINITELY Jane Eyre, that would be an awesome book to read cozied up with a cup of tea. Also, Woman in White. Wilkie Collins is one of my favorite classic writers, his books are everything.
Glad you posted your music, your playlists are always amazing!
Jamie says
I’ve never seen either of those! Thanks for the recs!! Love trying new ones in addition to my faves.
Thanks for your recs with the classics! I can’t believe I’ve never read Jane Eyre.
Glad you enjoy the music! :))
Tanya says
No snow here in Florida! Whaaaa! 🙁 In fact, we have something of a warming trend going on and tomorrow might get up to 80. Fingers crossed that is cools before Christmas next week. Christmas with the a/c running is just so wrong. LOL
Wuthering Heights would be the perfect winter read! A great atmospheric book, Catherine and Heathcliff wandering the moors… an excellent pick!
Love Actually… ahhh. One of my faves of all time. Love it so, so much.
Your Christmas playlist the other day inspired me to go download some Christmas music!
Jamie says
Oh man! I’m coming to visit or let’s swap weather for a week?? But yea, Christmas with the AC does seem wrong!! haha. My family all lives in FL and they’ve been saying how warm it’s been!
Thanks for your book rec! I’m always sooo curious about Wuthering Heights.
YAY CHRISTMAS MUSIC!
Mary @ BookSwarm says
I have a very hard time getting in the holiday spirit but good books, a roaring fire and A Christmas Story all help greatly! BTW, your niece is ADORABLE! She looks like a little snow angel.
Jamie says
Idk what it is this year! I think the unemployment thing :/ I’m really trying — blaring all the christmas music I can, decorating the tree, etc! Hoping a nice Christmas romance will do the trick!
And thanks…doesn’t she look gorgeous?!
Rebecca @ The Library Canary says
I’m reading Jane Eyre in January for my Coffee and Classics feature if you want to read with me!! Okay and seriously, I am in love with that picture of Genevieve. She is so freaking adorable and that picture is so beautiful. 🙂 Elf!!!!!! Love that movie. I always watch it like a million times during Christmas. I’ll have to check out your Christmas playlist today. 🙂
Jamie says
Oh yes!! I will read with you!!
GAH I know. She’s such a little angel!
Laura Ashlee says
I just had to answer with my opinions on what you should read (or should not read). As far as classics go, definitely Jane Eyre. That is my favorite book of all time. After you read it, you should totally watch the 2006 Masterpiece Theatre mini-series adaptation. It’s my favorite one because Toby Stephens is the best Mr. Rochester ever. The only one of the Christmas books I’ve read is Dating Mr. December. It was okay. I think I got it for free, so it wasn’t bad for a free book. I’ve heard really good things about Decked with Holly though. That would probably be my choice.
As far as Christmas movies go, I love Love Actually. It’s one of my favorite holiday movies. I actually watch The Nightmare Before Christmas the other day because my boyfriend had never seen it (weird, right?). The best ever holiday movie is It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s such a feel good movie. We have this old classic theater in Birmingham and they show Christmas movies all through the month. I went to see It’s a Wonderful Life last night there. One of my friends goes every year and I started going with her last year.
Anyway, enough of my babbling. Merry Christmas!
Jamie says
Ooh thanks for letting me know what to watch after I read Jane Eyre!
Decked the Holly looks so cute and I hear a lot of people like that author’s other book..Awkward I think is the name?
Love Actually is just the BEST EVER. Embarrassing but I’ve NEVER seen It’s A Wonderful Life. My stepmom used to watch it every Christmas but I was younger and I was like EWW BORING BLACK AND WHITE MOVIES. Time to put my big girl pants on and watch it this year! Merry Christmas to you, too!
Stephanie B says
Oh bless you, you watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Home Alone is definitely a good one but every single year I end up watching The Santa Claus with Tim Allen (the first one). It’s probably my favorite Christmas movie.
Jamie says
The Santa Claus is SO GOOOD! Tim Allen is awesome!
Ginger @ GReads! says
Oh I LOVE this post! So much Holiday-Winter-Christmas goodness!!! From your reading pile I’ve read: Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, Snowed Over, and Yours at Midnight. All were great! But I’d go with the Jennifer Crusie novel since I just read her book BET ME & absolutely adored it! That woman’s writing is hilarious & so much fun to read.
Jamie says
I was curious if you had read any of these! I think I saw you had read one of them and that’s why I added it to my list (can’t remember which one!). Thanks for your recs!! Now I have to get Bet Me so you and April will still love meeee. 😛
Hannah says
I’m so jealous of your snow. It’s freezing here in the UK but instead of snow we just keep getting rain! I’m determined to get to the end of the series I keep starting but not finishing this winter! I’ve never really read Christmas themed books before but some of these look good, will definitely try and check some of them out 🙂
You should check out ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ as a Christmassy themed film. Be warned, it’s a black and white one, but is a must for this time of year! 🙂
Jamie says
UGH that’s the worst. The rain that is SO close to be snow. It makes me colder for some reason than snow does? lol. That’s a good goal — with the series. It’s on my new year’s resolutions because I have sooo many series hanging in the balance.
I am so embarrassed I haven’t seen It’s A Wonderful Life!! I feel like I should have by now at this point in my adult life!!
Jessica says
Sadly, we don’t get snow down here in the south that often but the picture of your niece playing in the snow is so cute! And you make the best playlists. I’m pretty sure I’ll have your winter one going while I wrap presents tonight! My favorite movies to watch at Christmas are Love Actually and The Year Without a Santa Claus. I love curling up with a hot beverage and watching the Christmas magic unfold! Love this post!
Jamie says
See, I’m always so conflicted about where I live and Winter. I’m always MISERABLE bc I’m cold always but I think it would be really weird NOT to have snow in winter time!
And thank you! I always wonder, when I post these playlists, if people actually like them or not! So thanks for the feedback!
Hmmm I don’t know if I’ve seen The Year Without Santa…must check it out!!
Terri @ Starlight Book Reviews says
I’ve been enjoying the song “Snow Globe” by Matt Wertz – it’s pretty pop-y and fun.
Also, if you’ve never watched “White Christmas” with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, that is a must. It is brilliant and musical and fun.
Genevieve is so cute!!! I love her chubby little cheeks!
Randi M says
We’re getting ice & snow this weekend…bleh. I’m over it! I wouldn’t mind it so much if I didn’t have to drive in it. Anyway, read JANE EYRE! It’s tied with Little Women for my favorite book of all-time. Srsly, read it. 🙂 And, if you haven’t watched White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye <3, definitely add that to your rotation! It's one of my favorite movies ever and I always get super psyched to watch it. 🙂
Lisa (Fic Talk) says
Ahhh! Your niece is TOO SWEET!
As for the Christmas reads, I’d go with Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor. If you’ve read the summary you’d know the MC owns a toy shop. It’s so magical and sweet. I adored it.
Great song choices as well!
Personally, it isn’t Christmas until I’ve watched Love, Actually. It is a MUST. Closely followed is The Santa Clause 1, Christmas With The Kranks (Tim Allen again) and it’s hilarious. Home Alone is another great one. Also, Christmas isn’t complete w/o a viewing of The Christmas Carol. Either the old version with the muppets or the new animated version w/ Jim Carrey.
Great post, Jamie! 😀
Stu says
i just found your blog and i love it!
The Family Stone is definitely one of my favorite christmas movies. i think it’s way too unappreciated, it’s not just a christmas movie but incredibly well made family drama!
Andi says
Decked with Holly was a cute book. I read that last year. It was fun and pretty light.
Also for movies, you missed the best of all time…One Magic Christmas. You NEED to get that one and watch it. It is amazingness!
Emmah says
I have gotten snow already! Not a huge fan. I really only want a white Christmas, and then I want it gone haha. Not going to happen though, since I live in Maine. And a holiday movie to watch? Definitely check out “The National Tree”. It’s a Lifetime or Hallmark movie. I can’t remember which.
Coranne says
Let’s see…. You should absolutely read Jane Eyre, Decked with Holly (totally a cute easy read- Marnie Bates is a hilarious writer!), and for the Christmas movie- watch Meet Me in St. Louis starring Judy Garland (It is where the song Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas originated. Fun fact: the words to this song were INCREDIBLY depressing and she refused to sing it unless the writer put more hope and happiness into the song). And to go with your song trends- how about “Winter” by Tori Amos?
Merry Christmas Jamie!
Critica says
Oh my goodness, I can’t recommend Jane Eyre enough! It’s one of my favorite books; Jane is such an amazing character and I really loved Rochester despite his flaws. I’ve gotten quite a bit of snow as well… But now it’s raining and most of the pretty snow is gone 🙁 Anyway. Your niece is absolutely adorable! 😀
alisa selene says
Jane Eyre is my all time favorite book!
Brianna says
We had snow yesterday, but not enough to get excited about, although there’s plenty leftover from a storm earlier this month. It’s supposed to be clear through Christmas. I’m heading out of town on Wednesday so I hope that’s actually the case so I can get out of here.
Leigh @ Little Book Star says
You should TOTALLY read Jane Eyre! It’s my all time favorite classics. Unfortunately, it dosen’t snow here in Southern California 🙁 ugh unless the weather decides to be really bipolar. A movie that I love watching during the holidays are School of Rock, The Princess Diaries (1&2), and The Lion King!
Eve says
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone (first two parts, the third + were really lame) and The Nightmare Before Christmas are some of my absolute favorite movies!! Elf and The Santa Clause are amazing, too, though I don’t remember much from them, except for the basics.
You should definitely read Wuthering Heights! It’s one of my favorite books and it’s never a bad time to re-read, haha. I despise almost all the characters, but there’s something addictive about this book. I have to find my copy of Jane Eyre and read it again, because I barely remember anything from it (but the movie with Mia Wasikowska was really good!!).
Your post has inspired me to find all the Christmas-y movies I know and watch them all over again 😀 haha
Jade @ Bits & Bobs says
If you read one classic this winter, I’d make it Jane Eyre. It is very much a staple on my bookshelves. When it comes to films, I tend to watch the same ones year in year out around this time of year – I probably need to find some new ones!
🙂
Bits & Bobs
Annie Yasmine says
I really want it to snow where I am living but unfortunately no such thing is happening yet! Hopefully on Christmas Day it will miraculously snow.
– Annie
Liz says
I have never actually seen Love Actually maybe I will have to this year.
Cate says
I recommend Wuthering Heights– it’s definitely one of my favorite classics! My favorite winter movie has to be The Holiday, I can watch that one over and over again!
Ruby says
I’ve cried at books before, but only at how tragic the events were… with Wuthering Heights I found myself a sobbing wreck due to the sheer beauty of everything about it – I definitely recommend! All the classics you’ve listed are brilliant though… haven’t read any of the holiday themed selection, but I’m planning on re-reading Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares this Christmas, as well as The Snow Child. 🙂
OH and I LOVE all the films listed! Love Actually is so brilliantly cliché, corny and perfect. 🙂
Hayley says
I’ve seen a few people recommend it, but The Holiday is a fantastic winter movie! Also It’s A Wonderful Life–classic, but so so good. I love your playlists! I listened to your Christmas ones too, and they’re delightful–you have amazing taste in music!
Ashley VanHorn says
Oh goodness does cold weather get me in the reading mood! All I wanted to do was watch Elf but unfortunately it looks like I lost it in the move 🙁