When I think of Christmas and holiday celebrations, two contradictory scenes immediately spring to mind. They couldn’t be more different, but they’re equally delightful.
The festive gathering. Work parties, family celebrations, holiday concerts, neighborhood round-robins, and annual get-togethers fill my calendar! Who doesn’t anticipate these events where we gather with fellow merry-makers beneath bright lights with Mariah Carey and Frank Sinatra playlists providing background music? A game or two adds to the fun, along with plenty of drinks to lubricate the conversation. I enjoy getting dolled up in a goofy Christmas sweater or my favorite dark green wrap dress. A holiday cocktail sets the tone, shall we toast the event with mulled wine or champagne? My book club loves Dirty Snowballs, a yummy slush of equal parts coffee liqueur, vodka, dark creme de cacao, and cream. Sometimes there’s a gift exchange (White Elephants are the best, right?). And there’s always food–fancy desserts like Yule Logs, assorted cookies and candies, savory appetizers, and platters with cheese and sausages abound! Nothing screams holiday cheer like the image of friends and families together around a glittering tree! It’s the cameo moment of every Target ad and Hallmark movie! A festive gathering involves all of these ingredients: loved ones, decorations, drinks, food, music, and fun! But there’s another iconic image equally prevalent in the Christmas shows and advertisements…
The peaceful moment. The days are short and the temperatures plummet. Someone’s lit a candle, the glow of the fireplace reflects against the Christmas tree. The wind blows outside, or maybe snowflakes gently drift from the sky to settle on the ground. Birds flit around the feeders and a cat or two blinks at them lazily from where they’ve draped across the back of the couch. In this image I’m curled up in comfy sweats, maybe with a soft blanket on my lap. Steam from hot chocolate or tea curls above my mug. I smell the pine needles, I hear the stillness, I feel the calm and in the midst of this cozy moment, I open my book to savor the season forreading! Is there a time of year more perfectly suited to losing oneself in a good read–especially a cozy holiday-themed mystery? And all the better if that book lures me in with a fun cover and a punny title, like Slay Bells Ring by Nancy Robards Thompson . Murder and Christmas go together like peace and goodwill toward men in A Santa Stabbing by Geri Krotow or Murder Below the Mistletoe by Kaz Delaney. A classic peaceful moment includes a warm quiet spot, some twinkling lights, a hot drink, softness, and a Christmas read.
It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without the party and the solitude. The combination at this time of year makes the season even sweeter!
Melissa Westemeier grew up around the edge of nerd culture, but marriage and motherhood with three sons immersed her in it. She’s fluent in Marvel, DC, Dr. Who, Star Wars, Godzilla, and more thanks to their influence. Her fiction work includes rom-com and a trilogy loosely based on her experience tending bar on the Wolf River in Wisconsin. She’s thrilled to realize her childhood dream of writing murder mysteries. Her books blend her humor and appreciation for nerd culture while tackling serious themes and unpacking the puzzle of whodunnit (and how and why!). In her spare time, Melissa needs to be outside or near a window. Her passions include hiking, swimming, biking, reading, and fantasizing about her next vacation destination.
The holiday season is a time for reflection, celebration, AND—let’s be honest—comfort. While the lights sparkle AND the scent of pine fills the air, there’s something about this time of year that makes you want to slow down and embrace the simple joys of life. AND what could be more wonderful than enjoying a quiet moment with your furry pet pal, a steaming cup of hot cocoa, AND a cozy book to keep you company?
Furry Friends and Holiday Snuggles
There’s no better companion during the holidays than your pet. Whether it’s your cat curling up in your lap as you read, your dog gently resting their head on your feet by the fire, or the sound of purring filling the quiet of a chilly night, pets add a layer of warmth AND comfort to the season. They’re always there to share in the moments of peace AND joy that make Christmas so magical. Their presence turns any moment into a special one—whether you’re wrapping gifts, watching holiday movies, or simply taking in the holiday cheer.
The Magic of Cozy Books
For me, one of the most magical parts of the holiday season is curling up with a good book. There’s something about wintery nights AND holiday mornings that make reading extra cozy. Picture this: You’re tucked under a blanket, your pet cuddled up nearby, AND you’re lost in the pages of a festive novel or heartwarming story. It’s the ultimate relaxation, AND there’s no better time of year to dive into your favorite holiday reads. From classic Christmas tales to cozy mysteries set against snowy backdrops, books bring a special kind of magic that’s perfect for the season.
The Simple Joys of the Season
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays—shopping, cooking, parties, AND planning—but sometimes the best moments are the quiet ones. This year, let’s focus on those simple joys: the purr of a content cat, the warmth of a faithful dog by your side, AND the satisfaction of finishing a great book by the glow of Christmas lights. These moments are what make the holidays truly unforgettable.
So, here’s to enjoying the good times, embracing the cozy companionship of our pets, AND finding magic in every page we turn. After all, when you have your furry friends, a good book, AND a warm, festive atmosphere, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.
When people think of CHRISTMAS, their minds usually go to shopping, gifts, movies, snow, hot chocolate, cookies, and festive gatherings. As a reader and a writer, this time of year also fills me with the desire to immerse myself fully in the season by reading or re reading holiday stories.Â
Romance is such a joyful genre and for me, this includes a romantic cozy mystery. The only thing that can make falling for someone on the page better, is if it’s all happening during this merry season.
Since Christmas is about sharing and magic, I wanted to offer a few of my favorite reads and tell you all what I’m putting on my holiday TBR pile for this year.
Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell
This very short, very sweet story walks us through the friendship of two people who met at a New Year’s Eve party in high school. Noel is coming back from his first semester in college and Mags can’t wait to see him. They’ve missed each other terribly and not just as friends.
Simply Irresistibleby Jill ShalvisÂ
When Maddie heads back to Lucky Harbor to a somewhat crumbling inn she’ll share with her sisters, she doesn’t expect to fall in love. This was my Jill Shalvis gateway book and I will forever remember the three sisters drunkenly sharing underneath the Christmas tree. It was delightful.
Landline by Rainbow RowellÂ
This is the sweetest novel that reminds a longtime married couple what matters most, especially at the holidays. When Georgie finds a rotary phone in her childhood bedroom, it brings her back to the past when she met her now husband, Neal, and makes her rethink her choice to spend the holiday working.
Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel CohnÂ
This book (and television series adaptation) is adorable and so enjoyable. Exchanging dares and secrets in a notebook, both Dash and Lily learn about themselves and how far they’re willing to go to be their authentic selves and find a person worth sharing that self with.
Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle
This collection of interwoven stories also has a great movie adaptation and what I love most about it is the overlapping stories that let you see the events from a variety of view points.
My to-read list for this year includes The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore and All I Want for Christmas by Falon Ballard.Â
Time seems to fly past at a quicker speed as I get older and I find myself needing to find ways to ground myself in the moment, the day, or the season. These reads will be what reminds me to sit by my tree with some hot chocolate and yummy cookies and get lost in the joy and magic of the season.
Jody Holford writes sweet romance and cozy mysteries with sweet romance in them. She’s published several books including the cozies in The Britton Bay Series. She’s unintentionally funny and rarely on time for anything. If she’s not writing, she’s reading, hanging out with her family, or doodling. She also writes romcoms under the pen name, Sophie Sullivan.
Thanks for joining me for day six of TULE’s 12 days of Christmas Blog Tour!Â
This is an exciting—and busy—time of year. To keep stress to a minimum, I have a few tried-and-true short cut dessert ideas on hand for those days when I’m running low on energy or I’m short on time.
Trust me. Short cut doesn’t mean deliciousness is short-changed.
So … ta da … my Cheesecake in a Jar is the perfect answer for any last-minute dessert needs. It’s festive, easy, and oh so delightful!
And, it’s a new offering on the menu at the Little Dog Diner!
Here you go with my recipe for Cheesecake in a Jar
Ingredients
1 cup graham cracker crumbs or any crumbled cookie of your choice
1 cup cold heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt at room temperature
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoonvanilla
Toppings & garnishes. The only rule is, be creative! Strawberries, blueberries, lemon curd, nuts, hot fudge or a combination are a few of my favorites. Add a pretty cookie and you’re done.
Instructions
I like to use 10 – 6 oz canning jars but any glass container glass container will do.
Add about 1 ½ TB crumbs to each 6 – oz jar.
Whip the cold heavy cream into stiff peaks. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. No lumps left!
Slowly fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake filling until combined.
Layer a couple large spoonfuls of filling on top of the crumbs in the jars. Use about 3 Tablespoons, more or less, into the 6 oz jars. Leave room for the topping.
Cover and chill for a half hour before adding your topping choice.
Now, the fun part. Add topping and garnishes, then serve.
Leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
One last thing. I always try one before serving to guests. I want to be sure it tastes delicious, right?
Take it from me, before your house is full of company, grab your favorite book, a cheesecake in a jar, a drink, and give yourself a much needed break!
Happy TULE Holiday Season everyone!
About the Author
Emmie Lyn grew up in a small town in New England, much like the towns where her female characters live—scenic, quaint and filled with colorful characters. She loves to create mysteries with twists and unexpected turns that draw readers in and capture their imagination.
Emmie lives in rural Massachusetts with her husband, a rescue terrier, and a black cat with a bad attitude. She shares twelve acres with a wide variety of wildlife including deer, bunnies, turkeys, and many songbirds. When she’s not busy thinking of ways to kill off a character (for a book, of course!) she enjoys a cup of tea and chocolate in her flower garden, hiking, or spending time near the ocean.
Hi, I’m M, here AT Tule I’m your resident dog cozy mystery author and crazy dog lady in general.
I’m also a lot like Leslie Knope in that gift-giving is like a sport for me. I love the thrill of finding the perfect gift for everyone.
And, yes, this includes my dogs.
So, I wanted to help out my fellow dog parents with some holiday gift suggestions for their fur babies!
For a little something special – Gourmet Dog Treats – We’ve special ordered ours from local bakeries, used Chewy, and even ordered from Amazon. If you’re going to a friend’s house and know they are a dog lover, they’re the perfect gift to bring for the host. (Fun fact, this is also what I suggested to my mom to give as a gift for a dog wedding. YEP the dog wedding that inspired A Poodle Perplexity.) https://amzn.to/48h72bi
For your playful dog, or one you need to keep distracted – The Nylon Treat Pod- Every single one of my dogs, family dogs, and foster dogs has loved this thing. You can put treats inside of the little nylon pods and they have to really lick and chew to get them out. They even love this bone without treats in it (as soon in pictures) https://amzn.to/4dY8osL
For those who want a new tradition – Books- A few years back we started getting matching family pajamas and books every year on Christmas Eve. And who am I to leave the dogs out? Luckily they have dog toy books that you can stuff with treats! Perfect to go with those matching pajamas! https://amzn.to/40aMwHv
For the sentimental bunch – Matching pajamas for you and your dog – Now my dogs, personally hated this, but to be fair, one is a rescue and is scared of everything. Even the matching pajamas my mom got us for Christmas. But I have to admit, they’re adorable.  https://amzn.to/3NDbTdy
For the pampered pooch – A new dog bed – We’ve gone through a lot of dog beds in the Alfano house, mainly because we’ve had puppies, fosters, and just furry dogs! So what better way to spoil your dog than a new bed for them to camp out in, while you read in your comfy chair? (One with a removable cover is also great) https://amzn.to/3NDcrA8
M. Alfano is a crazy dog lady from a small town in Texas. When not writing cozy mysteries you can find her as the substitute elementary school music teacher or writing contemporary romance under Magan Vernon.
HERE at the Westemeier house, we head to church on Christmas Eve and we spend Christmas day lounging in our sweatpants. I hate missing any of the fun playing games, watching movies, and dancing to the playlist streaming on the speaker, so I designed our menu to keep me out of the kitchen. With three adult sons and a husband all over six feet tall, you better believe I need to set out a spread, and that’s where this favorite soup recipe saves the holiday!
Soup is good food, and it’s especially satisfying when eaten with friends and family. Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a wonderful way to use up leftover holiday ham without putting too much pressure on the kitchen staff (usually just me). Paired with a loaf of crusty bread and sliced apples, cheese (because HERE in Wisconsin, it’s a food group on its own) and Christmas cookies, Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup satisfies even the hungriest dinner guest. We can dip into the crock pot whenever hunger hits, and this recipe makes enough to serve any visitors who might come to our door.
Except for the potatoes, the soup’s ingredients can be prepped the night before, and it doesn’t take more than twenty minutes to produce this hearty main course. I love the options for cooking time, too. Best of all, nearly every ingredient in this recipe has a long shelf life, making the cook’s life even easier!
Just as my family gathers HERE for holidays, the residents at The Abbey: Senior Living in my Nun the Wiser Mysteries enjoy a communal meal together in the old sanctuary now appropriated as a dining room. The cooks prepare Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup for the residents to satisfy their hunger and warm them up on a cold day.
And after the party’s over, what’s cozier than a bowl of soup, a cup of cocoa, and a cozy murder mystery by any of these fine Tule authors while you’re snuggled up in your favorite chair? Sounds like the perfect ending to a holiday celebration!
Melissa Westemeier grew up around the edge of nerd culture, but marriage and motherhood with three sons immersed her in it. She’s fluent in Marvel, DC, Dr. Who, Star Wars, Godzilla, and more thanks to their influence. Her fiction work includes rom-com and a trilogy loosely based on her experience tending bar on the Wolf River in Wisconsin. She’s thrilled to realize her childhood dream of writing murder mysteries. Her books blend her humor and appreciation for nerd culture while tackling serious themes and unpacking the puzzle of whodunnit (and how and why!). In her spare time, Melissa needs to be outside or near a window. Her passions include hiking, swimming, biking, reading, and fantasizing about her next vacation destination.
