THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY POLICIES FOR MORE INFO. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These posts/resources are also not a substitute for medical/professional advice. Please seek professional help if you feel you or someone you know needs it. Read more in my disclaimer on the policies page located in footer of the website.
Each month for the year, we have highlighted a different book to check out. And this month’s book is a great one to wrap up the year.
With beautiful words and even more beautiful sentiments, I find myself curling up with a nice blanket and reading the book with such devotion. It’s simple, charming, and cozy-perfect for a book for December.
Introducing This Month’s Book
In all honesty, I had a whole different book selected for this month up until yesterday.
It would have fit well for this festive month, but something within me was telling me it wasn’t the book for this month.
I ended up reading this month’s book during my morning routine yesterday, and I immediately knew it was supposed to be December’s book.
Evergreen by Lydia Millen is a true gem.
Following the seasons, Lydia takes you through a peaceful reflection of the year-and the gifts that each season brings with it.
The month of December gets its very own highlight and “season” of winter (January and February are talked about in the “Midwinter” chapter). Focusing on the magic and wonder this time of year brings, it leaves you inspired to really make the most of this festive time of year-for you.
“No season does celebrations, decorations and traditions quite like [December], in my book. Which it is why I wait patiently for it throughout the year and savour its sparkle when it finally arrives…” -Lydia Millen, Evergreen
Questions to Ask Yourself
Consider these questions while you read Evergreen-whether it’s this month or 11 months from now.
I’m personally not a someone who uses guided reading questions—feels a little too school-y for when you are reading for enjoyment. I kept that in mind when developing these questions with the intention and hope they are useful and fun to think about!
A Final Note on Joy
After I decided to pick this book for December, I had a moment of “Wait, can I?”
The book follows the seasons, and-I have found personally-I love to read it at the start of each season rather than all at once. I look forward to it each and every start of new calendar season change.
“But, how can I pick a book where I’m suggesting to read just one chapter of it for the month?” I asked myself.
Then, I realized… this book was ideal for December.
On the one hand, December is a month where loads of gift giving happens. And, this book is a WONDERFUL choice for your mindful loved ones or for yourself.
Lydia’s style of writing is peaceful and exudes coziness. It’s a book to curl up with a cup of tea in the colder months or with an iced tea while you read it outside during the warmer months.
Often the gifts we give others tend to be either: 1.) seasonal and/or 2.) used everyday. Those type of gifts are great in their own rights. What I love about the idea of gifting (or giving yourself!) Evergreen, is that the book is… as the title suggests…. evergreen.
This book is a joy to take out each start of a season and remains a treat each time. Reading this book can take a whole year if you want it to-and I love the idea of starting this book during the holidays and moving into the new year with it!
On the other hand, Lydia spends a great deal of time in December’s “Winter” chapter talking about the feeling of magic and wonder of this season. And how, THAT feeling is intentional.
“Now more than ever, traditions-new and old- come into their own and adults the world over come to the startling revelation that in order to feel the magic we once felt as children, we must consciously create that magic ourselves.” -Lydia Millen, Evergreen
The feeling of wonder is talked about in The Book of Joy as being one of the very feelings that make up the umbrella feeling of joy!
It seems only fitting then that this book be December’s book pick.
Whether you get this month’s book for yourself or for someone else, this book leaves you with a sense of wonder in each and every season. Each snowflake that falls in winter, each flower that buds in the spring, each sun-drenched summer day, and each leaf that falls in autumn will be viewed with a renewed sense of joy after reading this book.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
VIEW THE COMMENTS
Joyfilled Book Club: December’s Pick