What book do you gift yourself for the holidays and why?

The holidays feel like a different reading season for many people. The pace of life slows down, evenings feel longer, and the kind of book that feels right often changes. Instead of reading to finish something or learn something, some of us read simply to sit with a story.

For me, the book I gift myself during the holidays is chosen very deliberately. I look for something calm, immersive, and patient. This year, I chose The Night Circus because it rewards slow reading. The atmosphere matters more than plot speed, and the quiet moments feel just as important as the big ones. It is the kind of book that pairs well with stillness and reflection, which is what I want from holiday reading.

In past years, A Gentleman in Moscow felt right because of its warmth and steady rhythm. It is a book that feels companionable rather than demanding. The Hobbit worked for a different reason. Its familiarity and sense of adventure made it feel comforting, like returning to a place I already know well.

These choices made me realize that holiday reading is less about what is popular or impressive and more about how a book fits a specific moment in the year. Timing can completely change how a story lands.

What book do you gift yourself during the holidays, and what makes it feel right for that time?

Thank you.