Read Yourself Sane: A Holiday Survival Guide

As the holiday season ramps up, so do our stress levels. Though intended to be joyous, the glut of festivities can really fray the nerves. Local shop Wilson’s Book World has a few recommendations for books that may help you keep yourself together amid the merry holiday chaos.

Channel your inner hero

For the fans of historical fiction, Wilson’s employees recommend Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, translation by Burton Raffel. Few things can relieve a challenging moment as well as an engaging work of fiction. The book follows a classic quest formula: a brave knight receives a challenge, makes a gallant journey to meet it, and triumphantly returns home. Find your inspiration to take on the season valiantly! For a contemplative and inspirational book of fiction, pick up Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven. The novel follows a man’s ascent to heaven, where he comes across five people who had been deeply important in his life.

On a Lighter Note

John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas is their pick for the humor/ fiction genre. We should be able to laugh at the inherent silliness of the season, right? This book takes a comedic look at the festive frenzy that has become our year-end tradition.

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris is one that I, personally, enjoy every year. This quick read is punchy and hilarious, highlighting the absurdity of the season through a series of creative essays.

History can repeat itself

Silent Night by Stanley Weintraub will please those who enjoy historical non-fiction, according to the folks at Wilson’s. Weintraub, a military historian, details the incredible true story of the 1914 Christmas Truce that took place during World War I. On Christmas Day, German and British soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate together, singing carols, and even playing soccer. That makes a peaceful dinner with your cantankerous Uncle Jerry seem possible, does it not?

If contemporary literature is your preference, they recommend The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. This life-affirming, Nielsen Gold Book Award-winning novel chronicles a young shepard’s journey of self-discovery and oneness with the universe, as he travels in search of treasure.

Just breathe

One book that helps me traverse the season is the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh’s, Peace is Every Step. Slowing down and staying present can cause your anxiety to melt away with each breath you take. Just the act of reading this short book is a practice of meditation and self-love. For a beautiful, readerly meditation on the season, I recommend picking up Winter: Five Windows of the Season, a poetic work on non-fiction by The New Yorker columnist Adam Gopnik. It is important to keep in mind that there is more to this time of year than holiday festivities.

If you wish to go straight to the heart of the matter and “Marie Kondo” the most wonderful time of the year, be sure to read Ho Ho NO! Tips for an Organized and Stress-Free Holiday Season. Time management expert Lisa Crilley Mallis uses her proven methods to guide readers toward a focus on organization, ensuring that your holidays can be truly enjoyed.

Thank you so much to Wilson’s Book World for their superb suggestions! I hope you will stop by their shop at 535 16th St N. to peruse these fantastic reads, and proactively steady yourself for a truly wonderful season. I wish you holiday greetings and gay happy meetings all throughout this most wonderful time of the year!