With December well under-way, us book lovers are really hoping to see books under our trees, and in our dreams next to the dancing sugar plumbs. But while you're waiting for the big unwrapping day, here are some of my favorite Christmas books to help get you in the mood!

The 12 Days of Dash and Lilly

Co-written by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, if that cover doesn't catch your eye, then nothing will. It's funny and witty, with some good life lessons mixed in. Also, the introduction of a mom and daughter Christmas latte will knock your plain old coffee out of first place.

Sorrow Road

Written by one of my most favorite authors, Julia Keller, Sorrow Road will have you hooked, and then running to the bookstore for her first four books preceding Sorrow Road. (All of which I HIGHLY recommend) Mystery lovers, rejoice!! The story takes place in the little town of Acher's Gap, Virginia. With the descriptive snow-filled Winter scenes, it's easy to imagine a little town, and will make you want to cozy up on the couch and pretend it's a snow day.

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

You can read this book for the story (because it really is great), but the reason I love this book so much is DEFINITELY for the artwork. It's BEAUTIFUL.

My True Love Gave To Me

For those of us that LOVE short stories (ME!), My True Love Gave To Me is the perfect book. Plus, THAT COVER. Half the reason I bought it last year was because of how much I loved the cover. My True Love Gave To Me, is written by a collection of our favorite YA authors, and gives that Christmas feeling, while at the same time facing some of the harsh realities that a lot of us face this time of year.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

It's never too late to fall in love with a Dr. Seuss book. Ever. And what better way to start than reading the classic Christmas story about a change of heart. Then, when you're done reading the book, go watch the movie!

The Nightmare Before Christmas

If anything, read this book for the illustrations, because it's amazing. Plus, there are so many versions of this story, and everyone of them will just blow you away with the unique art work that they offer.

Plus, just like reading the Grinch, you can also watch The Nightmare Before Christmas after you read the book!

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The first time I read Barbara Robinson's book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, I was eight. And I've loved it ever since. The Herdman's are a rough bunch, but it's heartwarming to see them grow and change and learn to love as the story progresses. And even though the movie is horribly outdated, you might enjoy it as well.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Jump in to the ever classic novel by C.S. Lewis, where it's always winter, but NEVER Christmas. Filled with heartwarming characters, family ties, and an evil witch, I feel like you just can't go wrong reading this one.

Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances

Let It Snow has been called "Tender without being mushy" by the School Library Journal, and if you love Teen Romances, you might enjoy this as well! Let It Snow is more like My True Love Gave To me, a shorter story then you're used to, but the three stories combined in the book are longer than the typical short story.

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is one of my most favorite ballets, and the book never seems to disappoint. Join Clara for her Christmas Eve adventures!

The Little Match Girl

I am far too emotional of a human to read this book, but I do it anyways, because I love it so much. The Little Match Girl tells a story of a young girl, who is starving and freezing, but won't go home because her dad will beat her because she didn't sell any matches. Most of the book is about the dreams and hopes that she sees in the match light that she stares into while she dies. While it's real world application can hit home for too many of us, I think the upside is that we all have secret dreams and hopes that we need to be brave enough to honor, just as she did.

The Night Before Christmas

Just like The NightMARE Before Christmas, there are SO MANY versions of The Night Before Christmas, that no matter what route you take, the artwork will never disappoint.

Harry Potter

It might be a little silly to recommend reading Harry Potter to get you in the Christmas spirit, but if there is anyone that can make you feel the Christmas love, it IS J.K. Rowling. Even though all of the Harry Potter stories aren't written around Christmas, J.K. Rowling never fails to include Christmas scenes that are so vivid and so energetic. Even the Christmas Eve in the graveyard at Godric's hollow makes us love Christmas.