This year’s Christmas might be short on revelries, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to be less meaningful.

For the first time since the Spanish Influenza which took place a hundred years ago, the world will be celebrating a pandemic Christmas. As of this writing, nations and governments around the globe are still currently waging war against Covid-19. In several countries, their containment protocols for the last 6-9 months have allowed them to usher into the “new normal”, and people are slowly rebuilding their lives. On the other hand, there are still countries desperately fighting the health crisis forcing them to issue extended lockdowns, travel bans, and other quarantine measures. With vaccines still in their trial phase, it looks like most of us are going to spend Christmas less celebratory this year. With guidelines on outside gatherings and social distancing, many of us are sure to be stuck at home. This, however, doesn’t mean that the Yuletide season will be less meaningful. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to reflect and reexamine things. One way to make this holiday season is to read books that will help us improve ourselves and inspire us to rise above the current crisis that is affecting us all.

Spiritual Books

The long holiday (for some) is a chance to tap into your inner self. Books like Dr. Eric Alsterberg’s Healing and Transformation: Moving from the Ordinary to the Extraordinary. In this book, he discussed the importance of recognizing God’s presence in our lives and establishing a strong and meaningful relationship with Him. In this time of uncertainties and crisis, it is vital that we strive to have a strong spiritual foundation. Since the pandemic, cases of depression and suicide have increased dramatically. The need to be spiritually stable and mental sound is essential during these times. There are many spiritual books that you can read during this holiday season. Some of the books that you can check are Marilyn Taplin’s Come Climb Toward God, The Book of the Soul by Mark Nepo, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and many more.

Inspirational Stories

Sometimes, the way to grasps life’s lesson is through the experiences of others. We can find meaning in their struggles, journey, and triumphs. Inspirational stories also make perfect past time during this pandemic Christmas. You can go with classic works from veteran author Mitch Albom. His works include Tuesdays with Morrie (1997), The Five People You Meet in Heaven (2003), and The Time Keeper (2012). Gayle King’s 2018 New York Times bestseller Note to Self: Inspiring Words from Inspiring People is also a remarkable book to dig into. Aside from Christmas stories, we also recommend inspirational children’s books for young readers such as Odd Velvet by Mary Whitcomb, Stanza by Jill Esbaum, and A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman. Adults are not the only ones affected by this world health crisis. Children need to be reminded to continue to be kind, to hope, and to dream.

Perspectives / Tips

Lastly, the holiday season and the pandemic situation is an opportunity to improve oneself and to adopt new and better perspectives heading towards another year. Reflection and self-examination will actually lead to finding ways to be better. The following self-help books have proven to be effective in providing fresh perspectives and a positive mindset:

• Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
• Mindset by Benjamin Smith
• Grit by Angela Ducksworth
• As A Man Thinketh by James Allen
• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

And many more…

There are tons of books out there whose meaningful message can inspire us to persevere, to hope, and to remain kind and positive while fighting this pandemic. We hope that whatever books you read this holiday, will enrich your mind and fortify your soul. Happy holidays!