As sweaters replace light jackets and cocoa becomes a daily comfort, November ushers in that magical transition from autumn’s golden glow to the sparkle of the holiday season. But along with the twinkling lights, comforting casseroles, and family gatherings comes something else: busy schedules. Before you know it, December will be filled with shopping lists, travel plans, and celebrations galore.
That’s why now, before the whirlwind begins, is the perfect time to cozy up with your favorite blanket, brew a cup of tea, and give your TBR (to-be-read) book list a little love. Organizing your TBR before the holidays helps you feel calm and prepared, letting you focus on reading for joy rather than feeling overwhelmed by all those unread titles whispering your name.
So let’s dive into 15 warm and practical tips to help you sort, prioritize, and refresh your TBR before the festive season kicks into full gear.
Simple Ways to Organize Your Book Lists Before the Holiday Rush
1. Start with a Bookish Reset
Before tackling your overflowing list, take a deep breath and set the mood. Make it feel special! Light a candle that smells like cinnamon or pine, put on a cozy playlist, and grab your favorite drink. This isn’t a chore. It’s a self-care ritual for book lovers.
Once you’re settled in, take stock of where your TBR lives. Do you keep it on Goodreads, StoryGraph, a spreadsheet, or a physical pile by your bed? Gather everything in one place. You’ll need a clear view of your entire reading landscape before you can start organizing.
If your TBR feels out of control (we’ve all been there), don’t worry. The goal isn’t to read everything; it’s to create a system that feels comforting and realistic for this season of life.
2. Reflect on Your Reading Goals
Before you start cutting or adding books, think about your current reading mood and goals. What kind of reader do you want to be as the year winds down?
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to finish a few lingering books before the new year?
- Am I craving cozy comfort reads or exciting page-turners?
- Do I want to focus on holiday-themed stories or clear out older titles first?
Your answers will guide how you prioritize your list. The holidays often bring a mix of nostalgia and coziness, so you might find yourself drawn to books with warmth, family, and heart. Give yourself permission to lean into those feelings.
3. Sort Your TBR by Season and Mood
One of the easiest ways to organize your TBR before the holidays is by creating seasonal or mood-based categories. This not only makes your list feel more manageable but also helps you find the perfect read for your current vibe.
Try grouping your books into cozy categories such as:
- Holiday and Winter Reads: Heartwarming romances, snowy mysteries, or stories set around family gatherings.
- Comfort Reads: Books that feel like a warm blanket, like gentle fiction, light fantasy, or feel-good romances.
- Emotional Journeys: If you enjoy stories that make you reflect or feel deeply, keep a few ready for quieter nights.
- Quick Escapes: Short, fast-paced reads perfect for busy days or travel time.
When your reading mood matches the season, you’ll be more likely to reach for your books instead of letting them gather dust.
4. Revisit What You No Longer Want to Read
It’s perfectly okay to admit when a book no longer excites you. Tastes change, and that’s part of being a lifelong reader.
Go through your list and ask:
- Does this book still interest me?
- If I saw this in a bookstore today, would I still pick it up?
- Am I keeping it because of guilt or pressure?
If a title no longer fits your reading mood, remove it or move it to a “someday” list. Think of this as decluttering your bookshelf, making space for stories that truly spark joy right now.
Don’t worry about “abandoning” a book. Letting go frees you to focus on stories that bring excitement and calm during a busy time of year.
5. Prioritize Holiday and End-of-Year Reads
The holiday season is a wonderful time for themed reading. Whether you love sweet Christmas romances, wintery fantasies, or reflective memoirs about gratitude and hope, now is the moment to create a special holiday TBR stack.
Choose a few books that match the festive spirit. You could include:
- A cozy small-town holiday romance
- A snowy mystery or thriller
- A classic winter tale you’ve always meant to read
- A heartwarming family story
Creating a mini holiday TBR gives your reading month a sense of celebration and helps you stay inspired amid the seasonal hustle.
If you’re planning to participate in any reading challenges or book clubs in December, gather those titles now so you’re ready to dive in.
6. Organize Your Digital Spaces
If your TBR lives on Goodreads, StoryGraph, Kindle, or another platform, spend a little time tidying up your digital shelves.
You can:
- Remove duplicates or books you’ve lost interest in
- Create new seasonal shelves (like “Winter Reads” or “Holiday 2025”)
- Add notes about where you left off or why you added a book
- Update your “currently reading” section to stay motivated
It may sound small, but a clean digital space can make a big difference in how calm and excited you feel about reading.
7. Curate a “Holiday Reading Nook”
This is the fun part! Set up a cozy reading corner or spot in your home that invites you to slow down and unwind.
Add:
- A warm blanket and soft pillow
- A small basket with your top holiday reads
- A candle or string lights
- A mug ready for cocoa or tea
- A playlist of jazzy or instrumental holiday songs
Having a dedicated reading nook turns reading into a daily retreat. It’s a gentle reminder to carve out time for yourself, even amid the chaos of shopping, decorating, and entertaining.
8. Create a “Cozy Reading Routine”
Once your TBR is organized, make a plan to actually enjoy it. Build reading into your routine in small, realistic ways.
Some ideas:
- Read a chapter while your morning coffee brews
- Listen to audiobooks during errands or cooking
- Wind down each night with a few pages before bed
- Dedicate one weekend afternoon to quiet reading time
Treat reading like a gift to yourself rather than another task. The holidays can be hectic, but your reading time should feel like peace in the midst of it all.
9. Plan for Bookish Treats and Surprises
Part of the fun of the season is giving yourself little delights. You can bring that spirit to your reading life, too.
Consider:
- Wrapping a few unread books and drawing one at random throughout the season (“mystery TBR gifts”)
- Hosting a cozy reading night with friends or family
- Swapping books with a reading buddy before the new year
- Treating yourself to one festive new release
A little whimsy keeps your reading experience joyful and spontaneous.
10. Leave Room for Flexibility
While organizing your TBR is helpful, don’t let it become rigid. Reading should always bring comfort, not stress. If your mood changes or a new book catches your eye, it’s perfectly fine to switch things up.
The goal is to have an inviting, flexible TBR that supports your mental space during the busiest months of the year. Think of it like a cozy blanket. You can wrap it around yourself in whatever way feels best.
11. Celebrate What You’ve Read This Year
As you prepare for the holidays, take a moment to look back on the books you’ve finished this year. What were your favorites? Which ones surprised or comforted you?
You can even create a little “bookish gratitude list” by writing down the titles that brought you joy or helped you through tough moments. Reflecting on your reading year is a beautiful way to close it out with appreciation.
12. Make a Gentle Reading Plan for December and Beyond
Once you’ve curated and refreshed your TBR, make a soft plan for the rest of the year. Notice I said “soft”—no pressure or strict deadlines.
Maybe your December goal is to read three cozy novels and one nonfiction book. Or perhaps it’s simply to read whatever feels right in the moment. The point is to have a sense of direction without turning reading into an obligation.
When the new year rolls around, you’ll feel organized, refreshed, and ready to start another season of stories.
13. Add a Touch of Holiday Magic
As the holidays draw closer, sprinkle some magic into your reading experience. Try pairing your books with seasonal treats, like gingerbread cookies and a festive romance, hot apple cider and a cozy mystery, peppermint cocoa and a holiday classic.
You could even create a “Book Advent Calendar” where you choose a small surprise read or short story for each week leading up to Christmas. It’s a playful way to stay engaged with your TBR while enjoying the season’s joy.
14. Keep a “Next Year” List
Sometimes, while decluttering your TBR, you’ll find books that don’t fit your current mood but still spark interest. Instead of deleting them, move them to a “2026 TBR” or “Next Year Reads” list.
This keeps your current TBR light while giving you a head start on next year’s reading goals. It’s also a great way to look forward to future bookish adventures once the holiday season has passed.
15. Remember Why You Love Reading
When all else fails, come back to the heart of it. You read because it fills you with warmth, imagination, connection, and joy.
The holidays can be a lot, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Books are a quiet haven, offering stillness amid the noise. Organizing your TBR isn’t just about order; it’s about creating a cozy, intentional space for your love of stories to thrive.
So light that pumpkin spice candle, snuggle under your fuzzy blanket, and start curating your holiday reading haven. May your TBR bring you comfort, inspiration, and a little sparkle of magic this season.
Final Thoughts
Your TBR doesn’t have to feel overwhelming this time of year. By refreshing it now, before the holidays begin, you give yourself the gift of clarity and peace. You’ll know exactly which books to reach for on a chilly evening, which ones can wait, and which ones no longer fit your heart.
This November, before the holiday hustle begins, take time to nurture your reading life. When your TBR feels organized and intentional, it becomes a source of joy rather than stress. And that’s what reading should be – a cozy, magical escape that helps you savor the season.
Happy Organizing & Reading!
