Although the holidays can be busy, it’s important to slow down, appreciate time spent with loved ones, and rest before the new year. With that in mind, Team Celadon share the books and shows occupying their downtime and the top gifts on their shopping lists this month.
Deb Futter, President and Publisher
Reading: Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
I have heard so many good things about this book, and it’s a nice long one to curl up with over the break.
Watching: The Diplomat
Missed it when it came out, so now I have several seasons to occupy me during the long winter nights. Also watching Task, as I loved Mare of Easttown –– same creator.
Gifting: Great olive oil!
A kitchen essential and doesn’t clutter up the house –– the bottle gets tossed or refilled after finishing it!
Ryan Doherty, VP, Editor-in-Chief
Reading: Murderland by Caroline Fraser
I’ve read too many good reviews of this true crime book about the concentration of serial killers in the Pacific Northwest not to give it a read.
Watching: Elf
My kids are obsessed.
Gifting: Puzzle Mania!
This beautiful puzzle and games hardcover book from The New York Times is my feeble attempt to get people to look up from their phones.
Christine Mykityshyn, Executive Director, Publicity
Reading: Slow Days, Fast Company by Eve Babitz
I’ve read this countless times, but I say pick it up when you want to feel like the life of the party, or hell, just want to go to a party but have no party to attend.
Watching:One Battle After Another
Please treat yourself to a truly great theater experience! See it in IMAX — as big and loud as you can. You won’t be disappointed.
Gifting: Cashmere bathrobe
Our publisher, Deb Futter, is an all-time great gift-giver and generously helped me put together my list — this is a wonderful gift for basically anyone you love.
Gregg Fleischman, Senior Marketing Director
Reading: Good Intentions by Marisa Walz
It’s another in a long line of thrillers that I’ve read this year, suggested by Marisa Kashino, author of Best Offer Wins.
Watching: Train Dreams
This movie, now on Netflix, has haunted me for weeks. A beautiful and extraordinary look at an ordinary life. I was gutted.
Gifting: Indoor Garden
I gifted this to myself; cannot wait for all the herbs to sprout. Soup recipes welcome!
Jaime Noven, Associate Marketing Director
Reading: The Paranormal Ranger: A Navajo Investigator’s Search for the Unexplained by Stanley Milford Jr.
I happened upon this memoir at Word Up Community Bookshop the other day and had to get it, because it seemed exactly like something I would enjoy. It’s next on my stack!
Watching: UFOs
I just finished watching this great feel-good show. It takes place in the French space agency in the 1970s and includes interstellar flamingos and radioactive cotton candy.
Gifting: Paws & Hooves 2026 Calendar
As a volunteer goat herder at Manhattan’s Riverside Park Conservancy, I can’t help but give the gift of goats with the park’s new dog-and-goat calendar!
Margaux Kanamori, Editorial Assistant
Reading: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A classic read for ultimate cozy vibes and holiday cheer.
Watching: Stranger Things
I am so excited for (and emotional about) the show’s finale and will be watching it in the theater on New Year’s Eve!
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Gifting: Puzzles!
Puzzles are such a great evening activity for this time of year.
Rebecca Ritchey, Senior Social Media Manager
Reading: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The coziest book to read during these cold winter months.
Watching: Die Hard
It is a Christmas movie, and I will die on this hill in my Ho-Ho-Ho sweatshirt.
Gifting: E-reader remotes
Nothing beats being wrapped up in a blanket like a warm, toasty cinnamon bun and not having to use your hands to turn the page on your Kindle.
Erin Cahill, Manager of Studio Art
Reading: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
Absolutely devoured it!
Watching: Little Women (2019) and Carol
Any excuse to watch a comfort movie around the holidays.
Gifting: Hand-painted pottery and ornaments
Love a sentimental gift that allows me to tap into the different depths of my creativity.
Alex Cruz-Jimenez, Marketing Manager
Reading: Ordinary Love by Marie Rutkoski
A beautiful queer romance spanning decades about the power of love despite life’s many obstacles.
Watching: Tell Me Lies
I finally got around to watching this amazing show, and it has me ripping my hair out in the best way — I can’t wait for season three in January.
Gifting: Digital photo frame
My mom and I recently found a bunch of baby photos of me that had been lost for over 20 years, so I sent them off to be digitized and will be putting them in a digital photo frame as a Christmas present!
Susie Brustin, Marketing Assistant
Reading: Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan
This book is soooo good.
Watching: Broadchurch
For the first time! I love a mystery where I have no guesses but I’m hooked anyway.
Gifting: My favorite 2025 reads
The holiday season is a great excuse to force people to read my favorite books.
Chloe Dorgan, Junior Designer
Reading: The Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Station Eleven was a favorite of mine when it was released, and I am just now catching up on the author’s other poetic and pensive science fiction books.
Watching: Train Dreams (Netflix)
This adaptation of Denis Johnson’s book was incredibly moving. It features a powerful performance by Joel Edgerton, as well as a depiction of the Pacific Northwest through changing times.
Gifting: Box of teas
You can’t go wrong with tea — it’s the perfect cozy companion for curling up with a good book and a roaring fire.
