A Must-Have for a Holly Jolly Holiday!

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree: A Festive Guide to Celebrating the Holidays by Harper Celebrate is the ultimate holiday companion, and I couldn’t be more excited to dive into it this season!

This book truly has something for everyone—whether you're planning a dazzling Christmas party, hosting a cozy holiday dinner, or simply curling up with loved ones to soak in the magic of the season. It’s a comprehensive guide wrapped up in sprinkles and bows, offering recipes, decor inspiration, and entertaining tips that make the holidays even more special.

The illustrations are an absolute delight—a charming blend of 1950s retro aesthetics and Rifle Paper Company’s style (I’m not sure if this is who illustrated it, but this is absolutely the vibe). That nostalgic, whimsical feel beautifully contrasts with the crisp, high-quality photographs of the recipes and decorations, making every page a feast for the eyes.

Thank you to Harper Celebrate for the advanced e-copy of this festive gem! I can’t wait to bring its magic to life this holiday season. If you're looking for a book that captures the spirit of Christmas in every way, this is it!

🎄✨🎁

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Celebrate for my copy of Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree A Festive Guide to Celebrating the Holidays (Recipes, Crafts, and More!) by Harper Celebrate in exchange for an honest review. It publishes September 23, 2025.
What a lovely book about Christmas that has something for everyone! Recipes, stories, crafts, nostalgia, it will definitely be a hit as a gift, or proudly displayed all Christmas season!

This book is SO FUN & FESTIVE!!! It’s helpful with tips, nostalgic with memories, informative with history, and interesting with fun facts! Truly got me in the Christmas spirit (even though it was March when I read it!) I can’t wait to revisit closer to the holidays and reference the recipes, tips, and activities!

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree is a song that instantly triggers so many memories and feelings of nostalgia. I love this book dedicated to all things having to do with this timeless treasure. Truly, all things. There is decorating, crafts, games, ornaments, songs, treats, and of course, hosting parties and gatherings. There are many factoids scattered throughout in addition to historical nuggets, tips, guides, and tricks to just about any topic centered around Christmas. The art is fun and whimsical, inviting the reader to keep turning the pages for more. This will make an excellent coffee table display during the holidays or a fun gift for those who love to celebrate the season.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree: A Festive Guide to Celebrating the Holidays" is a heartwarming, full-color treasure that transforms the holiday season into a joyous, nostalgic celebration. The book takes inspiration from Brenda Lee’s timeless 1958 hit, weaving together over 30 recipes, creative crafts, and party ideas with a mid-century flair that’s impossible to resist. Even if you’re someone like me—typically reluctant to embrace Christmas before the leaves fall—this charming guide will have you planning festive gatherings in no time.

The recipes alone are worth the price of admission: from Pull-Apart Pastry Puffs to Gingerbread House Cookies, Brioche Bread Pudding with Warm Vanilla Sauce, Winter Wassail, Brenda Lee’s Praline Pumpkin Pie, and a Gingerbread Espresso Martini (that I guarantee you I will be trying long before Christmas), there’s something for every holiday mood. Beyond the kitchen, the book offers clever decor tips—like sprucing up your door or wrapping gifts with style—alongside fun party games and a curated soundtrack to keep the festivities rocking. The real magic, though, lies in its nostalgic dive into Christmas traditions and the fascinating backstory of Brenda Lee’s recording at age 13, complemented by Johnny Marks’ songwriting legacy.

With its vibrant retro-look illustrations, stunning photos, and a sprinkle of holiday trivia, this book is more than a guide—it’s a mood-lifter, a memory-maker, and a perfect gift. Whether it’s for your Christmas-obsessed bestie, a family keepsake, or a treat for yourself, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" delivers all the sentimental feels and practical inspiration you need to make the season merry and bright. I’m already planning to grab copies for my loved ones—and yes, one for me too!

Trust me when I tell you that you are going to absolutely love it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Celebrate for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for a review.

This was such a cute and fun book! I loved all the fun facts about the Christmas trees, caroling, and the history of little Brenda Lee. This was so detailed and creative. From the Christmas party games, decor and centerpieces, to the delicious pics of all the Christmas trees. I loved the little Christmas song quiz at the end, but my favorite part was how each section went with the lyric to the song.

More detailed review to come upon sale date! But suffice to say I loved it and will be buying a physical copy!

This is a fabulous gift book that is so fun I plan on buying copies for myself, family and friends. The colorful mid-century illustrations, the delicious recipes for cocktails and holiday food, the decorating ideas, the fascinating background on the famous tune recorded by Brenda Lee at 13, and so much more make this a one-of-a-kind must have. Merry Christmas!