With the countdown to Christmas well underway, we asked the authors of one of our delightful historical Christmas books, Snowbound Surrender, to share some of their favourite festive activities.

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My favourite part of the season would be that time when you can snuggle under a blanket in your favourite chair with a mug of hot chocolate to warm your hands and watch the Christmas lights twinkle of the tree.

It’s even better if there is snow falling outside, because there is a special kind of silence you get with the fall of fresh snow, as if the whole world is at peace.

– Christine Merrill

I’m a country girl and my family comes from the real village that I fictionalised in Snowed in With the Rake (one of the short stories in Snowbound Surrender), so my best Christmases have snow on the hills, crisp, dry air and long walks with friends and family through the beech woods, catching glimpses of deer between the trees. And in the evening, a comfy chair by the fire with a book of traditional ghost stories – M R James, for preference.

– Louise Allen

I’ve always loved Christmas, ever since I was a child it has been one of my favourite times of year. My favourite part is the build-up. I love those few weeks before where everything is so festive and cheerful – the carol concerts, the Christmas shopping, the trips to take the children to see Father Christmas. One of the best parts is the trip to get the tree and the hours spent decorating it with all the special homemade decorations. On Christmas Day itself I’m always awake early and I love nothing more than sitting around in pyjamas surrounded by family as my boys open their presents.

– Laura Martin

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Snowbound Surrender features three Regency short stories set during Christmas: Their Mistletoe Reunion by Christine Merrill, Snowed in with the Rake by Louise Allen, and Christmas with the Major by Laura Martin. Buy it now here!

By Becky Lushey