Winter is a time for us to slow down for a moment, relax, and enjoy the peace of short days and long evenings. At The Odder Side, we love to celebrate this season—with a cup of tea, in our favourite sweaters, and with stories that transport us to entirely different worlds. The films and books we reach for are imbued with the magic of winter, a touch of melancholy, and a generous dose of inspiration. Here are our favourite winter titles that reign in the office during these cold months.

Nothing puts us in the festive and winter mood quite like a well-chosen film. In our office, we have several evergreens that we watch every year—with a touch of nostalgia, but always with great pleasure.

When we're not watching movies, we reach for books – because winter is the perfect time for reading. Among us are lovers of classics, fairy tales, and stories that make you think. Here are a few titles that especially brighten our cold days.

"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
Is there anything more festive than the story of Ebenezer Scrooge? This Dickens classic is more than just a book for us – it's a reminder of what's truly important. Every year, we return to this tale of transformation, love, and the magic of Christmas, because its message never gets old.

"The Nutcracker" by Ernst T.A. Hoffmann
A magical story about a little girl who, on Christmas Eve, enters a world full of fairy-tale characters. It's a tale that transports us back to childhood and reminds us of the beauty of imagination. For us – an absolute must-read during the holiday season.

"The Bear Who Looked for a Home" by Anna Maziuk
A completely different atmosphere, but equally captivating. This book is a beautiful, reflective story about nature and the need to find one's place. Its simplicity and warmth perfectly fit the winter season, when we ourselves seek shelter from the cold.

"The King" by Szczepan Twardoch
For those who need stronger sensations, we have "The King" – a story full of tension, emotions, and the extraordinary atmosphere of pre-war Warsaw. Twardoch, as always, captivates with his literary power, and "The King" introduces an intense, dark atmosphere that perfectly balances light, festive stories and allows you to immerse yourself in a completely different world.