Holiday Book Club Guide: Three Holidays and a Wedding
Three Holidays and a Wedding
Author: Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Holiday, Self-Discovery/Change
Location(s) Featured: Snow Falls, Canada
Looking for a meaningful holiday book club selection? Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley is the perfect choice. It’s heartwarming, inclusive, reflective, and just the right balance of light and meaningful—ideal for book clubs that want to celebrate the season while diving into a story with depth.
About the Book
The holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Ramadan only rarely align—and in the year 2000, they did. That real-life convergence forms the backdrop for Three Holidays and a Wedding, a cozy, multicultural romance about unexpected friendships, family ties, and self-discovery.
When Anna and Maryam board the same flight from Denver to Toronto, they have no idea their plans are about to change. A snowstorm forces them to land in Snow Falls, a charming Canadian town that feels like something out of a holiday movie. As the two women navigate their own family challenges, cultural identities, and romantic entanglements, they also begin to reconsider what they want—and how they want to celebrate.
Why This Book Works for a Holiday Book Club
This novel is a great fit for readers looking for:
- Multiple holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan)
- Themes of self-reflection, friendship, and family
- A cozy winter setting with diverse traditions
- Discussion-worthy topics like grief, faith, and personal growth
- Feel-good romance without being too fluffy
It’s also a quick read with an uplifting tone and plenty of conversation starters.
(📚 Looking for more holiday-themed travel stories? Check out my list of Holiday Books with a Sense of Place.)
Suggested holiday book Club Discussion questions for Three Holidays and Wedding
Here are questions to guide your group conversation—great for sparking both personal reflection and cultural discussion.
Character & Relationships
- What were your first impressions of Maryam and Anna? How did their characters evolve?
- How did their families influence the choices they made?
- What did you think of Josh and Saif’s roles in the story?
- The book is set in the year 2000–what were some of the allusions the book included that let you know it was the year 2000? How would what happened have been different if it had been set in modern day?
- At the beginning of the story, Anna receives a letter from her former stepmother, Beth, but she doesn’t want to open it. It keeps coming back to her, though, and she does eventually read it. Have the group reread the letter (found in Chapter Fifteen, on page 261 in the paperback version). What did you think of the letter? How would Anna’s experience have been different if she had read the letter earlier?
Themes & Symbolism
- Fasting plays an important role in the book for many of the characters. At one point, Anna fasts from worrying too much–what did she learn from that? Have you ever fasted before? What would you fast from?
- The town of Snow Falls is described as “the UN of small Ontario towns.” What made it so special? Do you know of any towns that feel like that?
- This story wouldn’t have happened if they hadn’t been traveling. Anthony Bourdain (and many others) said “Travel changes you.” What do you think it is about traveling that makes one more vulnerable/open? Have you ever had a bonding experience with a stranger while traveling? Do you think Anna and Maryam would have made the same discoveries about themselves/their lives if they hadn’t been traveling? (If you want to explore more about the power of travel, check out this list of 20 Travel Books about Self-Discovery and Change.)
Culture & Faith
- What were your takeaways from the way different holidays were portrayed?
- What role did food, clothing, and music play in expressing identity?
- What are some of your holiday traditions? Which ones are from your childhood and which ones have you created for yourself? Which traditions could “travel with you” if needed?
Writing & Structure
- Three Holidays and a Wedding was written by two authors: Uzma Jalaluddin, a Muslim teacher and writer from the Toronto area, and Marissa Stapley, also a Canadian writer. Could you tell the book had two authors?
- What did you think of the authors’ Q&A at the back of the book? Did anything surprise you?
Final Reflections
- Which character changed the most by the end?
- Who would you cast in a movie adaptation? (The authors suggest Justin Baldoni—though that also shows this is a bit outdated…who would you pick?)
- How does this book compare to other holiday books and/or movies your holiday book club enjoys?
Other fun suggestions for your holiday book club discussion on three Holidays and a Wedding
To make your holiday discussion even more memorable, try one (or more!) of these themed ideas:
Food & Drink
- Serve latkes with leeks like Beth used to make
- Order Chinese takeout, like the Aziz family does
- Try Canadian poutine or even ketchup-flavored potato chips
- Sip chai tea or hot chocolate while you chat
Atmosphere & Decor
- Ask members to wear their favorite Ugly Holiday Sweater and vote on fun categories
- Play Bhangra music alongside classic holiday songs in honor of Dadu’s Bollywood spirit
- Light candles or string twinkle lights to match the book’s cozy, reflective tone
Cultural & Reflective Activities
- Invite members to fast for a few hours or a day before the meeting, then share how it felt
- Share one holiday tradition you’ve kept and one you’ve created on your own
- Handwrite a holiday letter to a loved one—a nod to the book’s personal growth theme
Final Thoughts
Three Holidays and a Wedding is a delightful blend of festive charm and emotional resonance. With thoughtful characters, heartfelt moments, and meaningful traditions, it’s a standout pick for any holiday book club looking for both joy and substance.
Whether you’re discussing family dynamics, fasting, or the magic of a snow-covered town, this book has everything you need for a lively and rewarding book club meeting.
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