Patch Living: Your December Entertainment Guide

December has finally arrived, and in addition to decorating, gift-giving and holidays gatherings, there are a few more ways to celebrate the merriest season of all: We've rounded up cheerful entertainment in the form of festive holiday movies, the coziest winter reads and more.

Plus, find out our verdict on "Mary, Queen of Scots," which stars Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie as some of the most controversial monarchs of the 16th century, or check out Sandra Bullock's dystopian thriller "Bird Box" on Netflix.

Related: Shop The Best Holiday Gifts For Everyone On Your List

Here's the scoop on films, TV shows and books making headlines this month:

See It Or Skip It: "Mary, Queen of Scots"

This month, head to theaters for the period piece that is sizzling on-screen, "Mary, Queen of Scots." Royal cousins Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan) and England's Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie) find themselves in a bitter rivalry when they must settle their competing claims to the English throne. As political tensions keep them apart, the two ruling monarchs will have to pay the price of power.

"Vox Lux" — starring Natalie Portman as a larger-than-life pop diva struggling to navigate motherhood, fame and a scandal-ridden music career — is also playing on the big screen this month. Here's what else to see in theaters.

What's New On Netflix?

Warm up those cold, winter nights with new releases like Sandra Bullock's dystopian thriller "Bird Box," Jennifer Aniston's drama-musical "Dumplin,'" Alfonso Cuaron's Oscar contender "Roma," and "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle," which is Andy Serkis' new take on "The Jungle Book."

You can also ring in Christmas day with the streaming release of the summer blockbuster hit, Robert Downey Jr's "Avengers: Infinity War."

Looking to enjoy even more festive flicks? In addition to Netflix-originals like "5 Star Christmas," "Nailed It! Holiday!" "Free Rein: The Twelve Neighs of Christmas," we've rounded up Netflix's best movies to binge this holiday season.

Your December Reading List

Take a break from all of the holiday stress by kicking back with a great book in hand. From suspenseful thrillers to heartwarming love stories, this month brings the perfect page-turner for everyone.

In Josie Silver's novel "One Day In December," Laurie doesn't believe in love at first sight — until she lays eyes on Jack. After being formally introduced to him six months later as her best friend's new boyfriend, will fate bring Laurie and Jack together in the end?

Meanwhile, Tom Fitzwilliam is the charming headmaster of a posh school in Lisa Jewel's suspenseful thriller "Watching You." But when Tom's new neighbor, Joey Mullen, develops an intense infatuation with him, she and a few other neighbors begin to discover that the handsome headmaster isn't who seems to be. See the full reading list here.

Main Image: (L-R) Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan attend the New York premiere of “Mary Queen Of Scots” on December 4, 2018 in New York City. (Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Shuterstock/Focus Features)