In December we put aside our traditional night time books for the month, and every night of December, we would read a Christmas book. This was a great to have some calm and peaceful moments together at the end of the day. If you'd like to start a similar tradition, here are some of our favorite Christmas books for you to try.
by Stacey Schifferdecker
When my children were young, we started a new holiday reading tradition. We would put aside our traditional night time books for the month, and every night of December, we would read a Christmas book. This was a great to have some calm and peaceful moments together at the end of the day. If you’d like to start a similar tradition, here are some of our favorite Christmas books for you to try (in no particular order) — enough to get you through the first half of December.How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Table of Contents
Country Angel Christmas
by Tomie dePaola
St. Nicholas invites the Country Angels to coordinate heaven’s Christmas celebration this year. The angels get busy baking, decorating, and learning songs. Unfortunately, no one can seem to find a way to let the three littlest Country Angels help until St. Nicholas gives them the job the other angels have all forgotten: fetching the Christmas star.
We like to read this book on the day we hang the angels on our Advent calendar.
The Last Straw
Fredrick Thury A grumpy camel ends up carrying too big a load as he plods on the Bethlehem (sound familiar to anyone? Not the camel part — the carrying too heavy a load part). He ends up carrying not only the gifts of the Wise Men, but also pastries, wine, and other presents people give him to carry to the new king. A piece of straw, the gift from a young child, finally brings the camel to his knees, right in front of a baby in a manger.A Wish for Wings that Work
by Berke Breathed
The 12 Days of Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, and Cookie Count
by Robert Sabuda Robert Sabuda does the most awesome pop-up books. They are gorgeous, intricate, and, of course, fragile. These are books we keep up high, where little kids can’t reach them and tear them apart.Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Treasury for Kids
by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Patty Hansen, and Irene Dunlap
If you Take a Mouse to the Movies
by Laura Numeroff This was Jocelyn’s favorite book in first grade, coincidentally the year her teacher collected mice (figurines and stuffed mice, not real ones). This book is in the same vein as other Numeroff books, in which a kind deed goes awry and ends up in chaos. Just a fun read.The Legend of the Poinsettia
by Tomie dePaola I always enjoy learning about how other countries and cultures celebrate Christmas, as well as learning about the meaning of Christmas symbols. This book combines both interests, sharing a legend about how poinsetttias came to be with a description of the Mexican celebration of Las Posadas. Throw in the idea that gifts should come from the heart and don’t need to be expensive, and you have an ideal Christmas story.Carl’s Christmas
by Alexandra Day
The Polar Express
by Chris Van Allsburg Another great book that your kids may only know through the movie. Mix up a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the book – it’s even better than the movie. These books are all for the younger kids. As my kids are getting older, I think this year we’ll try some chapter books. They are already familiar with The Christmas Carol, so that may make our list. I have also heard good reviews of Madeleine L’Engle’s The Twenty-Four Days before Christmas: an Austin Family Story. Maybe next year I’ll have new books to recommend!Biography
Stacey Schifferdecker is the happy but harried mother of three school-aged children—two boys and a girl. She is also a freelance writer, a Children’s Minister, a PTA volunteer, and a Scout leader. Stacey has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and French and a Master’s degree in English. She has written extensively about parenting and education as well as business, technology, travel, and hobbies.
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How can families start a Christmas reading tradition?
The article suggests setting aside the usual bedtime books during December and reading one Christmas book together each night. Keeping the routine calm and simple makes it easier to stick with: choose a small stack of favorites, make time before bed, and let the reading become a peaceful family pause during a busy holiday season.
What are good Christmas books for younger children?
The article highlights picture books and read-aloud favorites such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, If You Take a Mouse to the Movies, The Legend of the Poinsettia, Carl’s Christmas, and The Polar Express. These work well for younger children because the stories are visual, memorable, and easy to enjoy together in one sitting.
How do Christmas books help children understand the season?
Christmas books can give children more than entertainment. In the article’s examples, some stories point to generosity, family closeness, faith, cultural traditions, and gifts that come from the heart. Reading them together gives parents a natural way to talk about what the season means in their own family.
What Christmas books can families try as kids get older?
As children outgrow shorter picture books, the article suggests moving toward longer stories or chapter books. It specifically mentions trying classics such as A Christmas Carol and Madeleine L’Engle’s The Twenty-Four Days Before Christmas. Older kids may also enjoy real-life holiday stories, like the one-a-day format in the Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Treasury for Kids.
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