Christmas Books
I’m sitting here in a pile of Christmas books trying to decide the best ones to share. Growing up, every Thanksgiving, after the hustle and bustle of our great family feast, my parents would gift my siblings and I a new Christmas book to welcome in the Christmas season. Since, I’ve inherited some of these books and fortunately, my mom had a heart for beautiful Christmas stories. So we have a great collection…but I still have an ever growing wish list!
The easiest way to browse through our collection will be to look through my Amazon list. I left off quite a few of our early readers because, really, they’re nothing great. But, I will say it’s fun to have some of those on hand so your kids can read books on their level during this time. Some of these classic stories are my favorites though. And if you ever have a question about the content in the books - religious or holiday related - always feel free to reach out — it would take too long for me to analyze every book from multiple holiday/faith perspectives so it’s easiest if you just respectfully ask if you have a question.
This year we decided not to do a specific Christmas study because I am just feeling more burnt out than I have in years past. So we’re just sticking to our main curriculums this season - taking a bit lighter load - and then focusing on lots of good books. Here is a post on our Christmas school last year if you’re still looking for some ideas.
In addition to some of our favorite Christmas books, we also read about Christ’s life from The New Testament each morning as part of our morning devotional time. We use our Christmas advent and ornaments to compliment our readings and I love the devotional guide that comes with our advent because it also links to the coordinating Bible videos. (HCL20 will get you 20% off at New Traditions Crafts)
Okay, so on to the books…some of these books are older and may be harder to find — but you can look through the used seller options…
The Three Trees: I think this will always be one of my favorites because I remember it so vividly as my childhood favorite. This is a story about three trees who give themselves to Christ as his manger, his boat, and ultimately, his cross.
The Gift of the Magi: This is a little longer book so will be better for older children, but even as a young child I remember grasping the heart warming message of sacrifice and a humble home in this story - especially with those you love. The ending is the best.
Silent Night, Holy Night: This is a powerful true story about a Christmas truce of cease fire during World War I. The opposing sides end up singing hymns and praying together for a brief two days before the fighting resumes.
A Christmas Dress fo Ellen: This is one that brings me to tears. It is also a true story that took place in 1927 about a family that was suffering from severe poverty. Led completely by the Spirit, a postman travels 8 hours in a treacherous snowstorm to deliver a Christmas for this sweet family.
I Believe: This is simple picture book that parallels Santa to Christ. Growing up, Santa always represented a symbol of love in our home. If we solely view Santa as a worldly symbol — one of consumerism that only comes based on good/poor behavior - he quickly looses the true joy he is capable of representing. This book helps see beyond worldly views — a focus on things we can feel, but not see — and helps capture and begin to open our eyes and children’s eyes to the symbol of love and joy that is found in Christmas and Christ. There is also a reference of biblical symbols and scriptures in the back fo the book.
See Christ in Christmas: This is also another good book to start opening young eyes to symbols found at Christmas.
When Jesus Was Born in Bethlehem: This is a book we’ve always used to tell the Christmas story because it is so beautifully illustrated and uses short scriptures to tell the story. Again this is an older book so it may not be as easy to find. There are also scripture references in this book from The Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey: This seems to be a well known classic — also one we grew up reading and always makes me teary. Jonathan Toomey is a grumpy carpenter who lost his wife and baby. A widowed women and her son arrive on his doorstep hoping Jonathan can carve a nativity they had lost. While carving, a tender moment breaks his cold demeanor and he is able to find happiness again.
Grandfather’s Christmas Tree: If you like the Little House books, you’ll love this story. It’s just one of those really sweet tender stories about a good family that finds a little bit of Christmas hope through a simple prayer. It is based off a true story.
A Christmas Bell For Anya: Another beautiful story set in a dark time of history and the hope that can be found in the true meaning of Christmas.
Narnia: A lot of you know we did a Narnia themed Christmas study a few years ago and this is still my very favorite. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is just so perfect for this time of year. We love to read the story of CS Lewis: Finding Narnia this time of year too.
This year we added The Nutcracker version of The Story Orchestra books and at the last minute I decided to introduce the kids to a simpler spin off of A Christmas Carol by reading a book my friend recommended — Jacob T. Marley.
Next year I am considering All Creation Awaits and some Christmas Around the World books.
Finally if you’re looking for some lighter books, here are some of my kid’s favorites.
American Girl Christmas Books: We read these last year and it was so fun to read about different times and cultures of Christmas. We also focus on Santa Lucia during the holidays so Kirsten has always been a favorite of ours.
Twas the Night Before Christmas: Love the illustrations on this classic.
I’m looking back over this list and know I am missing some, but this is a great start. There are a few more recommendations on my Amazon list.
A few years ago I tried the advent of wrapping up Christmas books and unwrapping one each night with my kids and…it didn’t go so well, ha! Everyone argued if they didn’t get the book they wanted to read and quite frankly - it wasn’t worth my time to wrap up the gifts. Plus - some years we have toddlers roaming so anything wrapped under the tree just doesn’t last long. So, if your find yourself in a similar situation - trying to figure out the best way to get lots of good books in this season - we’ve found simple works best. I just keep them all on a reachable shelf and then my kids can read or look at the pictures whenever they want. I try to read to my younger boys periodically throughout the day but I just like that we have access to all the stories all season. Sometimes I set up a few on our kitchen counter or school table to invite the kids to read it or use it for our morning time. Right before bed, we do make sure to cuddle up under the tree and the kids rotate each night and pick one to read. We try to read at least one new one but if they want to read any of the others we’ve already read of course we do!
Merry Christmas!