With just 16 days left until Christmas, it’s time to pull out all the shopping stops and check those wished for items off your list! At our house, no Christmas is complete without books! Even my almost grown-up kids still love getting that perfect book from mom. And watching them open a shiny new read in front of the Christmas tree is one of my favorite things.
So, to help you get going on those last minute book purchases, I’ve compiled a list of some of my all-time favorite Christmas books. Hope one or all of these bring joy to your family’s life this year!
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, by Dr. Suess (Random House Books for Young Readers, First Edition October 1957)
THE SWEET SMELL OF CHRISTMAS, by Patricia M. Scarry, Illustrated by J.P. Miller (Golden Books, September 2003)
In this scratch and sniff story, Little Bear can smell Christmas coming– and so can you! From bringing home the tree to hot cocoa and candy canes, Little Bear knows Christmas is just around the corner. Your little ones will enjoy scratching and sniffing the piney Christmas tree, apple pie, big, juicy orange and other sweet smells in this one-of-a-kind Christmas book.
ROOM FOR A LITTLE ONE: A CHRISTMAS TALE, by Martin Waddell, Illustrated by Jason Crockcroft (Margaret K. McElderry Books, October 2006)
When kind Ox invites his friends to seek shelter for the night—Old Dog, Stray Cat and Small Mouse—they are surprised when Kind Donkey brings two new visitors to the stable: Mary and Joseph. As the unlikely friends wait for morning together, they are happy to welcome the last and most important visitor of all, the baby Jesus! A perfect Christmas Eve story for little ones learning about the birth of Christ.
BEAR STAYS UP FOR CHRISTMAS (THE BEAR BOOKS), by Karma Wilson, Illustrated by Jane Chapman (Margaret K. McElderry Books, October 2008)
It’s almost Christmas and Bear is sleepy! His friends try everything, from searching for the perfect Christmas tree to baking cookies and singing Christmas songs, to keep him awake. But learning that giving is one of the best Christmas gifts of all is the thing that helps Bear’s sleepy eyes stay open!
HERE COMES SANTA CAT, by Deborah Underwood, Illustrated by Claudia Rueda (Dial Book, October 2014)
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, by Barabara Robinson (HarperCollins, November 1972)
THE STORY OF THE OTHER WISE MAN, Henry VanDyke (Harper and Brothers, 1923)
Sensibility- Reading books that entertain as well as inspire at Christmas time and throughout the year help children learn valuable life lessons.
Sense- Take time to read Christmas books with your kids each year. It’s a family tradition they will always remember.
What are some of your favorite Christmas or holiday stories?