We love to read books. While we love our regular chapter books, there is something we love even more when the holidays approach. That means it is time for Christmas Books! But not just any books, those that are at the top of the must-read list.
I agree with the saying that Christmas is for children. It is a magical time kids look forward to each and every year.
During this time of the year, the world seems slower at night. It is quiet and cold. You want to snuggle up inside with your kids. I want to make these moments measurable for both my kids and me. The way we do this is to read books together.
It is our special time and helps us create memories that last a lifetime. The added benefit is the important lessons that they can teach our kids.
While we read often, there are the Christmas books that we only read once a year. It makes them extra special. Our kids look forward to unboxing them and recalling the stories that they’ve grown to love.
I’ve created a list of some of our family favorite books. Some of these books are funny while others are more serious. These books are great for younger children and even older kids. Grab a few new books to add to your own collection.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS BOOKS TO READ THIS YEAR
1. The Night Before Christmas
The Night Before Christmas is a classic story. It is one that most adults still love because it is so traditional. Many of you will remember reading it when you were a child. Now that you are the adult, you get to pass your love for this story onto your own children.
2. The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving
You will love what this book teaches. The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving teaches children an important lesson as to why it is much better to give than to receive. This classic story is a joy for all ages.
3. Dream Snow
If you love the illustrations in the Hungry Hungry Caterpillar, you will love the illustrations in Dream Snow. This simple tale has all the elements for a good story at Christmas. It includes a farmer, animals, gifts and snow. Relive the magic of snowfall at Christmas with this happy tale!
4. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
This is the classic of all classics! It just isn’t the holidays until you have watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The best part of this story is the lesson it teaches. It is not the things that make us celebrate and be happy. Instead, it is being with the people you care about. Instill those values in your kids with thin fun-loving story year after year.
5. Can You See What I See? Night Before Christmas
This is one of my kids’ favorite books. They get to go on a treasure hunt for all of the items hidden throughout the pages of Can You See What I See? We read this book several times each holiday season.
6. The Polar Express
If you’ve seen and loved the movie, you will love the book even more. The Polar Express is a wonderful story about a young boy who gets to experience an amazing train ride and the North Pole is full of all the magic dreams are made of. Take your kids on a Christmas journey with this story.
7. The Christmas Wish
The Christmas Wish is a nostalgic story set in an old world Nordic country. Follow Anja as she begins her journey to become one of Santa’s elves. You will learn about the wildlife friends she meets along the way. This book is a treasure (and has some absolutely amazing images).
8. Llama Llama Holiday Drama
Llama Llama books are so “real” to me. As in, they remind me of actual instances and frustrations I’ve had with my daughter, and I’m sure you all can relate! The holidays can be a stressful time for kids, and sometimes they can get overwhelmed just like we do.
Llama Llama Holiday Drama shares how Llama Llama struggles with patience and waiting, and is soothed by a cuddle with his sweet mama. Christmas is about joy, and it’s okay to remind our kids to slow down and enjoy that.
9. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree
Follow the journey of a young girl and her father as they search, beginning in Spring, for the perfect Christmas tree. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree is a sweet story that reminds us how important family and traditions are. The illustrations are beautiful and are sure to keep the attention of any age.
10. The Animals’ Christmas Eve
This Little Golden Book shows us what the animals might do at Christmastime after all the humans have gone to sleep. The Animal’s Christmas Eve recounts tales of the first Christmas night, in a beautiful poem, and how their ancestors may have helped or been involved. It’s a sweet story, and really reminds us of the most important thing about Christmas – Christ.
