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When I was a new mom, I remember asking so many older moms what their favorite family traditions were as I desperately wanted to create a magical and meaningful Christmas. At the time, reading a Christmas book each day in the month of December was sort of a new thing and not one that any of these moms suggested, But, as I yard-saled my way through those early years, I quickly built up a collection of books for pennies so it was a no-brainer. Plus, babies love unwrapping things so why not wrap all our Christmas books, open one a day to count down to Christmas, and waa–laa! A Christmas tradition was born in our home.
You would think this tradition would get old, reading the same books year after year, but our family delights in winding down at the end of the busy days with our beloved books. With every unwrapping come the words, “Oh, I love this one!” and we seemed to have developed books I’m expected to read and books only my husband is allowed to read. Our years could be drawing to an end but, as I prepped this post, and my daughter saw all the books, she eagerly asked if we could start reading them now, even though it’s only November.
Want to start this tradition for your family?
Here are some tips:
You don’t have to buy all the books at once or buy all new books each year. Our collection has been curated over the last 11 years adding little by little. Books came by way of lucky finds or gifts, and books have been weeded out until we had a collection we loved. I strive to add 1-2 new books each year to add an element of surprise.
Best places to find books: yard sales, thrift stores (especially the older ones!), and Thrift Books.
Amazon and Target both tend to run a buy 2 get 1 sale on books during the holiday season.
You can also check the Kohl’s Cares $5 books by the registers. You can even snag a matching character stuffie to go with it!
Bonus Tips:
Wrap 2 short stories together when your collection exceeds 24. My personal preference is to pair a silly book with a more meaningful one or sometimes it’s more important to me to wrap 2 same-sized books together.
Wrap up the books when Christmas is over but before you store them away so it’s easy to pull them out when December 1 sneaks up the following year! This is the perfect way to use up any wrapping paper you have left too. (Don’t you just love starting fresh with new paper each year?)
Here is our current list of our curated Christmas Book Collection:
Thoughtful and Meaningful
This charming story gives us a peek into simpler times when children honored their parents, family time was cherished, and oranges were a highly anticipated Christmas gift, but the best lesson is about mercy and grace.
A rich story about how a disaster turns out to be what the community needed to bring them together for a truly special Christmas. My daughter gets excited about the surprise ending every time and it’s a wonderful reminder that the Lord is working his plans for our good.
This is a long story perfect for a Sunday afternoon or snowy day if you’re lucky to have those where you live. Sure it’s about how toys become real but I love to tie in how our true identity can only be found in Christ.
I love this powerful story about loving others through grief and the miracles that can come from abundant love.
This just might be my favorite! It’s a fun-to-read rhyming story that reminds us that no matter how rich or poor, or big or small, we all have something we can share and bless others with at Christmas and always!
Our tradition has been to read The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve, followed by this book which neatly brings it all back to Jesus. Of course kids are excited for the presents but I like to think this book erases the visions of sugar plums and replaces it with how lucky we are to celebrate Jesus’ birth again and again.
A simple story that kids can understand yet has profound meaning about trusting God’s sovereignty over our lives. You might need a tissue! 😉
Silly Favorites
8.There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Bell by Lucille Colandro
To be honest, not a fan. It’s so strange…and gross if you think about how that sleigh and everything in it reappears but the sing-songy words are fun to read and it’s an easy favorite for silly kids.
A tale as old as time…an old man can’t find his favorite undies for his big night! Pay attention to his slippers though. That’s our favorite thing in this book!
10. Moosletoe – just plain silly story about a dad who thinks he’s got it all together but realized he forgot one very important thing. In true dad fashion, he saves the day for his family.
11. Humphrey’s First Christmas! – The Christmas story from the camel’s point of view. Cute!
12. Cajun Night Before Christmas – You can’t appreciate this one unless you have cajun in your blood, which we do, so It’s a family favorite! We especially love hearing it read from Tante Liz!
Kids Favorites
13. The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allen Ahlberg
I thought this book was the most clever thing when it was first published. I was 11. I love reading it to my now 11 year old and guess what? It’s still so stinkin’ clever!
14. Santa Mouse by Michael Brown
If you find a 1966 copy of this book, snatch it up! It’s a vintage treasure and one you’ll want to keep passing along to future generations.
This is my daughter’s absolute favorite. I’m not sure why exactly but it’s a sweet story of noticing and extending kindness to the smallest of visitors at Christmas.
16. Corduroy’s Christmas Surprise
Corduroy selfishly asks for several things for Christmas while his friends all wish for one. Corduroy is humbled but delighted when everyone receives just was they needed for Christmas.
17. Who is Coming to Our House? By Joseph Slate
A sweet board book about the animals prepping the manger for baby Jesus that my 11 yo still loves (and let’s be honest, I do too!)
18. A Visit to the North Pole (Be a Part of the Story Interactive Storybook)
Your child’s eyes will light up reading this one! Santa interacts with you responding to your voice as you read the story. It’s so fun to hear different versions of the story according to how your child answers Santa’s questions.
19. Everybody’s Tree
This story gives off Rockefeller Christmas Tree vibes. If you love watching the holiday special or visiting NYC at Christmas, you’ll love this one.
20. What Can You See? On Christmas Night by Victoria Tebbs
Peek-a-boo style journey to the manger.
Classics – No explanations needed!
21. A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schulz
22. The Night Before Christmas
23. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
24. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
26. Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
27. The Mitten by Jan Brett
28. The Berenstain Bears and The Joy of Giving by Jan and Mike Berenstain
Looking for a family-friendly read-aloud chapter book?
Treasures in the Snow by Patricia St. John is a gem filled with lessons on forgiveness, love, and how Christ makes all things new! There are some parts that are scary for kids and it evokes tears too for sensitive kiddos but hang in there and wait for their surprised delight at the ending! This could make a great classroom gift for intermediate teachers too!
It’s your turn!
Tell me your favorite Christmas books that aren’t on this list? I’d love some new ideas!
This is awesome!
Here’s one to add to the list:
Saint Nicholas the Gift Giver by Ned Bustard