Are you looking for ways to bring more meaning and peace to the Christmas season? Look no further than books! There is no better pause from the hustle and bustle than time spent cuddling your children and reading Christmas books. They are a magical means of conveying the Christmas spirit and reminding us of what all the fuss is truly about. Some books are filled with beautiful writing sure to spark meaningful discussions. Others capture the imagination with awe-inspiring artwork. And let's not forget the silly ones that make us laugh and fill our hearts with joy. So, as you make your list this Christmas, don't forget the books! You may even consider starting a new tradition of reading a book with your children each night during the month of December. Here are 25 books sure to fill your holidays with the Christmas spirit:
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
A hilarious retelling of the first Christmas story by the most unlikely cast. The Herdman kids are unruly and wild, but they bring an innocence to the story that warms the heart. This is the perfect read to start the holiday season and put you in the Christmas spirit.
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
Mr. Willowby made a mistake! He bought a Christmas tree that's just too big. He decides to give a chop to the top and inadvertently spreads Christmas cheer!
The Tale of Three Trees retold by Angela Elwell
What do trees dream of becoming when they grow up? These 3 trees dream of becoming a treasure chest holding precious riches, a mighty ship carrying kings, and the tallest tree in the forest. Discover how their dreams come true in the most unexpected ways.
It's Christmas, David! by David Shannon
From the author of "No, David!" comes another sweet story full of laughs. Despite David's shenanigans and impatience, he is loved and has a very Merry Christmas.
The Legend of the Poinsettia retold by Tomie dePaola
A beautiful legend story of how the Christmas poinsettia came to be. Lucida wants to give baby Jesus a gift. Her simple gift of weeds blooms into a Christmas miracle.
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz
Christmas doesn't seem complete with a viewing of "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Make the tradition even sweeter with the book version of this beloved cartoon. Following Charlie Brown's quest to find the true meaning of Christmas never gets old.
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
Full disclosure- I've never read this book. However, I couldn't resist adding this to the list for J.R.R. Tolkien fans. Each year Tolkien would write letters to his children from Father Christmas describing the antics at the North Pole. These letters were collected and published posthumously. I love the concept and have added it to my TBR!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
Although the movie versions are more well-known, don't forget to read the book too. Although the cartoon version is absolutely divine, reading Dr. Seuss with a child on your lap is a priceless gift.
Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne
A beautiful illustration of a beloved Christmas hymn. A candlelight reading would be an absolute delight.
Mooseltoe by Margie Palatini and Henry Cole
Moose is just like me and you- he's trying to tackle an endless list of holiday preparations. As per usual, something gets forgotten- the Christmas Tree! How will Moose ever solve his problem? It won't be perfect- but it will be pretty close.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Another classic example of the book being better than the movie. The mesmerizing illustrations bring this sweet story to life.
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
An inspiring story to remind us that God has a plan for each of us. A crippled lamb has trouble fitting in, but God answers his prayers in the most amazing way.
Christmas Stories by Laura Ingalls Wilder
This is a collection of four Christmas stories found in Laura Ingalls' books. It reminds us of a simpler time and the true meaning of Christmas. May these stories inspire us to focus on our families and give gifts of love this holiday season.
Red & Lulu by Matt Tavares
This book captures the magic of Christmas in NYC. Red and Lulu are cardinals tragically separated when their cozy evergreen home is cut down. It will take a Christmas miracle for them to be reunited! The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski & P.J. Lynch
Mr. Toomey is a grumpy man, but for good reason. He has lost his greatest loves- his wife and son; but more tragically, he's lost his joy. Then a Christmas miracle arrives in the form of a young widow and her son.
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
A favorite Christmas tradition is brought to life in verse and cute illustrations. This a great book to read under the twinkling lights of a beautifully trimmed tree.
The Tree that's Meant to Be by Yuval Zommer
An evergreen that never grows as it's meant to be, laments being left alone in the forest as other trees get picked to be Christmas trees. Eventually, he finds happiness in the place he's meant to be.
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Laurel Long
The song may annoy and confuse its listeners, but this book will captivate the reader's imagination! Don't dismiss this book based on its title. Check out the description and illustrations using the Look Inside feature on Amazon. You may be tempted to give this song a chance to redeem itself!
The Christmas Baby by Marion Dane Bauer
Everyone is excited about the arrival of the new baby! A sweet version of the nativity story brought to life with beautiful illustrations.
How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan
Kids have lots of reasons to want to catch Santa! This book offers lots of tips and tricks to capture the elusive elf. Caution: look out for traps on Christmas Eve as this book is sure to spark your kids' imaginations.
Here Comes Santa Cat by Deborah Underwood
Cat is fearful he's ended up on Santa's naughty list. He first comes up with the idea to dress up like Santa, until the narrator suggests he just tries to be nice. Working your way on the Nice List isn't as easy as it sounds.
When Santa was a Baby by Linda Bailey
Have your kids ever wondered what Santa was like when he was a baby? Turns out, Santa was pretty special right from the beginning!
Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell
Mary and Joseph need a nice warm place to stay. Will Ox have enough room after he's let so many others in to share his warm shelter? This is a repetition book with amazing illustrations.
The Night Before Christmas by Clemente Clarke Moore
Find a beautifully illustrated version of this book and tuck your eager children into bed on Christmas Eve with this classic poem.
The Bible by God
No Christmas book countdown would be complete without the original telling of the Christmas story. If you want to keep the Bible a part of all 25 days, you could read a chapter of Luke each day. (It has 24 chapters.)
I hope these books fill your hearts and homes with the Christmas Spirit. Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!