I am sitting here snuggled on my couch next to the Christmas tree thinking glorious thoughts about the best Christmas books ever. I’m watching that Hallmark Christmas movie. You know, the one with the snowball fight and the character who starts out hating Christmastime but then comes around and falls in love in the process? You’ve seen it, it’s completely unlike anything else out this season.
As I sit here enjoying this so-bad-but-so-good movie, I glance over at our big stack of Christmas books. I’m mildly obsessed with Christmas books, I’ll admit it. We had quite the collection growing up and I had to recreate that once I built a family of my own. Books bring everyone together, regardless of their age. Sitting around the tree reading books from the season captures the attention of the young and old. It’s a great way to bond families, share lessons of the season and also laugh together. I encourage you to build your collection slowly, over the years. Buying a couple of books each year during the Christmas season will force your family to slow down, sit together and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
Here are the best Christmas books, in my family’s humble opinion. Hopefully some are new to you!
The Ten Best Christmas Books for Families
- Frosty the Snowman. My three year-old goes bananas for this book and has since last Christmas. The book is the lyrics to the famous song and there’s music, too! Does it get annoying? Yes. Do I just suck it up because watching my three year-old break it down to Frosty is the best? Also, yes. Helps that that Christmas season is finite, too.
- The Spirit of Christmas. That Nancy Tillman gets me EVERY TIME. If you’re comfortable openly weeping while reading in front of your children, this book is for you. In all seriousness, this is a lovely book that draws attention to the meaning of the season. There are some religious undertones but she doesn’t lay it on thick at all. Like all of Tillman’s books, the message she strives to get across is that the child reading the book is special and loved. Now, excuse me, there’s something in my eye.
- Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree. I only just heard about this book and we are obsessed! This is a story about sharing and abundance told from a cast of characters ranging from tiny mice to an owner of a big house! It’s sweet, fun and enjoyable for all.
- Red & Lulu. Matt Tavares, author and illustrator, hails from Ogunquit, Maine. The illustrations in this book are spectacular and would be reason enough alone to buy the book. Yet, the story is beautiful, too! Two birds, one amazing tree and their journey back to each other. Matt Tavares is known to make an appearance at local book stores! I purchased our signed copy at G.Willikers in Portsmouth last year.
- The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever. Every year, my dad read this to us. It’s a great chapter book appropriate for kids 2nd grade and up, I’d say. The Herdman kids are “no good” and they end up turning the church’s Christmas pageant upside down. Yet, maybe that’s not such a bad thing?
- The Christmas Quiet Book. Gosh, this book is too sweet. Hopefully, you’ve read Deborah Underwood’s The Loud Book and The Quiet Book but if you haven’t, starting here is just fine. There is something about this book that makes me feel like I’m snuggled inside by the tree, sipping cocoa and being warmed by the fire. It captures all the best parts of Christmas in a simple, sweet book.
- The Night Before Christmas. There are many versions of this classic but the one I’m linking to is my favorite. The illustrations are gorgeous and Santa looks so friendly and magical. I’ve read this book on Christmas Eve every night since I was born.
- The Jolly Christmas Postman. I cannot wait to add this book to our collection! Filled with mail for various fun characters, this wonderful postman spreads Christmas cheer everywhere he goes. Since the letters come out of the book, I’d recommend it for families with kiddos older than ours (perhaps 2nd grade and up?). Even after your kids stop believing, this book maintains its magic.
- The Snowman. My kids adore this lift-the-flap version of the timeless classic by Raymond Briggs. They get to search for various things throughout the story and it never seems to get old! Both my 3 and 5 year-old go nuts for it and, given the price, if we have to buy a new one to replace some of the torn flaps, I can handle it.
- Santa Bruce. Author Ryan T. Higgins is from Kittery, Maine and obviously has an amazing imagination. This book is part of the Mother Bruce Series, a collection of books about a grumpy bear, a case of mistaken identity and a blended family that puts the Brady Bunch to shame! Bruce is roped into playing Santa Claus…wonderful antics ensue. Look for this book and its author at G. Willikers! in Portsmouth on December 18 from 6-8pm!
Obviously, there are many more amazing Christmas books, from How the Grinch Stole Christmas (see the new movie, it’s great!) to the classic Polar Express. The best Christmas books get everyone gathered around together!
What’s your favorite Christmas book?