Ten Best Christmas Books for Families

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Best Christmas BooksI 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

  1. 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. Best Christmas Books
  2. 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. Best Christmas Books
  3. 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. Best Christmas Books
  4. Red & LuluMatt 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.  Best Christmas Books
  5. The Worst Christmas Pageant EverEvery 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? Best Christmas Books
  6. 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. Best Christmas Books
  7. The Night Before ChristmasThere 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. Best Christmas Books
  8. 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. Best Christmas Books
  9. 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.  Best Christmas Books
  10. 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 6-8pmBest Christmas Books

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?

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Allison’s mission in life is to notice the extraordinary in the ordinary. Her commitment to see beyond what’s in front of her was fostered by her degree in Philosophy and Theology from Boston College. Allison’s a book nerd and credits her parents and inspiring English teachers for her love of reading and writing. She went on to earn her Master in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College and then taught high school for several years, both in New England and San Francisco. After moving from San Francisco to Boston with her engineer husband, she began teaching yoga and working as a social media marketing consultant. Now a Portsmouth resident, she spends most of her days with her three daughters (she does not have enough arms) and does her best to find the bliss amidst the endless snacking, dance parties and tiaras. With all the beautiful chaos in her life, she’s grateful to have her partner-in-crime (husband Charlie) and fellow movie quote enthusiast alongside her. Her passion for writing first drew her to Seacoast Moms as a contributing writer, and her desire to connect moms of the Seacoast with businesses who serve and interest them led her to become SM’s owner. Being able to write about the ordinary grace present in motherhood, while interacting with incredible Seacoast business owners is a dream come true.