Christmas is such a magical time, especially for children. Reading Christmas books with our kids is a way to make the season even more memorable and meaningful.
Creating a Season of Togetherness
To me, Christmas is a time for togetherness. Whether we are baking, participating in holiday traditions, or just spending more time as a family, it always fills my cup and reminds me of the true meaning of the season.
However, one of my all-time favorite ways to spend time with my kiddos during Christmastime is by reading Christmas books together. So cozy up in some blankets, turn on the fireplace, and enjoy these Christmas books for kids.
10 Christmas Books for Children
Here are 10 of my all-time favorite Christmas books that really incite wonder and encourage connection with my kids (see my entire list of Christmas books on my Amazon page!). These books help us smile, laugh, and talk about the true meaning of Christmas.
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Christmas Books for Littles
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
It’s Christmas Eve, and an old farmer is sad that this Christmas might not have any snow! He goes to bed and has a dream about a giant snowstorm covering all his animals. Much to his surprise, his dream becomes reality when he wakes up the next morning. He dawns his red suit, goes outside, and puts gifts under the tree for all his animals. With interactive lift-the-flaps, this book is sure to bring holiday cheer to your littles!
The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood
The holidays can often be a time with lots of exciting noises, laughter, and music, but this Christmas book for kids is a reminder that there is also a special quiet at Christmastime. There is the quiet of freshly falling snow, the quiet of searching for presents, and the quiet of spending time with friends. Along with the beautiful illustrations of bunnies and other woodland creatures, this book is sure to bring magic to the season.
The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry
Did you know smell is the strongest sense tied to memory? You’ll love this classic scratch-and-sniff book that takes Little Bear through the Christmas holiday while showcasing six different scents of the season. This book is sure to become a nostalgic read for your whole family!
Bunny Slopes by Claudie Rueda
In this book, kiddos will need to help Bunny navigate the ski slopes. First, help bunny make it snow with a shake, then help bunny ski down the hill with a tilt, then help Bunny dodge a cliff with a turn. This Christmastime book is sure to bring lots of giggles to your kids.
Santa Mouse by Michael Brown
In this charming Christmas book for kids, a tiny little nameless mouse lives alone in a big house. Despite his loneliness, he has a big imagination and a very big heart. Read about how he uses his gifts to surprise Santa and become his helper at Christmastime! This title will warm your heart while teaching about how giving can be the best gift of all.
Christmas Books for Elementary Age
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
From the acclaimed author Pearl S. Buck comes a Christmas book for kids about the true spirit of Christmas. Rob wants to get a special present for his father for Christmas, but Christmas Eve comes too soon and he realizes he doesn’t have enough money for a present. That’s when he comes up with the idea for the best Christmas gift of all.
Finding Christmas by Lezlie Evans
Join Mouse, Squirrel, and Hare as they are preparing for Christmas. But to Mouse’s surprise, he finds Swallow sick outside, lying in the snow. As the three friends try to nurse Swallow back to health, they realize that their own Christmas gifts could help. They find the true meaning of Christmas as they give up their presents to serve someone else.
Here Comes Santa Claus by Gene Autry
This title takes kids through the classic Christmas song, “Here Comes Santa Claus,” with illustrations telling yet another story. A little boy named Matthew writes to Santa asking him for a puppy for Christmas, and Santa brings one along in his sleigh! The puppy Tinsel wakes Matthew up in the morning with a special note to Matthew from Santa.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojcichowski
In this heart-warming Christmas book, the villagers wonder why Jonathan Toomey is always so unhappy. He is the best woodcarver in the valley, yet he never smiles. It isn’t until the widow McDowell and her son ask him for help with a special Christmas project that the true miracle unfolds. This tear-jerker reminds us that underneath it all, we all have struggles and heartache—yet it is our connections with others that help us remember what’s truly important about the Christmas season.
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
A symbol of the season, Mr. Willowby’s Christmas tree is finally here, but there is just one problem: it is too big for his house! So, he simply cuts the top off to make it fit his space. Your kids will love watching how the mini-tree is passed from house to house to serve many different creatures of the forest. Families will appreciate the message that one thing can be used to help many people. This Christmas book is a great start to the yuletide season!
If you want to learn more about some of my favorite children’s books and how to help your children enjoy reading, you will also like these other great resources: