It’s my favorite time of year. A time when everything looks and smells magical. Twinkling lights shine and music rings out. And one of my favorite traditions this time of year is to read Christmas stories to my kids. Each year I enjoying adding to our ever growing collect. Here are 5 of our favorite Christmas books, in no particular order.
1. Advent Storybook 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas
Written By Antonie Schneider Illustrated By Maja Dusikova
Inside you’ll find 24 short stories you can read to countdown the days until Christmas. These are perfect to hear before bedtime or around the fire. Follow little bear on his journey through December and experience to joy and anticipation this season brings.
2. Shooting at the Stars the Christmas Truce of 1914
Written By John Hendrix
Whether you’re a history buff or not, this is a story everyone should hear. Where would be the last place you’d think Christmas would be celebrated. While on the front line of course. But that is exactly where this story takes place. As one British soldier experiences during World War I. It’s an unforgettable that brings a tear to my eye no matter how many times I hear it.
3. The Story of Holly & Ivy
Written By Rumer Godden Illustrated By Barbara Cooney
Ivy is an orphan with one Christmas wish, to find a home for the holidays. In that same town there is a childless family whose Christmas seems incomplete. Your hearts will be moved as you wait and hope to see these Christmas wishes come true.
4. The Crayons’ Christmas Written
By Drew Daywalt Illustrated By Oliver Jeffers
This is a book filled with fun activities. As the crayons prepare for the holidays you and your family will get a peer at the letters they send. And when you come across them you’ll want to pause the reading to jumping into the fun. It’s a story that will have your kids giggling (and maybe some adults too) as you excitedly turn each page hoping for another letter.
5. The Nutcracker
Written By E.T.A. Hoffman
This is one of my all time favorite stories. So whether you’re reading the original or some adaptation it makes no difference. The music seems to play through them all. It has dancing, a fierce battle, and a magical present. What more can you ask for. I think we have at least 5 different versions of this story ourselves.