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You are here: Home / A Purposeful Christmas / Making a List, Checking it Twice

Making a List, Checking it Twice

November 12, 2018 by Jacki Rucksdashel Leave a Comment

Our favorite Christmas book collage
I can’t believe I am about to do this.
 
I’m about to share with you one of my most treasured secrets.  I’m almost afraid to because if we all start to share this secret, it might catch on, and well….then it’s not a secret anymore.  But it’s a risk I am willing to take–
It’s time to go to the library and check out those Christmas books.
When most people are perusing the aisles finding stories of the Pilgrims and fall leaves, I’m in the Christmas section picking out our most beloved Christmas books.  (Before they’re ALL gone.)
Just as we are intentional to fill our home with God’s Word through the Jesse Tree in December, we also fill our home with books that “create an appetite” for the reason of the season.
 
I’m thrilled to share with you some of our most beloved Christmas books.   I hope you will make a list, check it twice 🙂 and head to the library, Amazon, or the bookstore!

Our favorite list of Meaningful Christmas books:  

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski.
I love this sweet story!  It makes me cry every time.  A MUST READ!!

Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson.
My sister-in-law gave this to me when we had our first baby.  It has become our family’s favorite.
Silver Packages by Cynthia Rylant.
A wonderful friend introduced me to this story and I can’t read it without Kleenex!
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry.
A cute story about how one Christmas tree is shared with many.
The Secret of St. Nicholas by Ellen Nibali.
We always read books about St. Nicholas, and teach about the character of the man…his gracious giving.
Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo.
A great story about a little girl who cares for the needs of others.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.
Do I need to even give an explanation for this one?!!  It’s just such a classic!
Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown.
I love the pictures in this book!  I know there is a newer version with a different illustrator, but this is my favorite version.
The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats.
My kids love to sing this song, and look through the book.
Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell.
This is such a sweet beginner book for little ones (no pun intended).
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson.
I love Bear!  My son loves him too.  This is a good story about friendship and giving to others.
The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg.
Love to read this story while eating a candy cane!
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The Birds’ Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin.  (Ages 8 and up)
Such a beautiful story about a young girl who is sick and invites the neighbor children over for Christmas dinner.  Such a sweet story about loving others!
Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect
Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect by Richard H. Schneider.
This story speaks to my heart every time I read it.  A story about a queen who is looking for the perfect tree and ends up choosing not the best looking tree, but the most giving tree.
unwrapping the greatest gift
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp.
I am so excited about this one!  Beautiful family devotional of Jesse Tree with gorgeous illustrations, thought-provoking discussion questions, and activities included.
Humphrey
Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer.
This book makes my kids laugh out loud!  Humphrey starts out self-focused and grumpy while he carries one of the Wise Men.  You will love him by the end of the book!  A great message here.
Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John
A wonderful chapter book to read aloud to your upper elementary children.  It’s my favorite!
Each of these books– I have read with my kids, and they have loved them.  I have a whole list of books yet to read as well, but I wanted to share with you the ones that have been poured over, begged for, and fought over :).
*How bout this cute idea?!!  My good friend wraps up a big basket of Christmas books, and let’s her daughter pick out one each night to unwrap leading up to Christmas!  So cute!

 

Photo courtesy of Ashley Goode

I can’t wait to hear what books you and your children curl up with at Christmas time.  Please share your favorite below!

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About the Jesse Tree Project

Welcome! So glad you came to visit. I'm Jacki and I love to spend intentional time sharing Jesus with my kids and others. One of the ways that I do that is through the Jesse Tree. Join me in the privilege of finding ways to lead our young ones to Him!

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