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.
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!
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 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 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’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!
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| 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!
godcenteredmom.com says
I came on here to share our new favorite and see it listed first! Love the “Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey”. Another favorite is “The Three Trees”…paints the full picture of why Baby Jesus came. Thanks for this great list will need to check out the other ones!
Jacki Rucksdashel says
Heather–I love that book! Thanks for reminding me about it. I usually read it at Easter time, but I definitely will bring it out to read now too.
ElizabethM says
Our favorite is called Santa’s Favorite Story. It is Santa telling the story of Jesus’ birth and how that is the real meaning of Christmas. It is a great way to be able to enjoy some of the secular fun of Christmas without forgetting that it is really all about Jesus.
Jacki Rucksdashel says
Thanks Elizabeth! That one has been on my list to try out. It’s moving to the top of the list now!
Leslie says
Oh gal, I love this list. What a sursee! I am going out today to buy or order the Margaret Wise Brown book. This list is a treasure for young moms and also for older ones wanting to gift their grown kids or take a meaningful gift to a shower. Thank you! I also love the secret of the library. You are right- now is the time too check those books out!! Xoxo
Jacki Rucksdashel says
Thanks Leslie, yes I encouraged the other moms to go to the library and now I need to go myself! Hope you enjoy the Margaret Wise Brown book as much as I do!
Cathy Speed says
You got a lot of my favorite that bring the true meaning to kids. Another sweet one is God Gave Us Christmas… and has a little bear who goes w/ his mommy on a search to “find God” and finds Him and His gifts everywhere as he learns about the gift of the King.
Some favorites that don’t have a real lesson but are fun Christmas books my kids love:
Gingerbread Mouse by Katy Bratun
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
Jacki Rucksdashel says
Great book ideas Cathy. We too love Snowmen at Night!
jennie says
LOVE this!
Jacki Rucksdashel says
Thanks Jennie!
Christy says
I am in a FB group for read aloud resources and I made a loooooooooong list of CHristmas books. About 2 weeks ago I requested them all at the library and have already picked them up. So, I beat you to it. I wanted to get all the good ones.
Jacki Rucksdashel says
Ha! Way to go Christy! You did beat me to it–looks like I’m not the only one with this secret! Hope you and your girls enjoy all those great books.