It’s a balancing act when it comes to being a parent at Christmas. Trying to find a balance of the magic of the season and the reason for the season. As a parent you want your child to enjoy the laughter and the fun, all while knowing the true meaning of Christmas.
There is no better way to convey the message of the Christmas season than to read a book with your children. On this list, the books vary from being silly to serious, with a meaningful message to keep you entertained.
10 Favorite Children’s Christmas Books
(In no particular order)
How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Author: Dr. Seuss
Reading Level: 5-8 years old
Synopsis: A family favorite about the Grinch who stole Christmas from Whoville, only to give it all back. “Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!”
The Night Before Christmas
Author: Jan Brett
Reading Level: 3-5 years
Synopsis: A perfect book for your anxious children on Christmas Eve, told through a poem. The paintings in the book are breathtaking.
A Christmas Carol
Author: Charles Dickens
Reading Level: 10+ years
Synopsis: The classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge transforming from a grumpy old miser to a kind and joyful man, with the help of three spirits who show him what really matters.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Author: Barbara Robinson
Reading Level: 8-11 years
Synopsis: Everyone knows the Herdman kids. The last place anyone would expect any of the Herdmans is at church. When it comes to the annual Christmas pageant, the kids take all the best parts. While we expect to witness the worst Christmas pageant ever, will it really end up being the best?
Room For a Little One: A Christmas Tale
Author: Martin Waddell
Reading Level: 3-7 years
Synopsis: The Kind Ox makes room at the Inn for all animals and will make room for one more. A Christmas tale telling the story of the birth of Jesus.
The Christmas Spirit
Author: Nancy Tillman
Reading Level: 4-8 years
Synopsis: A story sharing the best gift that can be given during the season is spending time with those that we love.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Author: Charles M. Schulz
Reading Level: 3+ years
Synopsis: Charlie Brown is directing the annual Christmas play. In true Charlie Brown fashion, everything falls apart, leaving him to wonder if anyone really knows what Christmas is all about.
The Polar Express
Author: Chris Van Allsburg
Reading Level: 4-7 years
Synopsis: A boy is taken on Christmas Eve by train to the North Pole, and receives a gift from Santa Claus that only kids can enjoy.
Llama Llama Holiday Drama
Author: Anna Dewdney
Reading Level: 3-5 years
Synopsis: We all love Llama Llama and the messages they contain. Llama Llama is very excited for Christmas, until he gets overwhelmed with all the holiday season entails. It’s a reminder that the people matter more than presents.
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
Author: Richard Scarry
Reading Level: 3+ years
Synopsis: The Little Golden book shares the classic tale of bullying and acceptance. There are newer versions of this book out, but the Richard Scarry version brings a sense of nostalgia from my childhood.
I’m always in the search of a new holiday tale to add to our current collection. What are some of your favorite books to reading during the holiday season?
One of my favorite Christmas books as a kid was Santa Mouse. My son was just born this year and I was able to find this classic book so that I can share my childhood memories with him. I would highly recommend this book.
Stephanie,
Thanks for that suggestion. That is one I have not read and will be making a trip to the library.