Reading has always been a part of my life – at times, much to my dismay. I was raised in a family of voracious readers. I was/am dyslexic, and reading was hard for me as a child, thus it was not fun and I did not like it. I did however enjoy when my parents would read bedtime stories to me and my sister.
As I grew older, and especially while I was at university, I developed coping mechanisms to get me through my reading for school.
Then, after graduating, I discovered reading for fun is vastly different and so much better. I now love reading.
With the Christmas season upon us I thought I would share with y’all my top 14 Christmas book recommendations. These books are all great for children AND adults. Most have morals and life lessons that leave room for thought and discussion. Some are just fun or interactive.
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The 14 Best Christmas Books
for Kids & Adults
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore
This classic poem shares an enchanting Christmas story that has brought Santa to life for generations. Reading it every Christmas Eve is a great tradition to start with your family.
The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt
This is a deep, albeit short, book with stunning illustrations. It is a great book for both Christmas and Easter. It is a story told from a new and unusual point of view. Children will be deeply touched as they understand, perhaps for the first time, the significance of Christ’s birth, then life and the purpose of the cross.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
This is an instantly recognizable holiday classic! This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. The rhymes make it fun, but the ultimate message is not lost in the fun wording.
An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco
In this tale of a little boy learns – and teaches – an important lesson about giving. A true story that will warm your heart and remind you of the importance of generosity. This old tale is an important reminder of what is important and how to share that is much needed in this day in age.
I Spy Christmas by Jean Marzollo
There are a few of these Christmas editions. While I Spy books are not likely to win any literary awards, they are good for practicing sight words with little readers, and they are fun to find the items within the other pieces of the visual collection. Fun for kids and the whole family.
Merry Christmas, Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
I always loved Amelia Bedelia’s tales of confusion, honest mistakes, and general silliness. Amelia brings more fun and laughter in this Christmas themed short book.
Bear Stays up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
Bear usually hibernated through winter, and misses Christmas, but this year, Bear’s friends are determined to help keep Bear awake to see Christmas – they help him find a Christmas tree and they do other traditional activities to prepare for Christmas. Along the way, Bear discovers giving is one of the best gifts there is.
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
Every December, an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R. Tolkien’s children. Inside would be a letter in strange handwriting and a beautiful colored drawing or some sketches telling tales from Father Christmas (Santa Claus). This book combines all the letters J.R.R. Tolkien wrote to his children in one fantastic book.
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaolo
In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao “flower of the Holy Night”. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside. This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl’s unselfish gift to the Christ Child. I remember being read this book for the first time when I was in first grade; I think of it and smile every time I see poinsettias this time of year.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A timeless and classic tale about a much-needed perspective shift. From miser to philanthropist. From heartless to truly generous and kind. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is a yearly reminder to each of us to reflect on our own three ghost (Christmas Past, Present, and Future). A seasonal reminder about adjusting your outlook, attitude, and behavior.
This copy even includes some recipes to sweeten the season!
How Winston Delivered Christmas by Alex T. Smith
A heartwarming chapter book (176 pages) about how a mouse named Winston finds a lost letter addressed to Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, he sets off on an unforgettable journey to personally deliver the letter to Santa. A cute adventure for the whole family.
Christmas From Heaven by Tom Brokaw
A true story of the humble beginnings of what became a beacon of hope to a war-torn land, the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a Soviet-blockaded Berlin. A great Christmas book for all military and history lovers.
The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan Ahlberg
One of my favorite books as a tiny tot was the original Jolly Postman book. This one has the same quality gorgeous illustrations by Janet Ahlberg. The Jolly Postman brings a batch of wonderful letters for Christmas, including notes from the Big Bad Wolf and all the King’s men. Open this book, take out the letters, and discover what your favorite characters would write to each other – and reimagine best-loved tales together.
The Message of the Birds by Kate Westerlund
With simple and beautiful illustrations, this book tells the story that long ago a special child was born, and the animals heard a song of blessing and good will for all the creatures of the earth. But now the birds wonder why no one sings the song anymore. And so they fly far and wide, singing the song of joy and peace. Here is a beautiful story about the powerful role we all play in passing on the timeless message: “Let there be peace on Earth.”
Happy reading this season.