Do you collect anything? My mom, who owns an antique store, collects old tins, old flashlights, dice, Asian art, antique purses, and so many more things I could write several posts of them alone. I try not to collect so much (if you don’t count pens and washi tape!), but I do collect a few items related to Christmas. I currently own more than two dozen children’s Christmas books. They are kept out year-round because I love children’s literature and I love Christmas.
My love of children’s books goes back, of course, to my own childhood. My great-grandmother used to let us sit with her in her glider rocker and she would read to us from the small collection of books she kept just for that reason. Most of those books are old classics now, like One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss and Caps for Sale by W.R. Scott. I also spent many years teaching children to read and have read to my own children since they were in diapers. I love the rhymes, the illustrations, and the positive messages.
My love of Christmas also goes back to my childhood. To me, it was the most exciting time of the year and the wait for Christmas Eve was one of the biggest struggles of my young life. I was one of those naughty kids who shook and rustled and pinched the presents under the tree (I may have even peeked into my mom’s closet once or twice). I also loved going out with my family to cut down our tree every year. The smell of fresh pine tree is wonderful. My first “real” job was as a gift wrapper in a clothing store over the holiday season (I was 14!). Even after I went away to college, my mom would wait to wrap the presents until I got home and let me wrap them all. It was my contribution to the holiday preparations.
Considering my love of children’s books and Christmas, it is not surprising that I can always find a reason to buy “just one more” Christmas book. My collection grew quickly once I had my own children, but I have to admit I had a few even before becoming a mother. If you are considering buying a Christmas book this year (or two or three), then this is the post for you!
I have included links (this page contains affiliate links, see disclosure policy listed above) to 7 of my favorites.
7 Books to Add to Your Christmas Collection
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
This book is a holiday classic. It won the prestigious Caldecott award in 1986. I love it more for the illustrations than the story, but the story is good too. This one is a must-have for any Christmas book collector. It is the story of a boy who isn’t sure if he really believes in Santa anymore and the adventure he has on a magical train ride. There is a movie of this book and you’ve probably seen it. The book is so much better, but I always say that
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciecowski
If I had to choose just one of these books, this might be it. I love this story. Unfortunately, I have a hard time reading it aloud without choking up. It is a beautiful tale about a gruff and lonely widower who is the best wood carver in the valley. His life is changed by a young boy, his widowed mother, and a lost nativity set. The illustrations by P. J. Lynch are beautiful and the story is sad and heart-warming all in one. I just found out that a movie was made and have added it to my Netflix list. I know it won’t be as good as the book, but it’ll be a good way to spend a cold December evening with my family.
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
This story was originally published in 1955, but this new version was published in 2002 with illustrations by Mark Buehner. I can’t get through this one aloud without tearing up either. It is the tale of a teenage boy who wants to do something special for his father even though they have very little money. It is a story of love and sacrifice. I think is should be part of everyone’s holiday reading list.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Lloyd Newell
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Lloyd NewellThis book tells the history of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, famous American poet and writer, and his poem “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” The poem has since been put to music and is one of my favorite Christmas carols. The story is, at first, a sad one. Longfellow lost his beloved wife in a terrible accident, the civil war was raging, and his son was lying injured in the hospital. Ultimately, it is a story of hope and finding peace.
Dear Santa Claus by Alan Durant
This book is creative and fun. Each page contains an envelope and letter to remove and read. It is the story of a girl named Holly who has questions about Santa and so she writes a letter to him. Surprisingly, she gets a letter in return! And so their correspondence begins. This is a great book to read with a child who loves getting mail. It’s also great to read with a child who is just beginning to read on their own because they will be excited to pull out each letter and read them.
Let There Be Peace on Earth And Let It Begin with Me by Jill Jackson & Sy Miller
This book comes with a CD with 12 peace promoting songs, including the title song which was written in 1955. The beautiful illustrations by David Diaz depict symbols of peace from cultures all around the world (like a turtle, a crane, a lamb). The title song has been covered by some of the biggest musical artists including Nat King Cole, Vince Gill, Harry Connick Jr., and Gladys Knight. I think peace is something our lives need more than ever right now.
Christmas Oranges by Linda Bethers
This is the story of a young orphan girl who enters a new orphanage right before Christmas. There she encounters harshness and cruelty, but also unselfishness and care. There are plenty of things to talk abut with your children in this one: generosity, sharing, friendship, following the rules, and gift giving. This is harder to find in hardback, but worth it if you can find it. It’s a keeper.
What Are Your Favorites?
As you can probably tell, my Christmas book collection runs the gamut when it comes to styles and stories. I have many, many more books in the collection, but these are seven of my favorites. Maybe you can share your with me in the comments below. I’m always looking out for a new one to add!
Thanks for reading and sharing!
