I’m that person who is ready to put the tree up on November 1st and I usually have to give myself a budget when going to the book store. But, when my boys arrived, so did the excuse to expand the library. Once the holiday books start rolling out, I am in hog heaven. Combining two of my biggest weaknesses, books and Christmas? Yes, please! I started off with the classics: The First Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, and books about Rudolph, Frosty and the Grinch. Then, I began collecting more!
Below are the 12 best Christmas books for toddlers (besides the classics) I found and have loved sharing with my boys. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
1. Itsy-Bitsy Reindeer or Itsy-Bitsy Snowman
Set to the rhythm of the Itsy-Bitsy Spider, there are several of these books celebrating almost every holiday. They are short, sweet board books perfect for babies and toddlers. For Christmas, watch the Itsy-Bitsy Reindeer as he helps Santa and the Elves for the big night. Or, join the Itsy-Bitsy Snowman for some wintertime fun!
I found this by accident on the clearance rack of Half-Price Books and I just had to get it!! It is the cutest little story of Baby Elf discovering all about the holiday. It is perfect for celebrating my youngest son’s first Christmas this year. The illustrations are adorable, and it is a board book small enough for little hands to hold.
This story is so cute because it reminds me of all the years that I wanted to hide out and catch a glimpse of Santa just like Little Bear. After a couple of false alarms, Little Bear ends up falling asleep with his parents while they try to wait up. And of course, that’s when Santa appears!
4. Christmas With Snowman Paul
This sweet story from the Snowman Paul collection reminds kids that the best part of Christmas is being together with the ones you love. Snowman Paul is upset that he has to miss out on all the celebrations, so he doesn’t melt. But his friends won’t give up that easy! I love that it shows that there is always a way to include everyone, even if you have to get creative.
5. The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel
The Berenstain Bears are one of the classic children’s series with well over 100 books, covering almost any child-related topic you can think of. The Christmas Angel is one of their newer books and finds the cubs playing outside and deciding to build a snow angel instead of a snowman. When they come in for some hot cocoa, their parents tell them the stories of the different angels, including Gabriel. This story is so sweet, and I love that on the last page they included a list of where to find more angel stories in the Bible.
This board book is absolutely perfect for introducing the story of the First Christmas to my toddler. With simple rhymes and pictures, it keeps his attention while still teaching him the true meaning of Christmas. On the last page there is a picture of the sleeping baby and he absolutely loves it. He starts with “AWWW baby!” and then shushes me.
7. The Littlest Christmas Tree
The littlest tree on the lot has one wish: to be a Christmas tree! After being passed up by many, it finally finds a home in a little boy’s room. It’s definitely one of those feel-good stories where you’re rooting for the little guy.
8. Corduroy’s Christmas Surprise
Corduroy is one of the cutest, sweetest little bears and this book just proves that theory even more. When he finds out what his friends want for Christmas, he writes a letter to Santa asking for gifts for them instead of himself. Another reminder that it doesn’t matter what is under the tree, it matters who is around it.
9. Curious George Christmas Countdown
My two-year-old LOVES Curious George, so this book was a no-brainer for our house! George is waiting (as patiently as a monkey can) for Christmas. He spends the last few days baking, decorating, and singing in a play. My favorite feature about this board book are the tabs, so my toddler can easily flip through the pages.
10. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas
I was given the first Little Blue Truck book when I was pregnant with my oldest, and I loved it. When I found out there was a Christmas book, I had to have it. The rhymes and the “Beep! Beep! Beep!” bring the same love as the original while Little Blue Truck delivers Christmas trees to his friends. The last page has a tree that actually lights up so both my boys love getting to the end.
11. All I Want for Christmas is You
OK, this book might’ve been more for me than my boys but is amazing nonetheless!! One of my favorite Christmas songs beautifully illustrated to tell the story of a little girl who wants a puppy for Christmas. You will have a hard time just reading this and not busting out with your Mariah voice. P.S. They just released the movie version and it is adorable!
12. You Are My Merry
Saving the best for last! Heads up, if you don’t want to end up with teary eyes while you’re reading, then just go ahead and skip this one. It instantly became my FAVORITE book to read to my boys. It puts into words all those things that you feel whenever you look at your babies. You are my silly. You are my sweet. You are my thankful, and so many others. It is one that won’t get packed up when the season is over.
I hope you enjoyed these 12 Christmas books to add to your own library! Remember, mamas, the days are long, and the years are short. Always take a moment to slow down, snuggle your babies, and read them a special story!
Merry Christmas, from my family to yours!!!
