It’s December! And with that begins all the holiday traditions. Advent calendars, Elf on the Shelf, holiday programs, Christmas lights, Santa, the list goes on. I hope we are all thriving not just surviving this holiday season and choosing what we love and leaving the rest.
If you are looking for a simple way to feel festive every single day this month, might I suggest the tradition of reading a book every day to your kids. We have seasonal books that are only brought out during certain times of the year and it is actual magic when the kids find the familiar books they love.
Several years ago, my mother-in-law gifted us 25 books, enough to read one daily through Christmas. Each year I add one to the collection and now our shelves are filled with books during the holiday season. If you’re looking for a few new ideas, here are eight of our favorites:
- Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner: This story explores the ideas one little boy has of all the things that snowmen might do when all the people are sleeping. There is also Snowmen at Christmas to read if you find yourself loving this book!
- A Wish to be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe: Each page of this book is beautifully illustrated and tells the story of a tree who wishes to be a Christmas tree, but never seems to get chosen. In the end it learns how special it is to all around it.
- Santa Mouse by Michael Brown: In this sweet little story, a mouse decides Santa needs a gift, too, and even meets him on Christmas night. Read this book to find out why you might want to leave out a piece of cheese on Christmas Eve!
- Stick Man by Julia Donaldson: The story of a father who gets separated from his family and goes on quite the adventure, but manages to get back to his family just in time for Christmas. Read the story and then you can watch the animated short movie on Netflix!
- Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson: Bear needs to hibernate! But first he wants to help all his forest friends get ready for Christmas. Find out what his friends do for him to help him prepare for his long winter’s nap.
- Snowflakes Fall by Patricia MacLachlan: Learn all about how unique snowflakes are and that we are all individual and special as well. This book has beautiful illustrations and an even more beautiful message.
- The 12 Bugs of Christmas by David Carter: Our copy of this silly book is falling apart! A take on the 12 days of Christmas, find yourselves twisting your tongue over all the many bugs of Christmas. Our version is even a pop-up book, making it even more fun!
- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg: I cannot leave off this Christmas classic. You could make an entire Christmas evening out of this story. Read the book, put all the kids in their jammies, and make your own “Polar Express” in your car as you get some hot cocoa and drive around to see Christmas lights.
Cuddling up with blankets and a stack of books on these coming cold winter nights is the perfect way to feel the magic of the holiday season. What are your favorite holiday books?
