Inside you’ll find Twenty-FIVE Christmas books you can use in your advent traditions.
Have you heard of the tradition of wrapping 12 or 24 Christmas books and opening one a day leading up to Christmas? We’re attempting that this year and I AM STOKED!
Whether you plan to go all out or you’re looking to add a couple classic Christmas books to your library, this list is full of classic, gorgeous, and heartfelt living books. These stories will come alive in your child and truly help to shape their character. (Can you tell I’m passionate about reading aloud to my kids?)
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So, without further ado and in no particular order…
Twenty-five Picture Books for Advent
The Nutcracker: (The Story Orchestra) Tells the story of the Nutcracker along with buttons that play the classic piece by Tchaikovsky. Captivating illustrations.
The Gift of the Magi O. Henry’s classic tale illustrated with poignant beauty. Grab this book when you want to promote a selfless Christmas attitude.
An Orange for Frankie Anything by Patricia Polacco is worth buying. Her true tales will grip your and your child’s heart and inspire character growth.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story It’s illustrated by the Caldecott Queen Barbara Cooney. Good luck finishing this one without crying.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey Many folks all-time favorite Christmas books. A true classic and so so beautiful.
Mary, Did You Know?: The Story of God’s Great Plan The popular hymn gorgeously illustrated and brought to life for a whole new audience.
The Little Drummer Boy Written by the famous Ezra Jack Keats (think The Snowy Day), this book tell the story of a little boy wanting to bless Jesus with what little he has.
Christmas Day in the Morning A lovely tale of a boy who serves his father as a sweet Christmas present.
The Story of Christmas The Biblical Christmas story, illustrated with stunningly bright and intricate pictures.
The Legend of the Candy Cane This book teaches kids the symbolism behind the beloved candy cane. My boys have to try not to drool over the candy store in this book.
The Legend of the Christmas Tree Find out the meaning behind the tradition of the Christmas tree!
Legend of the Christmas Stocking Why stockings? This book will show your kids the fun story behind the tradition.
Who is Coming to Our House? The nativity seen from the animals perspective. Great for the younger crowd.
The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy Heartwarming tale of a sweet puppy that desperately wants a boy for Christmas. If you’re not in the market for a dog, this might not be a wise choice. You’ve been warned.
Itsy Bitsy Christmas: You’re Never Too Little for His Love Came highly recommended by a friend. A reminder that even the littlest person is loved by our Savior.
M Is for Manger Fun book that highlights the Biblical story of Christmas as it goes through the alphabet. Another preschooler favorite!
Annika’s Secret Wish This Swedish tale showcases a young girl’s selfless dreams. The back of the book includes Swedish Christmas traditions you can start with your family.
The Legend of Mistletoe and the Christmas Kittens Written in rhyme, this book gets read at my house all year. Mistletoe the cat looks different than everyone else and feels very alone, until one very special Christmas Eve.
A Christmas Like Helen’s Get a gorgeous peek into what Christmas was like in yesteryear.
Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story This was written by the same author as the Jesus Storybook Bible. Need I say more?
Christmas at Long Pond Go on a Christmas tree hunt and learn about nature at the same time!
The Christmas Promise See how Jesus is the long and expectant King promised long ago! Helps kids see the Bible as one big story, not just random unconnected stories.
Polar Express 30th anniversary edition It’s a classic. It’s beautiful. Read it to your kids.
The Twelve Days of Christmas The popular song is gorgeously illustrated by the renowned Jan Brett.
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree A sweet and humorous Christmas story that will make your kids’ head spin.
Need more suggestions? Check out my favorite picks for that focus on the Christmas story!
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