All the wonder that surrounds the holiday season is beautiful, and books are the perfect way to add some magic to it. We asked our top families (users on the platform) for their favorite children’s holiday book and crafted this top-10 best children’s holiday books for you.
Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or something else, this list will help you make wonderful family memories. Happy reading, and happy holidays!
1. The Christmas Eve Tree
When the ugly little fir tree is taken to the city, no one wants to buy him; they prefer the big tall trees. But a homeless boy asks the shopkeeper if he can take the tree, and down by the river in a cardboard box, decorated with a few candles, the tree finds itself at the center of a magical Christmas Eve it will never forget.
“I love the meaning behind this story and the important conversations it creates when you read it with children”
2. Last Stop on the Reindeer Express
Mia misses her Daddy. Without him, Christmas has lost its magic. But when Mia discovers a world within a mysterious post box, she is whisked away on a truly wonderful adventure over sparkling seas and streets of paper stars. But what will Mia find at the end of her journey?
“Lovely story about missing a beloved one on Christmas & families that can't be together. Stunning artwork”
3. The Snowy Day
In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter's small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.
“Not holiday, not Christmas but WINTER. Wonderful award-winning classic of a snowy day from the viewpoint of a young child. A calm & quiet book.”
4. Christmas Around the World
From Ethiopian fringed umbrellas and star-shaped Filipino parol lanterns to candlelit Swedish St. Lucia crowns, Christmas Around the World brings together Christmas traditions from twelve different lands, like decorations on a splendid tree.
“We like it because it shows different types of celebrating Christmas around the World! We love diversity & this is a good exposure for the little ones around the theme of Christmas.”
5. The Polar Express
Late on Christmas Eve, after the town has gone to sleep, a boy boards a mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole. When he arrives there, Santa offers him any gift he desires. The boy modestly asks for one bell from the reindeer's harness. It turns out to be a very special gift, for only believers in Santa can hear it ring.
“Christmas classic for the whole family with beautiful and detailed illustrations, Christmas magic and adventure.”
6. The Jolly Christmas Postman
It's Christmas Eve and the Jolly Postman is delivering greetings to various fairy-tale characters - there's a card for Baby Bear, a game appropriately called 'Beware' for Red Riding Hood from Mr Wolf, a get-well jigsaw for hospitalized Humpty Dumpty and three more surprise gifts.
“We like it because of all the connections to classic fairy tales and British nursery rhymes, PLUS it is always fun opening letters and cards inside!”
7. Pick a Pine Tree
Part of the magic of the Christmas season stems from the traditions that families and friends take part in every year: hanging up stockings; putting lights in the windows; and, one of the most important of all, picking out and taking home the Christmas tree.
“It rhymes! The artwork is festive and joyful! Inclusive in the many different ways families decorate with a Christmas tree.”
8. The Christmas Department Store
Christmas for Benji has lost its magic. This year, his family can’t afford a tree, or even a turkey. But then he stumbles upon the most extraordinary department store, where polar bears talk and the presents are out of this world.
“It's a beautiful story to teach children that Christmas is most about being together with the people you love.”
9. All About Me
For everyone who has ever wondered where Santa likes to go on holiday or why he wears his distinctive red and white costume, this book offers a glimpse into the private world of Father Christmas.
“A lovely story to share with older children. Beautiful illustrations and lots of interactive bits throughout.”
10. Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale
Simon, the main character, makes the trek across the Atlantic with only some food, a Hanukkah menorah, candles, and matches. On the way, his boat hits an iceberg, and he gives his seat up on a lifeboat for another passenger. The poor boy is left alone on that iceberg but along comes a polar bear, and Simon being Simon, shares his herring and lakes with the bear, who keeps him warm and safe. On the seventh night, when he lights the menorah, something magical happens.
“This story is all about giving and charity and we love reading it with the little one as it drives a great conversation after.”
Hope this list got you a little inspired.
We wish you and your family happy reading, and happy holidays!
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