Books are a big deal in our house. We’ve acquired quite the collection of Advent & Christmas stories over the past few years. I’ve shared my favourite Christmas books before, but I wanted to share an updated list for this year!
This list is great to share with your families, to find a story to read at a Christmas service, or just to find a story to snuggle up with near the Christmas tree!
Reading a Christmas story every day during Christmas is one of our traditions! We have a toddler who loves to flip through pages and a preschooler who loves to sit and listen to stories, so this year, I’m sharing TWO categories of books – for the littles and for family read-alouds.
For The Littles
“Good News! It’s Christmas” by Glenys Nellist
I know I’ve talked about this book on past Christmas lists, but it remains a favourite in our house. We have already read it too many times to count during this Christmas season! I love the illustrations in this story and the simple text (and also the authenticity – in the character’s skintone and the fact that the wisemen come later!). My littles love this one. You can watch Glenys read the story here!
“Christmas in the Manger” by Nola Buck
I love this book so much – in fact, I’ve gifted it so many times, I realized this year, I gave my own copy away! It’s such a fun read for kids introducing the idea of Christmas and the birth of Jesus to the youngest members of your family.
“On This Special Night” by Claire Freedman
We are gifting this book to some of the littlest friends at our church this Christmas season! It is beautifully illustrated, and the perspective of the animals is always special for the littlest ones among us!
“This is the Stable” by Cynthia Cotten
This book is perfect for both my kids! It’s a great family read, but the rhythm and melody is perfect to keep little ones engaged! It’s probably my own personal favorite on the list.
Read Alouds for the Family
“The Crippled Lamb” by Max Lucado
This year, Levi has the attention span to enjoy this story – and I am so excited! This Christmas story was a classic for my family growing up, and I can barely get through it these days without tearing up. I love the message that God has a special plan for those of us the world leaves behind, and it paints the message of the Christmas story in a beautiful light.
“Itsy Bitsy Christmas” by Max Lucado
Yes – there are two Max Lucado books on this list – because they are both absolutely beautiful. Levi & I have been reading this as a bedtime story, and I love the anticipation – “What king would be born in Bethlehem?” It’s a perfect reminder that Jesus comes to places He’s unexpected -even still, and that you’re never “too little for His love!”
“God Gave Us Christmas” by Lisa Tawn Bergren
This is actually the first Christmas book Levi & I read this year – and we keep coming back to it. In the hustle and bustle (and Santa fun!) of this season, it’s so easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. This book doesn’t do away with Santa, but it brings back kids to the importance of Jesus in this season. This is the perfect book to snuggle up with on a Christmas night and read together – it always leads to great conversations.
“Socks for Santa” by Adam Guillain
Okay.. this book has nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas, but it is SO Fun. Our kids love reading this hilarious story where George’s adventure leads up to the North Pole.. and saving Christmas by giving Santa a pair of socks. If you need a silly, lighthearted read for the season, this is the one!
What are YOU reading this Christmas? I’d love to hear about it!
If you’re looking for a devotional, it’s not too late to hop into one of our Equip Family devotionals for this season! Check them out here:
