One of my favorite activities during the cold winter season (especially around December) is to pull out the kid Christmas books. Keep scrolling to find out those books that are read on repeat in our home this time of the year! Each book is listed with a little summary and the themes that are focused on.
Christmas Book #1: Little Red Sleigh
Summary:
Let me tell you about a book that’s become a favorite in our home: Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger. It’s the sweetest story about a little sleigh with big dreams of becoming Santa’s sleigh.
Along the way, she faces challenges (don’t we all?) but learns to believe in herself thanks to some kind friends like a reindeer and a cheerful train. In the end, she discovers her journey is magical—even if it’s not what she expected.
Themes:
Believing in yourself, staying resilient, and embracing the unexpected. Such a precious reminder for all of us!
Christmas Book #2: Sneezy the Snowman
Summary:
Your littles are going to love Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright. This hilarious story follows a snowman who just can’t stop melting because he’s always too cold and keeps trying to warm up (hot cocoa and campfires, anyone?). Thankfully, a group of kind-hearted kids comes to his rescue, helping him rebuild again and again. It’s such a fun, laugh-out-loud adventure that also teaches sweet lessons.
Themes:
Problem-solving, teamwork, and being grateful for what makes us who we are. It’s pure wintertime joy—perfect for a cozy family read!
(BONUS: Sneezy the Snowman Read Aloud)
Christmas Book #3: Little Blue Truck’s Christmas
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle is an absolute favorite in our house during the holidays! (Disclaimer: All The Little Blue Truck books are are favorite in our house.) This festive tale follows Little Blue Truck as he spreads holiday cheer, delivering Christmas trees to all his animal friends. With its cheerful rhymes, vibrant illustrations, and even twinkling lights on the last page, it’s a perfect celebration of the season.
Themes: The joy of giving, friendship, and the magic of holiday traditions. It’s a heartwarming and fun read that will have your little ones counting trees and feeling all the Christmas spirit!
Christmas Book #4: Pick a Pine Tree
Summary:
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht is an absolute must-read for the holiday season! This beautifully illustrated story takes you through the magical tradition of picking out the perfect Christmas tree, bringing it home, and decorating it with lights, ornaments, and love.
It’s a cozy, rhythmic read (which I love and my children too!) that captures all the wonder and excitement of the holiday season.
Themes:
Family traditions, the joy of togetherness, and finding beauty in simple moments. It’s the kind of book that will make your whole family want to start their own tree-picking ritual!
Christmas Book #5: The Christmas Pine
Summary:
The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson is the sweetest holiday treasure! This story is based on the real-life tradition of Norway gifting a Christmas tree to London each year. Told from the tree’s perspective, it captures its journey from a little seedling in the forest to standing tall and proud, beautifully adorned, in Trafalgar Square.
The words are beautiful and sing-songy The illustrations are stunning and make it a truly magical read. I also think it is a great read to transition out of Thanksgiving.
Themes:
Gratitude, generosity, and the beauty of giving during the holidays. It’s a heartwarming tale that will bring a little extra sparkle to your season!
Christmas Book #6: Santa’s story
Summary:
Santa’s Story by Will Hillenbrand is a great! This charming book follows Santa on Christmas Eve as he gathers his reindeer for their big journey. But, uh-oh—they’re nowhere to be found!
Santa tries calling, whistling, and searching, but his reindeer don’t show up until they remember it’s time for Santa’s favorite tradition: storytime! It’s such a sweet tale with whimsical illustrations that your family will adore.
Themes:
The magic of storytelling, the importance of traditions, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. It’s cozy, heartwarming, and perfect for snuggling up together!
Christmas Book #7: The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Summary:
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski is a story that will truly touch your heart. It follows a grumpy woodcarver, Jonathan Toomey, who is asked by a widow and her son to carve a Nativity set for Christmas. As he works, the little boy’s curiosity and kindness begin to melt Jonathan’s sorrowful heart, helping him rediscover hope, joy, and the spirit of Christmas.
Themes:
Healing through kindness, the power of compassion, and the beauty of Christmas miracles. It’s a timeless tale that will warm your family’s hearts this season!
Christmas Book #8: The Legend of the Candy Cane
Summary:
The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg is such a meaningful holiday read! This story tells how a mysterious stranger arrives in a small town, opening a shop and revealing a special treat: the candy cane. Through its unique shape and stripes, he explains the deeper Christian symbolism of the candy cane, sharing a message of hope, faith, and the true meaning of Christmas with the townspeople.
Themes:
Sharing the joy of Christ’s love, the beauty of community, and finding deeper meaning in cherished traditions. It’s a sweet story in every way!
Christmas Book #9: Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
Summary:
I just love Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry—it’s such a delightful and heartwarming holiday story! When Mr. Willowby gets his Christmas tree, it’s just a little too tall, so he snips off the top and tosses it away. But that tiny tree top doesn’t go to waste! It brings Christmas cheer to a whole chain of homes, from the butler to animals in the forest, each trimming and sharing the tree as it spreads joy everywhere.
Themes:
Generosity, resourcefulness, and the magic of sharing during the holiday season. It’s a festive, fun tale that will have your family smiling from start to finish!
Christmas Book #10: The Legend of the Poinsettia
Summary:
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola is such a beautiful and heartfelt story! It tells the Mexican folktale of a young girl named Lucida, who tries to weave a blanket for the baby Jesus but feels she has failed when she can’t finish it. Guided by kindness and faith, she offers a humble gift of weeds instead. Miraculously, they transform into radiant poinsettias, becoming a symbol of love and devotion.
Themes:
The power of faith, the beauty of humility, and the idea that simple, heartfelt gifts can hold great meaning. It’s a stunning holiday classic!
Christmas Book #11: Dasher
Summary:
Dasher by Matt Tavares is pure holiday magic! This enchanting story follows Dasher, a young reindeer with dreams of a life beyond the dusty circus where her family is stuck. One night, she escapes and meets a kind man in a red suit with a sleigh full of presents—Santa! Together, they embark on an incredible journey that changes her life forever, leading to the creation of Santa’s reindeer team.
Themes:
Following your dreams, the magic of kindness and courage, and finding your true place in the world. It’s a story full of wonder, perfect for the season!
Christmas Book #12: How does Santa Go Down the Chimney
Summary:
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by MacKenzie Haley is such a delightful and imaginative read! This playful book dives into the age-old question every curious child has asked: How does Santa fit down those chimneys? With humor and whimsical illustrations, it explores all kinds of hilarious possibilities, from Santa using magic dust to practicing yoga moves! It’s a clever and fun way to spark holiday laughter.
Themes:
The joy of imagination, the magic of Christmas, and embracing curiosity. It’s a charming read that will leave your little ones giggling and dreaming of Santa’s secrets!
I hope you are able to read a couple of these kid Christmas books this holiday season. Comment below any additional kid Christmas books that you or your children love this time of year!
Be sure to check out more Christmas activities here:
Christmas Songs for Kids with FREE and Festive Printables
Recommended presents for Children: Toys to help learning and development
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