A few of my favorite picture books for Christmas
Every year, Saint Nicholas visits our home on December 6th. He leaves chocolate coins and a few small toys in my kids' shoes, but most importantly, he brings Christmas books.
Though it's not a tradition I grew up with, I love celebrating Saint Nicholas Day with my kids because it offers a small foretaste of the Christmas gift-giving excitement early in the season. And we enjoy reading the Christmas books he brings all Advent long.
Below is a list of a few of my favorite Christmas picture books, perfect for Saint Nicholas—or whoever brings the Christmas books in your home—to deliver.
Mortimer's Christmas Manger: A simple yet profound story about a mouse who finds a cozy place to stay during Christmas time: in baby Jesus's manger in a Nativity set.
The Story of Christmas: This book is a beauty to behold. It follows the Nativity story in the Bible with Pamela Dalton's signature scissor-cut illustrations. It is not currently available new online that I can find so I've linked to a site where you can purchase it used.
Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: Ned Bustard's book series on the saints behind our favorite holidays are a delight to read aloud and feature his unique, modern-meets-gothic illustration. In this poem, he tells the story of the real Saint Nicholas of Myra and draws a creative connection to modern day Santa Claus.
The Night Before Christmas: I will never tire of this classic Christmas poem! Many of you probably already own this book, but if you don't, this is this edition I would recommend for the classic, detailed illustrations.
The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker: There are many Nutcracker books out there, but the Story Orchestra version allows you to listen to excerpts of Tchaikovsky's music on each page as you read.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey: A heartwarming and hope-filled story about a lonely wood carver who finds love and healing when he is commissioned to carve a nativity set.
Christmas Trolls: A charming tale about a young girl teaches two greedy trolls about the Christmas spirit of giving.
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree: A fun and absurd story about a Christmas tree that is so large, its ability to spread Christmas cheer seems endless.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: I know everyone knows this one, but it truly is one of my favorite children's poems of all time for Seuss's creativity and, in my opinion, deeply Christian message. It's a timeless masterpiece!
Christmas Day in the Morning: A very touching story about a son's gift to his father on Christmas--known for triggering tears!
Angela and the Baby Jesus: A unique Christmas story about a young girl, Angela, who thinks the baby Jesus in her church's nativity set looks cold, so she takes him home to keep him warm.
Santa's Prayer: This poem seamlessly brings together sacred truth and the secular traditions of Christmas. Where does a sister and brother pair find Santa on Christmas Eve?
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