This blog post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Reading was always so magical to me as a kid. I could get lost for hours in a story and I’ve always looked forward to sharing my love for books with my kids. My friend Thu over at Tandem in Love does an incredible job at curating her kids’ book collection. I’ve actually purchased a few new books for Liam based on her recommendations over the last couple years – some of which have become huge favorites. If you check out her Instagram, you can see glimpses of their bookshelves in some of here photos. Total book goals. She even has several holiday-specific book collections for her girls.
I asked Thu if she would be interested in sharing some of her favorite Christmas books. She was kind enough to put a list together for your all. I love that her list includes some classics as well as some newer books. And I even ordered one for our own library. Read Thu’s note and check out her list below. I know there’s still a day or so left to order things on Amazon and get them in time before Christmas! Or perhaps it’ll give you a chance to start building your Christmas book collection for next year!
(This post contains affiliate links)
Christmas time is such a special time of year. I love the chill in the air, the holiday music playing the background, and the warmth of our home. My fondest memories as a child were always around the holidays. I loved staying up to look at the Christmas lights, drinking hot chocolate, and the magic in the air was almost palpable! I hope I can create such wonderful memories for my two sweet girls! Reading is such an important activity in our lives and Christmas books always add that extra sparkle to nighttime reads before bed!
A Very New York Christmas
This is the book that I had to get when I saw it on Thu’s list. I’ve grown up going to New York all my life and the city is such a special place for me. We’ve been taking the kids there at least once a year, so I thought this book would be perfect for our family. It’s not really a story book, but it does a great job at highlighting wintertime and the holidays around NYC. There are so many memories of my own childhood in all the places in this book and we’re starting to visit many of them with the kids too. If you love NYC, this is such a great book. And the illustrations are phenomenal too!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
This book is such a classic. Liam hasn’t watched the movies yet (he finds the into with the Grinch a little too scary), but the book is perfect for us!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Classic Story
The movie is a Christmas tradition in our house. I love that this book allows you to relive this favorite Christmas story at bedtime too!
The Snowman
It may seem strange to have a book with no words, but it can really be a wonderful thing! This way, you (or your child) can tell the story any way you’d like.
Merry Christmas from the Very Hungry Caterpillar
If you loved The Very Hungry Caterpillar, you’ll probably also love this version with a holiday twist.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Truthfully, I’ve never quite understood whether this was a Halloween-themed Christmas story or a Christmas-themed Halloween story, but either way, everyone loves Jack and Sally.
Olive, the Other Reindeer
Did you know that Santa had another reindeer?
Madeline’s Christmas
Madeline was a favorite of mine growing up. This is a sweet holiday story about Madeline and her friends that’s sure to inspire some active imaginations.
Olivia Helps with Christmas
Liam got this book last year for Christmas. We love the illustrations and reading about how Olivia helps her family get ready for Christmas.
Polar Express
This is probably the ultimate classic of all Christmas stories. Really, nothing is more magical than a trip to the North Pole.
I’m pretty sure we’ll be adding a couple more of Thu’s suggestions to our library in years to come. What are your family’s favorite Christmas books to read together?
thu says
thank you for sharing kim! what a great post! happy holidays my friend!
Tamara says
The ones my son really likes (he is 2.5) are Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck and Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle.
Ashley says
There are so many amazing options here! Especially love the classic Rudolph one <3
Angie says
We love reading here! My baby girl loves her books and I always have to read to her before nap and bed times. These are all great books!
Claire says
Love all of these!