Our list of favorite holiday children’s books is long, so I did my best to pare it down and organize it a bit. These are a combination of old favorites either from our childhoods, new ones I fell in love with along with our own kids, and some are a few gems I found in my days in the classroom.
I’ve always made it a priority, both as a teacher and now as a mother, to point out that while Christmas is a magical time in our home, it isn’t the center of everyone’s world this time of year. There are many different people in the world that celebrate other seasonal holidays, or a combination of holidays. Books have always been a way for me to offer alternate views of the world to my kids, and I think that is especially important this time of year. Our community we live in is incredibly Christmas focused, which is great and magical and our absolute favorite, but I think it’s important for them to know that there are other holidays that people think of with just as much fondness. Books expanding perspectives for the win!
The links below will lead you to Amazon. We know this time of year can be busy, and in 2020 shopping choices and availability may be limited. However, if it is within your ability, we encourage you to check with your local independent bookstore first. You can search on Indie Bound to find a local store. Oprah even put together a list of Black owned bookstores. And don’t forget your local library! Always a great place to supplement your book collection!
Our Favorite Holiday Children’s books: traditional
How to Catch A Santa is from a series. Each book is similarly titled with Mom, Dad, Grandma, or Grandpa as the main character.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is great to read before or after you watch the movie!
The Little Reindeer has the cutest illustrations.
A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas is a fun twist on the classic.
The Polar Express is a classic.
The Night Before Christmas is a tradition!
Santa Baby is kid comedy gold. Santa as a baby?! Get out of town!
Home for Christmas has beautiful illustrations. Jan Brett is an all time favorite and has other great Christmas books like The Wild Christmas Reindeer, Christmas Trolls, and Gingerbread Friends. These always bring me right back to childhood!
Construction Site on Christmas Night is another from a beloved series.
Olive the Other Reindeer is a cute twist on an old classic. Plus, we can never pass up a pun!
The Night Tree is an another old childhood favorite.
The Gift of the Magi is a great story for school aged kids. The copy my kids have was given to me by my grandma. I remember not really understanding it as a kid, but as an adult it makes me cry every time.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is a must. The copy in our house was a gift to me from my first grade teacher!
The Christmas Quiet Book is so cute. We have The Quiet Book, and there is also The Loud Book too.
Our favorite Holiday Children’s Books: reader picks
Here are a few of the favorites in your homes!
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure comes with a CD so you can take a night off from reading!
diverse Christmas books
Representation in literature is so important for all kids, especially since Christmas is celebrated by many different people, regardless of nationality or culture. Here are a few that I have added to our collection this year, as well as some others that look great!
Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem
Waiting For Christmas- seems to be out of print, but could potentially be at the library or an independent store
Damon and the Magic Christmas Tree
N is for Navidad- also out of print
hanukkah children’s books
I was lucky enough to grow up in a community that had a fairly large Jewish population. Growing up Hanukkah traditions were celebrated and taught right alongside Christmas traditions. I’m so thankful that I got to experience that growing up. While I can’t recreate that for my kids right now, I can still explore the faith and traditions with them through literature. Here are a few favorites:
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama adorable for mixed families!
kwanzaa CHILDREN’S books
I will admit that I don’t know much about Kwanzaa other than the tidbits that I’ve pulled from the couple books we have (I’ve included those titles below). I also don’t know anyone who celebrates it for that matter. But, I am happy to learn right along with my children.
What are the favorite holiday children’s books in your home? Tell us in the comments!
Looking for more Christmas content? Find more recipes, DIY, and decor from Okayest Moms here.
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