The Reason for the Season: 9 Books That Celebrate the Meaning of Christmas
by Dena McMurdie
Between shopping, get togethers (be them virtual or socially distanced), and visiting Santa, the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in the excitement. If you’re looking for a way to keep the real reason for the season at the forefront of your Christmas celebrations, try reading these books with your kids this December.
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Who is Coming to Our House?
Available from:This sweet board book tells the story of the birth of baby Jesus from the animals’ perspective. Full of anticipation, the stable animals stack hay, dust the beams, and pad the manger with goose feathers in preparation for Mary and Joseph’s arrival.
(Ages 0 - 3)Also available from: -
God Gave Us Christmas
Available from:When Little Cub asks his mama who invented Christmas, she takes him on a journey. Together, they witness God's work around them and learn about the very first Christmas.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Holy Night and Little Star
Available from:A hesitant little star finds her courage when called upon to play an important role in welcoming the Child on Holy Night. This heartwarming retelling of the Christmas story emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's own unique gifts and spreading kindness.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Joy to the World
Available from:Comprised of The Night of Las Posadas, The Story of the Three Wise Kings, and The Legend of the Poinsettia, Tomie dePaola's Christmas collection is a lovely celebration of the Advent season. With sheet music of classic carols like “Silent Night” tucked in between each story, it's a book the entire family can enjoy.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll
Available from:Set in the American South during the Depression, Nella and her sisters are surprised to be presented with a Baby Betty doll for Christmas. The girls fight over the doll but soon realize that toys are much more fun when shared in this heartwarming family story.
(Ages 4 - 8)RELATED: Christmas Books for Kids and Families
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Amazing Peace
Available from:Maya Angelou inspires readers to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas in this poignant illustrated poem about a family that joins with their community — rich and poor, Black and white, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish — to celebrate the holidays.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Welcome Comfort
Available from:As a foster child, Welcome Comfort has never known what it is to celebrate the holidays with a loving family — that is, until one magical Christmas changes his life forever. A story on the power of love and kindness, Polacco weaves a unique and heartbreakingly beautiful tale that will stay with readers for years to come.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Available from:Seuss's classic tale has become a holiday favorite, but it's not just a funny story about a grouchy hermit stealing Christmas gifts. It's about redemption, choosing happiness, and understanding that Christmas is about much more than decorations and presents.
(Ages 5 - 9)Also available from: -
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Available from:A widow and her son ask Jonathan Toomey to carve them a nativity scene in time for Christmas, having lost theirs. With messages of hope, kindness, generosity, and love, this beautifully touching story is worth revisiting year after year.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2020.