Do you have some favourite family books that you bring out every Christmas? It can be such a hectic and crazy time, I find sitting down and reading Christmas books to my kids is a great way to build some gentle excitement before the madness begins.

Here’s the three favourite Christmas books at our house, each one reminding us of some of the wonderful things about Christmas to be treasured.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss

Before the movie there was the book. Written with typical and bouncy Dr Seuss rhyme and rhythm ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas‘ tells the story of a grumpy creature living in caves above Who-ville who hates Christmas. He goes from house to house and steals all the presents, trees, decorations and food believing that this will put an end to the Who-folks celebrations.

It contains the fabulous sentiment that perhaps Christmas isn’t just about all of the material things:

“‘Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.
“Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”‘

 

 

 

 

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

One of the most famous Christmas stories is A Christmas Carol and while the complete Charles Dickens version might be a little hard for kids to follow there are plenty of adaptations for kids. Our copy at home is adapted by Victor Barnes and has gorgeous, colourful illustrations from the animated film of the same name.

For those not familiar with the classic tale it is about a man named Ebenezer Scrooge who is nasty and mean-spirited and, of course, hates Christmas. One night he is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come  who show him what will become of him unless he changes his unkind ways.

Not unlike the Grinch, Scrooge realises that happiness comes to you when you have made someone else happy.

 

 

 The Night Before Christmas by Clement C Moore

Written back in 1823 this delightful poem starts with one of my favourite lines:

“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…”

I love reading it to my children on Christmas Eve as it paints such a glorious picture of Santa Claus and his reindeer going from house to house delivering presents.

“He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.”

Watch your kids’ faces glow with excitement as they picture Santa (or St Nick in this poem) on his way to their house.

 

 

 
Do you have a favourite childhood Christmas story or two that you share with your kids at Christmas time?