I’ve been musing on books which are great for those icy days when you want to snuggle inside, but it also got me thinking about all the Christmassy books- ones which have Christmas as the main feature and those in which the characters encounter Christmas through the pages. I thought I’d pop together a little Christmassy book list for some festive reading fun, where we can sneak some fiction in amongst the real life chaos and celebrations.
So here’s a little collection of some books to get you feeling festive as we head into the last few days before celebrating Jesus’ birthday! I’ve also made a little printable so that you’ve got a physical list if that’s the way you work- so pop down to the end for that:)
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardobe– CS Lewis. Of course you’ve heard me talk of this before- and it is a lovely one with the children entering Narnia during winter, to be told that Christmas never arrives. But as the ice defrosts and Aslan nears, Father Christmas and his sleigh make a hope-filled appearance.
A Christmas Carol has to be one of the most commonly thought of Christmas stories. With Scrooge, the ghosts that visit him during that night and of course when Christmas morning appears, it seems firmly a part of our Christmas, whether in book, film or animated version.
The Little House series has lots of lovely family scenes and travels around the Christmas period, and this Little House Christmas Treasury brings them all together for a fun seasonal read. I hope that we might be able to share this together soon once we have more readers in the house!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas I first encountered in the film, but the illustrations in this Dr Seuss book
make it such a fun read for children and adults alike- plus one of the best quotes about Christmas as the Grinch goes through the process of stealing Christmas. ‘What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.’
The Little Match Girl is a sweet and sad Christmassy tale which you’ll find yourself returning to. This original Hans Christian Andersen fairytale is definitely on the tragic side but it’s been adapted into other versions since which are also great Christmas choices.
Little Women is my current read, and the Christmassy parts as well as the rest of the book are so sweet and really point you to what Christmas is about, and less about the frippery and concerns that we can get so wrapped up in. The March girls are growing and learning along with us, and it’s great to feel like you’re part of their family around Christmas.
The Nutcracker has been retold over and over and adapted in so many ways and yet it’s magical essence remains. Phoebe (who is four) has even enjoyed watching an adaptation of it on Cbeebies, so it clearly has delights for many ages.
Letters from Father Christmas is a fun way to look at Christmas and obviously very different from Tolkein’s other famous works!
Twas the Night Before Christmas is a lovely narrative poem which brings Christmas Eve alive in such a magic way. It’s great for little ones and adults alike- so if you’ve not read it and fancy filling yourself with some Christmas cheer then find a copy!
Which are your favourite books to read around Christmas time? I’m already looking forward to snuggling next to the twinkling tree lights on our new sofa and finishing off Little Women, as soon as some of those presents are wrapped!
Don’t forget to print yourself a copy of the booklist so that you can check off your Christmas reading this year and in years to come. Or tuck one in with a booklover’s present to give them even more reading ideas for this season and next year. Just pop to the library (or put in your details here to get the library password so you can save and print your lovely copy!)
Our Cherry Tree says
We recently read The Lion, The Witch and the wardrobe and it was so lovely sharing it with my daughter! #kltr
Zoe Rose says
Oh I can’t wait to be able to share my favourites with our little ones! That must have been so wonderful.
Angela Milnes says
We used to read the little match girl with my mum. It is a story I really enjoy. Thanks for linking up to kIDS lOVE TO reAD. You have a good list there.
Zoe Rose says
Thanks Angela, I want to revisit the Little Match Girl soon as I’ve not read it in a long time.
Laura's Lovely Blog says
Some lovely books here, I love the night before Christmas. I forgot about the little match girl I think I still have the copy from when I was a girl I need to get it out 🙂
Thanks for linking up to #kltr
Zoe Rose says
I wish I had a copy of the Little Match Girl, I bet there’s some beautiful covers out there 🙂