5 Christmas Books To Read Aloud
Photo by cottonbro studio
The Christmas season is a time for remembering, imagining, believing. It is a time of and for stories. In churches and homes, the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth is told anew each year, and we are again made humble and joyous by its telling.
Down through the centuries, Christmas festivities and traditions have inspired stories and legends of every variety. Truly, there’s an ever-expanding canon of Christmas literature. Some tales are profound and spiritual. Some are historical. Others are holiday love stories, and still others are fanciful and fun.
Christmas is a sacred period overflowing with meaning and intended to be savored and celebrated. Even amid the hectic hustle and bustle that twenty-first century living imposes, we can still snatch quiet, happy moments with our loved ones.
One way to do this at Christmas (and all year long) is through family read-alouds. Munch Christmas cookies and sip warm mugs of hot chocolate as you snuggle together and share a seasonal story. While the options are nearly countless, here are five recommendations I think the whole family can enjoy.
01 | Miracle on 34th Street
Valentine Davies’ short Christmas novel of a cynical mother and daughter’s journey to embrace the seemingly impossible reminds us of the power of belief: belief in others, belief in second chances, belief in love, hope, and faith (and in Santa Claus, who really is a personification of these intangibles).
After reading the book, enjoy a family movie night and watch the film version. (I prefer the 1947 black-and-white adaptation, starring Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood, but you could also select the 1994 version with Mara Wilson.)
02 | The Christmas Pig
J.K. Rowling, of Harry Potter fame, weaves her fantastical magic in this entertaining children’s novel of a little boy’s quest to save a beloved toy. It has Toy Story and Velveteen Rabbit vibes combined with old-fashioned adventurous fairy tale/morality tale elements all blended together as only Rowling can imagine.
It’s also a beautiful Christmas reminder of the life-giving power of love and how self-sacrifice can lead to salvation. I can definitely envision this being made into an epic, animated Christmas film one day.
03 | The Legend of Holly Claus
This obscure treasure by Brittney Ryan will become an instant favorite as it transports you into its wondrous world. Ryan includes mythological creatures and recognizable names from history to create this legend centering on Holly Claus, princess of Forever, the Land of the Immortals, and daughter of King Nicholas (Santa Claus) and his wife Queen Viviana.
The story unfolds in the mystical land of Forever as well as in Victorian era New York City, known as the Empire City. This beautiful story conveys the theme that love is more powerful than fear, even more powerful than time.
There is also a picture book version of the story, titled Holly Claus: The Christmas Princess that has some of the most breathtaking illustrations I’ve ever seen — true works of art. These books are must-adds to your holiday collection.
04 | The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Barbara Robinson’s heartwarming romp relates the mayhem and miracles that transpire when the unruly Herdman family takes over the annual Christmas pageant. This hilarious classic is one you’ll want to read on repeat. It reminds us that God often uses the unlikeliest of characters to teach the profoundest of lessons. This delight of a book is also an equally delightful 60-minute movie, starring Loretta Swit from the hit TV series M*A*S*H.
05 | Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories
L.M. Montgomery’s penchant for memorable characters comes alive in this anthology of short stories, including two Christmas-themed chapters from her Anne books. Both amusing and endearing, each story relays holiday messages of forgiveness, generosity, and joy. Read one or more in a sitting, and let the hope and merriment of Christmas lift your spirits.
In short…
Whether you select one of these choices or opt for other festive Christmas tales, may you and your family enjoy the magic of stories together as you celebrate this most special and magical time of year.
