Welcome to an exciting holiday blog post designed to make your life easier!  I’ve compiled a top ten list of Christmas books to help teach your kids the real reason for the season and I’d love to hear what your favorites books on this list are – let me know in the comments if you own any, or plan to choose any to read with your kids or to give as gifts.  Each are kid-approved treasures we love in our household!

The Very First Christmas  –  Examines the Nativity story as the origin of Christmas, viewing it in both scriptural and  secular contexts.

Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend – This picture book presents a shortened, somewhat fictionalized version of the life of Saint Nicholas, explaining that Nicholas was a servant of God and that, through him, Gods love was reflected to others. The story touches on the ministry of Nicholas and his generous gift of a dowry to three young girls as a response to Gods love in Jesus.

The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving  –  A new work of art created by Marley and Me illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, captivates audiences and tells the story of a young man named Nicholas, who was moved by the plight of the poor and needy. Nicholas spent his life secretly helping the poor all over the world, giving gifts on Christmas Eve to remind people of the greatest Gift of all, Jesus Christ. This gentle Christmas book introduces the original St. Nicholas and offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves.

The First Christmas Night –  Here is a beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus on that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago. The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem through Christ’s birth, the angels’ appearance to the shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men. The simple, yet elegant, verses will appeal to little ones and are accompanied by the rich oil illustrations of Christine Kornacki. Ages 4-8.

Itsy Bitsy Christmas: You’re Never Too Little for His Love  –  Crafted by master storyteller Max Lucado, Itsy Bitsy Christmas helps children understand God’s great love and know that He sent His Son for all of us—little or big, young or old.  Meets national education standards.  Ideal for ages 4 – 7.

The Christmas Story for Children  –  This book by Max Lucado tells readers about the birth of a special baby whose story is filled with love for us all. Young readers as well as their parents will appreciate the beautiful words and artwork that convey the message that we are loved and cherished.

The Jesse Tree  –  Geraldine McCaughrean’s fresh retellings of familiar Bible events and Bee Willey’s whimsical and striking illustrations create a rich and contemporary tale that will captivate readers who know and love these stories as well as readers who are discovering them for the first time.

Jotham’s Journey: A Storybook for Advent  –  In this widely popular, exciting story for the advent season, readers follow ten-year-old Jotham across Israel as he searches for his family. Though he faces thieves, robbers, and kidnappers, Jotham also encounters the wise men, shepherds, and innkeepers until at last he finds his way to the Savior born in Bethlehem.

One Wintry Night  –  A classic Christmas picture book, One Wintry Night tells the story of a mountain boy who is injured in a snowstorm and seeks refuge in a cabin. While he waits out the storm, the woman who lives there tells him the Christmas story. In a magnificent blend of a contemporary setting with the history of God’s redeeming love, Ruth Graham created a wonderful and unique version of the Christmas story. Breathtakingly illustrated by renowned artist Richard Jesse Watson, One Wintry Night is the perfect gift for the young and the young-at-heart that will fascinate both those who have heard the Bible story many times and those who know only a few details.

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas  –  Based on the overwhelming success of The Greatest Gift, Ann Voskamp has expanded her presentation of the timeless Advent tradition of the Jesse Tree so families can celebrate together. Each day, families can read the provided Scripture passage (in connection with the original book), engage with a specially written devotion to help children of all ages understand the Advent theme for the day, and participate in suggested activities to apply the theme.

Be sure to pin this post so you can save this list for later  🙂  Wishing you a joyful holiday season!  If you are feeling the Christmas spirit, head on over for two free printable Christmas countdown calendars next!