I wanted to get this one out in time for y’all to get in the spirit of Christmas. A couple fun ways that we like to work Christmas books into the season is through an Advent Calendar. Either have your child(ren) open up a new book every day – this doesn’t mean you need to buy 24 new books (unless you want to) – you can reuse one’s that you tucked away during the year from last year, you can use books you’ve taken out from the library, or you can pair down and make it a ’12 Days of Christmas.’ The last two years, we’ve been doing an Activity Advent Calendar (I’ll share more on that later), and one of the day’s activities is “Read Christmas Books,” and even though we will be doing that every day leading up to December 25th, that day we will intentionally make it a fun, beautiful, cozy activity! Both ways are extra special for revisiting Christmas books that will be read a bagillion and one times over the month of December. Now, here are some of our favourites!
The Legend of St. Nicholas by Dandi Daley Mackall
If you’re choosing to tell you child(ren) about the true origin of Santa, this one is for you. It’s all about the spirit of giving.
The Twelve Days of Christmas in Canada by Ellen Warwick
This one simply pulls at my Canadian heartstrings and it helps you cross the country through story. Read it, or sing it – it’s a great one.
Dasher by Matt Tavares
A sweet, little story about how Dasher makes a wish, follows a star, and transforms her life from the Circus to the North Pole. A beautifully illustrated book.
Puckster’s Christmas Hockey Tournament by Lorna Schultz Nicholson
All of the Puckster books are fan favourites over here, and this one is perfect for Christmas, especially if you’re a fan of the World Juniors Hockey Tournament.
Elf based on the film by David Berenbaum
If you love the film, you’ll love the book.
A Porcupine in a Pine Tree Collection by Helaine Becker
Filled with Dashing Through the Snow, Deck the Halls, and A Porcupine in a Pine Tree, all in Canadian fashion!
5 More Sleeps ‘Til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon
Okay, this book puts a lot of energy around gifts, so it’s not really my energy around Christmas. However, sometimes not everything needs a lesson, and we can just have some fun…in comes this book! It’s super cute and has fun illustrations.
Santa is Coming to Calgary by Steve Smallman
If you’re not from Calgary, you may want ‘Santa is Coming to ___________’ – there are so many options. There’s something so special about seeing the place you love and live show up in your children’s books.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Since The Polar Express soundtrack is beloved over here, it was time to add the book in too.
Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger
We are adding this one to our collection this year – a red sleigh with a big heart. Showing kids how to dream big, even if you’re a little red sleigh!
Merry Christmas & Enjoy the Holidays!