Everything about Christmas is exciting for kids. Even at a young age, they understand that there is a special type of magic in the air this time of the year. My son is almost 2 years old and already he shouts "Ho Ho Ho!" at just about every bearded man he sees. Last year, that was about as far as we could go in teaching him about Christmas. This time around, however, he is beginning to understand that there is just a bit more to this whole thing. I can't wait to teach him just how magical the day really is. The list below is full of books that will light up his eyes and help him to understand that, before there was a Santa, there was a Savior. Read on to find your favorite and maybe scratch another gift off your list.
10) Veggie Tales-Christmas is Finally Here
By Greg Fritz
9) The Legend of St. Nicholas-A Story of Christmas Giving
Dandi Daley McCall
8) The Parable Series: The Pine Tree Parable
Liz Curtis Higgs-
7) Humphrey's First Christmas
By Carol Heyer
6) Happy Birthday Jesus
By Michelle Medlock Adams
What better way to teach children the reason we celebrate Christmas than to throw a birthday party for Jesus? That's the message behind this fun, easy to understand book, detailing the preparations for Jesus's birthday party. From the balloons, to the cake, the kids go all out to show their love for Jesus on his special day.
5) Who Is Coming to our House?
By Joseph Slate
4) Santa's Favorite Story: Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas
By Hisako Aoki
3) We Believe in Christmas
By Karen Kingsbury
The holiness that surrounds Christmas is often, and easily, lost in the midst of the madness of the season. This book serves as a reminder of the reverence and awe that was present that first Christmas night. We are shown the basis for our traditions and the symbolism behind so much of what we often consider trivial. The words read like a poem but the rhythm of the story is captivating. You’ll find yourself reading this one aloud every year.
2) God Gave Us Christmas
By Lisa Tawn Bergren
Any story featuring bears on the cover is an immediate attention grabber for my son. This precious story of a little bear and her Mama held his attention, and that of my older daughter, the entire way through. Little Cub wants to know where Christmas came from, so Mama takes her on a journey to see the God that gave it to her. Lessons abound along the way, with the most important being that Jesus was the best gift God ever gave.
1) The Crippled Lamb
By Max Lucado
This one makes me cry every single time. My children have come to expect it so it doesn’t weird them out too much. While they may not turn into the same blubbering mess that I do, they are equally touched by the story of Joshua, the crippled lamb. Because of his disability, Joshua believes he does not have as much value as the other lambs. His friend, Abigail, does her best to reassure him that he is unique and special, but Joshua cannot see that in himself. It is only through Jesus that he learns that we all have an important role to play. The illustrations are as breathtaking as the story in this sure-to-be holiday favorite. Get your tissues ready and warn your kids.
Final Thoughts: This is just the beginning of a lifetime of Christmas's for my little boy. His eyes grow wide as he takes in all the new sites and sounds that the season brings. I hope he loves this time of year as much as I do. I hope he loves baking tree-shaped cookies and decorating the tree. That he dances to the holiday music, and picks out sweet gifts for his sister. That he always believes in the magic of Christmas, but never forgets that it started with a baby king. I believe the books on this list will help to awaken that knowledge and nurture it for years to come.
It is my Christmas wish that you would fall in love with some of them too. Happy Reading and Merry Christmas.
Resources- Youtube, photo credit: kevin dooley via photopin cc