Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
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THE FIREPLACE — Trimming the tree and wrapping the presents, sending out cards and attending parties — everyone knows that in spite of the cozy nature of the holiday, Christmas can be chaotic.
For those with little ones at home, working hard to create magic while choking back threats of Santa Claus bringing coal can lead to more than just a little burnout. The good news, however, is that magic can be cultivated in the simplest of ways, with little to no financial resources needed. As J.K. Rowling wrote, "Words are ... our most inexhaustible source of magic."
That's right, a list of festive book recommendations and a trip to the library can bring the power of peace and harmony to your house, all while allowing you to savor the magic of Christmas in these precious childhood years.
So flip on the fire, pour yourself some eggnog, and read these 10 fabulous books to your kids this holiday season.
"What Does Mrs. Claus Do?" By Kate Wharton
There isn't a whole lot of material out there to help us get to know Mrs. Claus, but this book gives us an idea of what the elusive matriarch of the Claus family might do while St. Nick is delivering presents around the world.
This story really brings imagination to life as the narrator speculates about the many things Mrs. Claus might be up to on Christmas Eve. The theories are very entertaining, ranging from hosting the jingle bell ball (where they honor veteran deer) to secretly shadowing Santa so his job goes smoothly.
"Cobweb Christmas: The Tradition of Tinsel" by Shirley Climo
Tante is an endearing old lady who lives at the edge of a forest in Germany. Every year, she decorates the most beautiful tree in town and shares her Christmas magic with all the local children. She lets them feast on the shiny apples and Christmas cookies that hang on her tree until they are ready to go home for Christmas and await Kris Kringle, who brings magic of his own.
Tante shares what she has with everyone else but longs for a little magic to come her way. Enter Kris Kringle himself and the unlikely heroes of this story.
"Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale" by Martin Waddell
If you're looking for a book that will teach the true meaning of Christmas in a simple but profound way, this is your pick.
Kind Ox lives in a stable, and many come seeking shelter in his home. He turns no one away, for "there's always room for a little one here." Animals who would not normally congregate find themselves together and in the company of one very special baby on Christmas night.
"Amazing Peace" by Maya Angelou
This visually stunning children's book featuring Maya Angelou's flawless poetry will have you aching to gather with friends and foes alike to sing Christmas carols. All about the peace the season of Christmas brings, even in a troubled world, this book unites a diverse audience and urges them to remember the joy and reason for the Christmas season.
This book is filled with large vocabulary words and may be better suited to older children.
"Mistletoe" by Tad Hill
Mistletoe is a mouse who loves playing the snow, while her good friend Norwell the Elephant would rather stay cozy and warm inside his house. When Norwell won't join mistletoe for a snow stroll, she takes matters into her own hands to make him the best Christmas present ever that will grant both their wishes.
This is a sweet story about savoring the season, enjoying life's simplicities, and being a good friend.
"Bear Stays Up for Christmas" by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
Bear's friends have a problem. Bears hibernate during the wintertime, but they don't want their big furry friend to miss out on the best day of the year! Naturally, they decide to wake the sleeping bear, and luckily, Bear doesn't want to miss out on Christmas Day, either.
It isn't easy, but Bear and his friends keep him awake all day long, even when his eyelids start to droop. By the time night falls, Bear surprises everyone by staying awake longer than all of his friends and creating a little Christmas magic of his own. This is a sweet story with a happy ending and is fun for all ages.
"Stick Man" by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Fans of the Halloween favorite "Room on the Broom" will love this tale created by the same author and illustrator. Stick Man lives in a tree with his wife and three kids. One day, he goes for a jog, and all sorts of trouble ensues. Dogs like to chase sticks, kids like to throw sticks into streams, and swans use sticks to weave into their nests. What they don't know is that this particular stick just wants to go home to his family!
Lucky for Stick Man, Santa Claus does more than just deliver presents. With a compelling story and lots of fun rhyming, this book will delight all readers.
"Mim's Christmas Jam" by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Does anything scream "Christmas" more than Pennsylvania in 1915, freshly chopped Christmas trees and jam bubbling on the stove? This completely delightful story follows a Black family who longs to see their father on Christmas Day.
Their dad — Pap, they call him — is earning a living by working on the forthcoming Subway system in New York City and won't be able to come home for the holiday. That is until Mim's Christmas jam melts even the stoniest of hearts and unites a loving family for Christmas.
With beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming conclusion, this book is a candidate for a yearly read. The best part? There's a recipe for Mim's Christmas jam at the end of the story so you can make it at home as a family.
"The Light of Christmas" by Richard Paul Evans
Set in the Christmas town of Noel, which is "high in the mountains, where the clouds lie on the ground like great cotton balls," "The Light of Christmas" tells the story of a kind and altruistic boy named Alexander.
Alexander faithfully attends the lighting of the Christmas torch each year, even after the journey becomes too much for his sickly mother and he has to go alone. This year, the Keeper of the Flame is going to choose the giver of the truest Christmas gift to light the flame. Alexander so wants to do the job but doesn't feel he has anything to give. He doesn't realize that true gifts don't have price tags but, instead, have heart.
"The Jolly Christmas Postman" by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Familiar characters such as Humpty Dumpty, Baby Bear, the Gingerbread Man and the Big Bad Wolf find their way into this fun, interactive story. The reader follows the Jolly Christmas Postman on his route as he delivers holiday mail to the various characters.
Children will delight in checking the "mail" in this book, which features surprise messages inside each of the pages that are turned into envelopes.
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