Merry Christmas, my friends! 

I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends.

As I have scheduled this post to be published on Christmas day, I thought I would share a few of my favorite Christmas picture books with y’all. I thought I would just include a few, but as usual, there are so many I love. Enjoy!

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg // My dad read this book to us every Christmas Eve when I was a kid. Now I read it to my kids. I think this story is so magical. I used to dream of riding on the Polar Express and drinking that thick melted chocolate bar hot chocolate. This is a perfect book to get you in the Christmas spirit.

My Treasury of Christmas Stories illustrated by Caroline Pedler // This is a great Christmas collection with classic Christmas stories including The Night Before Christmas and simple retellings of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. I love the bright, colorful illustrations! Plus, the stories are all fairly short and easy to read in one sitting with little kids. I appreciate that on their Nutcracker story (one of our favorites this year)–it’s hard to find a simplified version of that story!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss // The Grinch is my oldest’s favorite Christmas character this year. So we’ve watched a lot of the 20 minute animated classic movie. Lucky for us, our city Christmas parade was Dr Seuss themed as well as our church Christmas party! I love the rhyming story and the lovely Christmas message at the end.

The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson // I love Beatrix Potter’s stories and her charming characters. My mother in law got me this story for Christmas last year and I this Emma Thompson is very true to Potter’s work. The illustrations are darling and the story is clever and fun. A great addition to the Beatrix Potter library!

The 12 Days of Christmas by Jane Cabrera // I love the clever retellings that Jane Cabrera tells in her books. Her illustrations are beautiful and fun for small children. We love Baa Baa Black Sheep, Row row row your Boat, and The Wheels on the Bus at our house. This is a fun retelling of the classic Christmas song for children complete with “four magic mice” and “eleven reindeer dancing.” My daughter loves pointing out Rudolph and his red nose.

A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz // My kids are just old enough to appreciate the Charlie Brown holiday TV specials. So I was thrilled to find this book version of the classic Christmas story at our library. It’s very true to the movie version. I love the message of finding meaning and joy in the true reason for the Christmas season.

Usbourne Nativity Flapbook // This is a great, short book that tells the story of the birth of Jesus. There are flaps to uncover on every page and vibrant colored scenes. I think this is a great way to introduce the Christmas Story to even very small children. The words are simple and my kids enjoy pointing out Jesus.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Steven Kellogg // We love this edition of the classic Christmas song paired with beautiful illustrations. Every page is full of magical scenes connected to the song–pages of elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too. My oldest loves the last page that folds out to double the size of the book too. It’s impossible to read this book without singing!

Christmas Parade by Sandra Boynton // I love Sandra Boynton books and this is a fun festive addition to her collection. In her characteristic rhyming, clever wordplay, Boynton paints a picture of a Christmas parade right outside the front door!

Bear Stays up for Christmas by Karma Wilson // I love the Bear books because they are so clever and sweet. This Christmas themed one is darling! Bear and his friends try to stay up to see Santa. But will they be able to stay awake after all their preparations?

What are your favorite Christmas stories?

I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, especially during the Christmas season.
He is the gift.

Merry Christmas!!