We like to mix up the books we read during the holidays. We have a mixture of Santa stories and Baby Jesus stories. They allow us to celebrate the magic of Santa and focus on the true meaning of Christmas, too.
I compiled a list of Christian-themed Christmas stories for your holiday book basket. Which ones have you read?
Christian Christmas Stories
The Little Drummer Boy – A procession travels to Bethlehem, bringing gifts for the newborn baby Jesus. The little drummer boy comes along, although he is too poor to bring a present fit for a king. Instead, he plays a song on his drum for the Christ Child. Within the little drummer boy’s seemingly simple gift lies the true spirit of Christmas
Humphrey’s First Christmas – We’ve all heard the story of the three wise men who brought their gifts to Baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. Humphrey has lost his blanket and schemes to acquire a new one. When the party reaches its destination, Humphrey is so drawn to the love surrounding Baby Jesus that he finds himself selflessly giving his new blanket to the Christ child.
Itsy Bitsy Christmas – ‘The King has come! Even for a little one like me.’ Do you ever feel like you are too small or too ordinary? That is just how Itsy and Bitsy feel. When these two charming little mice hear that a King is coming to Bethlehem, they set off with great enthusiasm to find Him. Along the way, they are met with discouraging words telling them they are too little and unimportant for any king. Just when Itsy and Bitsy begin to believe that they really aren’t big enough for the new King, they learn that Christ the King has indeed come for everyone.
The Christmas Baby – When Mary and Joseph’s child was born, the good tidings spread from the animals in the manger, to the shepherds in the fields, to the kings in distant lands, and even to the angels in the heavens! Now every time a baby is born, we celebrate and people travel from far and wide to greet the new baby—because every new baby is a small miracle.
J is for Jesus – I want a candy cane too! Everyone loves a candy cane-but it’s easy to overlook the meaning of this familiar Christmas tradition in all the hustle and bustle of the season. This sweet story reminds little ones that the candy cane represents Jesus’ birth and the gospel message too.
Room for a Little One – That cold winter’s night, beneath the star’s light…a Little One came for the world.
God Gave Us Christmas – As Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear begins to wonder… “Who invented Christmas?” Mama’s answer only leads to more questions like “Is God more important than Santa?” So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that… Jesus is the best present of all.
Happy Birthday, Jesus! – Birthdays are always a special time for children. And there is one special birthday we celebrate each year–Jesus’ birthday. This charming little book recognizes the birthday aspect of Christmas, a concept even very young children understand.
The Nativity Story – This simple introduction to the Christmas story is brought to life by Jo Parry’s vibrant illustrations. Through clear, approachable text, the events leading up to Jesus’ birth are straightforwardly retold, making this an excellent introduction to the Christmas story.
The Berenstain Bears: The Very First Christmas – Join the Bear cubs as they learn all about Jesus’ holy birth. From the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary to the visit from the three wise men, join Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister, and Honey as they discover the story of the very first Christmas.
Who Is Coming To Our House? – “Who is coming to our house? Someone, someone,” says Mouse. As Pig makes room, Lamb cleans up, Goose stacks the hay, and Duck lines the crib with eiderdown, Mary and Joseph are on their way by donkey. All the animals welcome the baby Jesus to their home.
The Christmas Story – First published in 1952, this classic Little Golden Book retelling of the Christmas story was illustrated by beloved artist Eloise Wilkin. Its simple but poetic text gently invites children to hear the story of Jesus’ birth in a stable in Bethlehem.
Christmas in the Manger – The gentle beauty of the story of the first Christmas is now available as a board book. With a simple, lyrical text and radiant artwork, this book is perfect for the youngest child to be a part of the wonder of the Nativity.
Santa’s Favorite Story: Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas – Discover the true meaning of the holidays with Santa’s Favorite Story.
In the barn on Christmas Eve,
After all the people leave,
The animals, in voices low,
Remember Christmas long ago . . .
So begins a sweet rhyming story in which a group of animals recounts the events surrounding Jesus’ birth in the manger, and the parts some of their ancestors played in it. This is also a counting book.
Now, let’s get on to this week’s What to Read Wednesday link-up! Last week’s most clicked post was a FREE 20+ Page Printable Christmas Pack from The Multi-Tasking Mom. This week, I’m featuring the following posts that were linked-up last week:
- Free Nutcracker Preschool Pack at Homeschool Preschool
- 10 Kids’ Christmas Gifts That Build Family Bonds at Your Vibrant Family
- Nutcracker Unit w/ 2 FREE Printables at Every Star is Different
If you have a children’s literature post you’d like to share, please link up with us. Share what you’ve been reading with your kiddos. Do you have a fun book-based activity or printable? Share it with us. You may find yourself featured next week!
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