Children's Christmas Books

So much of what makes Christmas such a special time of year are the stories we tell year after year. There are so many parts of the Christmas celebrations that are special and festive, and many parts that are sacred and reverent, too. 

Children often have questions, such as, "Why do we have poinsettias at Christmas?"  

"Who first sang 'Silent Night'?"

"Why do we put candy canes on our tree?"

"Is Santa Claus real?"

As parents and grandparents, we don't always know the answers to these questions. That's why having a few books on hand that can explain these Christmas mysteries are so welcome.

Keeping the spirit of Christmas alive in our families is so important in a time when distractions from the meaning of Christmas are so rampant. Despite the financial hardships that we face this year, despite the consequences of over consumption that are ruining us, we still live in a time when desire for the latest in technologies and other items is inflamed in our kids by all they see and hear.

Stories that bring us back to simpler times and to the meanings behind all the glitz can settle us down and can help us remember the real joy of the season, which is recognizing our connection and love for each other. Those who are more religious will appreciate books that tell the story of the first Christmas. But even if your family does not believe in Christ, you may want your children to know the significance of the symbols of Christmas. These symbols connect them to their heritage and ancestors.

How did we come to connect Christmas time with particular flowers?

Tomie de Paola'a book The Legend of the Poinsettia is classic de Paola. His charming illustrations of a Mexican girl and her village tell the story of la flor de la Nochebuena--the flower of the Holy Night. A young girl's gift of herself is symbolized by the flower that blooms at Christmas time.

 In The Legend of the Christmas Rose, a young shepherd girl accompanies her brothers to welcome the holy child but has nothing to give to the new baby. She is shown some beautiful white flowers growing along the wayside. She gathers them to present them to the tiny child. When she opens her cloak, the flowers have been tinged with pink -- the first Christmas roses.

Both of these books have tender stories of love and self-giving. They help children recognize the love that is in the gift and the idea that the gift of oneself is far more worthy than any material possession.

Where did the candy cane come from anyway? This story tells one version when a stranger rides in to a prairie town . . .

The candy cane was shaped the way it was as a reminder of a shepherd's crook. It is now a well known symbol of Christmas time.

The story Silent Night: The Song from Heaven is a retelling of the true story of how the carol "Silent Night" was written. Set in Austria in 1818, this story tells how church mice had chewed a hole in the bellows on the organ. Because the organ was out of commission for Christmas morning, the priest quickly jotted down some lyrics for a Christmas song and asked the organist to compose a melody that could be played with guitar and two voices. The carol "Silent Night" was born! 

Who would have thought that some lowly spiders were responsible for all the glitz of Christmas tinsel?

Charming story of a lonely old woman whose great delight was in decorating her Christmas tree and sharing treats with all the neighborhood boys and girls and the animals of the forest. How she longed for some Christmas magic to happen to her, and how delighted she was when the miracle of Christmas really did happen!

In the 1800's, Peter's father is away at sea. He helps his family by selling newspapers. As Christmas approaches, Peter struggles with generosity and selfish desires. Children may identify with his struggles.

Peter learns the story of the real St. Nicholas who tossed bag of gold into the homes of young women who didn't have the means for a dowry.