7 Of The Best Christmas Picture Books To Read To Kids
There’s something magical about snuggling up with your little ones during the holiday season. A cozy blanket wrapped around you, hot cocoa within reach, and a stack of the best Christmas picture books waiting to be explored is a lovely way to spend time. As a mom of five, I’ve read my fair share of holiday stories – some that became instant classics and others that, well, let’s just say they found their way to the donation pile.
Now, before you tell me there are already plenty of holiday books out there (my overflowing bookshelf is well aware), these particular gems are the ones that have passed the ultimate test. They’ve been requested night after night, survived sticky fingers and enthusiastic page-turning, and still manage to capture the wonder in my kids’ eyes every single time. So, maybe steal one of those cookies you’re “saving for Santa,” and let’s talk about stories that’ll make your holiday reading time extra special this year!
Are Books Good Christmas Presents?
Absolutely! Books are like giving the gift of adventure wrapped in paper and ink, and Christmas books? Well, they’re extra special because they come with a built-in tradition. In our family, we’ve turned holiday book-giving into a beloved ritual – sometimes we wrap up a new Christmas story to open on Christmas Eve, and other times we start building our collection as soon as the first leaf falls.
Think about it – while most Christmas presents lose their shine, books are the gift that keeps on giving. Each year when you pull out those special holiday stories, you’re not just reopening a book – you’re unwrapping memories of cozy reading sessions, giggling over favorite parts, and those precious moments when your little ones finally learned to read certain words on their own. Plus, books are way quieter than those battery-operated toys your well-meaning aunt keeps buying.
Best Christmas Picture Books
Let’s dive into some magical holiday reads that’ll have your kiddos begging for “just one more story” (even though we all know one means three). These treasured tales aren’t just books – they’re memory-makers, giggles-inducers, and the perfect excuse to spend a few extra minutes snuggling with your little ones. From classic Christmas magic to modern holiday charm, these stories have earned their place in our family’s holiday heart!
How To Catch An Elf
“How to Catch an Elf” is pure Christmas chaos in the best possible way – imagine if “Mission Impossible” met Santa’s workshop! Our kids are obsessed with all the crazy contraptions these kiddos create to catch their sneaky elf visitor. Fair warning though: this book might inspire some rather creative trap-building attempts around your house.
Cocoa’s Cranky Christmas
You’ll flip for “Cocoa’s Cranky Christmas” – it’s like having a playful puppy who needs cheering up right in your lap! This interactive story has our little ones clapping, singing, and giggling as they try to turn Cocoa’s holiday frown upside down. This is the perfect book for teaching kids (and reminding ourselves) that sometimes we just need a little extra Christmas cheer.
I Saw Santa’s Underpants
“I Saw Santa’s Underpants” is the kind of silly holiday story that has kids howling with laughter (and parents secretly giggling too). You haven’t lived until you’ve seen your little ones’ faces when they realize Santa’s having a wardrobe malfunction. This one’s perfect for those nights when Christmas needs a good dose of potty humor!
Fritz The Farting Reindeer
“Fritz the Farting Reindeer” is what happens when holiday magic meets potty humor, and kids can’t get enough! This gassy little reindeer proves that sometimes our biggest “problems” might just be our secret superpowers. Perfect for reading aloud when you need a good belly laugh (pun totally intended).
Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Sleigh
The beloved Pigeon is back and this time he’s got his sights set on Santa’s ride in “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!” If you thought he was persistent about the bus, just wait until you see him trying to convince everyone he’s qualified to deliver presents.
Tough Cookie
“Tough Cookie” takes that whole “catch me if you can” gingerbread story and flips it on its head – in the most delightful way! Instead of running from being eaten, this little cookie has to deal with the fact that he’s not exactly tasty. It’s a sweet reminder that we’re all special in our own way, even if we’re not what others expect us to be.
Santa Claus Must Do His Chores
“Santa Claus Must Do His Chores!” shows kids that even the big guy in red has to handle his daily tasks before the fun begins. Our little ones get a kick out of seeing Santa doing everyday chores like washing dishes and taking a bath. It’s the perfect way to remind kids that everyone has responsibilities – even at the North Pole!
What Is The Most Read Christmas Book?
“A Christmas Carol” takes the crown for most-read holiday tale. However, some of the best holiday memories come from finding your own family favorites among classic Christmas books for kids. We’ve learned that the “most popular” book isn’t always the one that ends up being our tradition. Sometimes it’s that random story you picked up at the grocery store that becomes the must-read every December, or the book with the slightly bent corner that everyone fights over at bedtime. The magic isn’t in how many copies have been sold worldwide. It’s in those precious moments when your little one can recite the words before you turn the page, or when they insist on reading their favorite part to their younger siblings. These are the stories that become your family’s classics and will have them nostalgically flipping through pages when they’re all grown up.
Whether you’re trying to catch a mischievous elf, giggling over Santa’s chores, or bonding with a not-so-tasty cookie, these books are more than just bedtime stories. They’re little paper time capsules that’ll hold all those cozy December moments. So gather your little elves, grab your favorite blanket, maybe sneak a Christmas cookie or two, and crack open these holiday tales. Because someday, when your kids are grown, it won’t be the presents under the tree they remember most – it’ll be these precious moments, snuggled up with you, lost in the magic of a good Christmas story.
