One of the best things about the holiday season is the content and media that follow it. Countless shows and movies depict our favorite characters, along with their Christmas highs and lows. While movies are great, sometimes we’d rather cozy up by the fire amidst a snow flurry and read a book instead. But which book you may ask? Well, in this article, you are sure to find readable content for kids from 1 to 92, that is sure to make your holiday season whimsy and festive!
Children’s Stories
Twas the Night Before Christmas – Clement Clark Moore
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without talking about the night before. This story is a classic, but in case you’re not familiar, the tale covers the magical night of a traditional home before Santa Clause arrives. Though it is technically a children’s book, it is told as a poem with a classic rhyme scheme.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Dr. Seuss
Some people (or creatures), aren’t very into Christmas, but the ‘Scrooge’ of this story takes it to a whole new level by stealing the contents of Christmas joy scattered around the neighboring town. How the Grinch Stole Christmas gives a little insight into the the isolated life of the Grinch and his wicked actions towards the people of Whoville right before their Christmas festivities. If you’re a big fan of Dr. Seuss, then look no further.
The Polar Express – Chris Van Allsburg
Have you ever had one Christmas wish that seemed nearly impossible to fulfill? While it may not quite be possible to fulfill our wishes, we can live vicariously through the adventure of one young boy who is presented with the opportunity to climb aboard the magical train, The Polar Express. The story is truly a touching one, teaching readers about the spirit of Christmas rather than the value of possessions. If you’re hearing the bell ringing, then you may want to check it out.
They say a picture is worth 1000 words, which must be true after gazing at a visual adventure such as The Snowman. The book itself is comprised only of illustrations, but conveys a story similar to Frosty the Snowman, where a boy creates a snowman that comes to life in his head. If there was ever a book to be seen, it’s this one.
The Tale of the Three Trees – Angela Elwell Hunt
If you want a book that embodies ‘the real reason for the season’, then The Tale of Three Trees is perfect. Personally, it was one of the most memorable children’s books I had ever read, and I was delighted to familiarize myself with it once again so I could share it with you all. The book tells the story of three trees from the tree’s perspective. They each have desires in life, and all of them are fulfilled– just not in they way they’d imagined. All somehow relate back to Jesus’ birth.
Young Adult Stories
The Santa Suit – Mary Kay Andrews
Imagine buying a farmhouse filled to the brim with possessions from the old owners, then discovering a mysterious Santa suit at the top of the closet in your newly bought farmhouse. This is Ivy Perkins’ reality in The Santa Suit. Inside the pocket of the ensemble laid a note from a little girl who wanted her one wish to come true. So many puzzling ideas started bouncing around Ivy’s head, but at the very least, she knew that this was a mystery she needed to solve. Will she find her answers?
Holiday Romance – Catherine Walsh
It is also said that Christmas is one of the most romantic holidays, but is the love in the air strong enough to transcend the idea of ‘the friend zone’? Molly and Andrew will tell the tale. They have only been friends for the last 10 years and are set to take part on their yearly voyage to Ireland for Andrew’s family. This is until their flight gets canceled. Molly knows just how much this trip means to Andrew, and she’s willing to pull all the stops to get him back home in time for the holidays. Although the path is rocky, there’s a chance everything may fall into place, but not without a few unexpected twists.
This Christmas in Paris – Sophie Claire
Opportunity presents itself to one but falls flat in the face of another. While Carys jumps at the opportunity to work in her own fantasy land, Mat is struggling to stay afloat in his job and personal life. Can one chance magical encounter change everything about their lives for the better (or worse)? A deep dive into Christmas in Paris will reveal just that.
Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage – Lucy Coleman
Not all Christmas stories have a happy beginning, and Imogen Tolliman’s from Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage is far from it. After the loss of both of her parents, she is whisked away to her grandfather’s beautiful cottage, and is suddenly overwhelmed by wonderful new memories. Things start to get even better when she meets someone new, and their relationship takes flight. Kicking Christmas into high gear, Imogen has many things set into motion, but as we’ve seen, not everything works out in her favor. However, with some disaster comes knowledge, unlocking secrets about her past that she hadn’t even known before. What mysteries are surrounding her family?
Christmas at the Island hotel – Jenny Colgan
This story whisks us away to a beautiful Scottish island right before Christmas and tells the tale of a hotel opening from the kitchen staff’s perspective. Between a young waitress with big dreams and a duke disguised as a chef learning to humble himself, a wholesome friendship blossoms. As the opening draws near, and everyone gathers into town, Christmas seems brighter than ever. But as always, closer quarters reveal deeper secrets. The icy island awaits!
