Fun books to read to children this holiday season
The holiday season is a special time of year for people of all ages, but children might be the most enthusiastic celebrants come December. Children spend much of the holiday season anticipating the arrival of the man in the red suit, and that enthusiasm can be contagious.
Families have their own unique traditions during the holiday season, but one popular way to harness children’s enthusiasm between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day is to read them holiday stories.
There’s no shortage of great holiday books for youngsters, but here are a handful that they may remember well into adulthood.
• The Uncle Santa & the Magic Hot Chocolate series of children’s books by Wolf Point author Lisa Dunn is quickly becoming a holiday favorite. Now with eight books in the series, these charming stories provide an explanation for the many Santa’s helpers seen at Christmas.
• Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh: Olive is no ordinary reindeer. In fact, Olive is a dog who heads to the North Pole believing she is a reindeer. Her decision to join Santa’s team ultimately benefits the big man and his trusty reindeer.
• The Littlest Elf by Brandi Dougherty: Part of a series, this story focuses on a tiny elf named Oliver and a series of misadventures as he navigates his way through Santa’s workshop.
• The Miracle of the First Poinsettia: A Mexican Christmas Story by Joanne Oppenheim: A little girl named Juanita is the star of this retelling of a traditional Mexican tale with a valuable lesson.
• Gingerbread Mouse: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids by Katy Bratun: A fallen tree branch almost ruins Christmas for Mouse, whose determination and resourcefulness mixed in with a little Christmas magic ensures she finds a place to call home in time for the holidays.
• A Night in Santa’s Great Big Bag by Kristin Kladstrup: Santa saves the day in this tale starring a young boy’s favorite stuffed animal, whose excitement for Christmas compels him to climb into Santa’s big bag of presents on Christmas Eve.
• Santa Claus and the Three Bears by Maria Modugno: This twist on the popular tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears finds three unsuspecting bears encountering a familiar fellow in a red suit upon returning home after a nighttime walk.
• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg: The beloved tale is the story of a young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole.
• Twas the Night Before Christmas: Edited by Santa Claus for the Benefit of Children of the 21st Century by Clement C. Moore: Parents will appreciate this updated version of the popular tale that, among other things, has removed the reference to Santa smoking.
• How the Grinch Stole Chr i s tmas! by Dr. Seuss: Children can join generations of fans that came before them as they hear the redemption story of the Grinch who was once determined to ruin Christmas for the happy people of Who-ville.
• The Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet: The classic story is retold based on famed choreographer George Balanchine’s
production.
• The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry: O. Henry’s classic tale of the couple who sacrificed their most precious things for each other makes a lovely addition to the holiday season.
The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Reading new and classic holiday stories to children is one tradition any family can embrace.
