Christmas is almost here! Warm your hearts with some Christmas classics this week.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss
We can all benefit from hearing this classic tale from time to time. The Grinch who hates Christmas is convinced it is all about presents, and decides to stop it from coming. In the end he learns that Christmas is about more than just presents, and that fact alone causes his old Grinchy heart to grow.
The Advent Storybook by Antonie Schneider
My mother gifted this book to our little boy and we have fallen in love with it. It is actually 24 stories that show the journey of a little bear following the Star of Bethlehem. It has Biblical verses and lessens throughout and has become something our little man looks forward to every night.
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus by Chris Plehal
I love this book! Maybe because I dream of having a little girl named Virginia or maybe because I love history but it is so sweet and even better because it is based on real events. In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote the New York Sun to ask a simple question: Is there a Santa Claus? The editor’s response was a stirring defense of hope, generosity, and the spirit of childhood. This book is based on her story.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston
More with history for this one. I stumbled across this one at our local library and fell in love with it. The town has a tradition that one family brings the perfect Christmas tree do donate for the town. Ruthie and her father choose one in the spring but by winter he has not returned from World War I so she and her mother set out to find the tree. Ruthie is more or less an observer; her mother is the real heroine. It is a beautiful tale of tradition and family.
Olive the Reindeer by Vivian Walsh
This is such a cute story of Olive the dog who believes herself a reindeer. So she quickly hops aboard the Polar Express and heads to the North Pole. And while Santa and the other reindeer are a bit surprised that a dog wants to join the their team, in the end Olive and her unusual reindeer skills are just what Santa and his veteran reindeer team need.
The Baker’s Dozen by Heather Walsh
I found this book as a child in my library and fell in love with it. Maybe because it is all about a colonial baker, but I think more because the message is that we only truly prosper when we give and do more resonated with me even as a child.
Joy of Giving by Jan Berenstain
When Sister and Brother get a case of the gimmes they get a lesson that Christmas is all about giving. Great story if your kiddo is falling into that trap and needs a nice reminder. 
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
We are huge Eric Carle families and this book, though simple in plot, is perfect for your toddler or small child. It has the vivid colors that flow through all his works and has activities such as counting to engage your tot.
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola
This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl’s unselfish gift to the Christ Child. This story brings the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.
The Spirit of Christmas by Nancy Tillman
I am a huge fan of anything from Nancy Tillman but this is one of my favorites. Her illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and the message the the most important thing at Christmas is our little ones beneath our tree rings so true for us parents.
Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell
On a cold winter night, Kind Ox invites one visitor after another into the shelter of his stable–Old Dog, Stray Cat, and Small Mouse, who rest together in harmony. When Tired Donkey appears, he brings with him Mary and Joseph, and all of the animals welcome Jesus when He is born. It is a beautiful story of the connections we share and the reason for the season. 
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
My aunt bought me this book when I was eight. I fell in love with its pictures and the story of a little boy who questions the notion of believing in Santa and then gets taken for the ride of his lifetime. It epitomizes so many good things about childhood and the sacred beauty that is believing.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
The original never gets old. I also appreciate this one illustrated by Mary Engelbreit because well I just adore most everything that she does. 
What is your favorite Christmas book?
