December is perfect for mood reading.
Put the children in bed. Make that cup of tea. Curl up with a fuzzy blanket. Grab a wonderful Christmas book and lose yourself in another world.
Sounds perfect to me!
OR… make some hot chocolate, grab a few Christmas cookies, gather your children and enjoy a wonderful read-aloud.
That ALSO sounds perfect to me!
I hope these five suggestions (some for adults, some for children!) provide hours of Christmas relaxation and joy for you this year!
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry
This lovely story (although not technically a “Christmas” story) has a cozy Christmas feel. It is a novel that combines historical facts and fiction. And, if you are a CS Lewis/Narnia fan - or even want to learn more about CS Lewis in a very non-threatening way - this is the book for you!
We follow Megs, a 17-year-old student, in her quest to find out the answer to her question of CS Lewis, “Where did Narnia come from?”. Megs has a very special reason for asking this question, and therein lies the beauty of the book.
Through a relationship with CS Lewis and his brother Warnie, Megs learns and grows so much more than she had ever intended - and her family is changed as well.
This was my favorite book of 2021; I will be rereading it this December, too!
* While there is nothing inappropriate in this story for children, I think it’s best for high schoolers and adults because of some difficult subject matter.
I Saw Three Ships by Elizabeth Goudge
Are you familiar with Elizabeth Goudge? I discovered her a couple of years ago and quickly fell in love with her writing. Born in England in 1900, she is a writer for children and adults.
Her novel The Dean’s Watch is one of my top five books of all time.
This book is wonderful for CHILDREN and adults. Set on the south coast of England it is a redemptive story (as are so many of Goudge’s books). It is a sweet, tender story that could be gobbled up in one sitting.
Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini
I love a book where I learn something I had NO IDEA about before! This book was inspired by Longfellow’s poem “Christmas Bells”. A work of historical fiction, Chiaverini’s book takes us to 1863 when Longfellow’s family suffers a deep tragedy.
Through all of the loss and hardship, Longfellow retains his patriotism and his power as an author. You will want to read the poem and listen to the hymn. In fact, after you read the book, go ahead and watch Longfellow’s Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle.
This is a book for just you, the adult to enjoy.
The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus by Frank Baum
This children’s book is classic L. Frank Baum (author of The Wizard of Oz), from 1902. It details the adoption of the abandoned infant Santa by a nymph through his later career and immortality/fame. Santa’s life in this book includes the first toys, stockings, Christmas trees, and other Christmas traditions.
It’s a charming book - albeit with a few scary parts. If you like a classic Victorian children’s novel with beautiful illustrations, this is wonderful! As with any literature about Santa, I would peruse through this before reading aloud to your children. No spoilers about Santa, but it might raise questions!
I know this is intended for children, but I read it as an adult and loved it, too! But then again - isn’t that a good test of a children’s book?
The Paper Bag Christmas by Kevin Alan Milne
Grab the tissues - this one might be a tear-jerker for you. It will also be a book you will want to give as a gift for years to come.
We witness the adventures of Molar and his brother Aaron as they volunteer in the terminally ill department of a children's hospital in the weeks before Christmas. One of the patients, Katrina always wears a paper bag over her head when Molar and his brother visit because she thinks she is ugly- who would want to see her face?
In addition to Katrina we get to meet other children on the ward. You will be inspired by them and also by Molar and Aaron.
This book is perfect for upper elementary children all the way through adults. In fact, I think it’s best to be shared as a read-aloud with the entire family.
Do you have a favorite book to read in December?
Share it in the comments below!
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