he holidays are fastly approaching. And now is the best time to pull out those holiday books and enjoy the holiday spirit as a family.
Don't know what books to read to your children? Read on to find out some classic stories that are bound to put a smile on your childs face!
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This is a classic by Dr. Seuss. The story is about the Grinch who lives up on a hillside away from Whoville. The Grinch despises Christmas and hates that the citizens of Whoville are having such a good time during the holidays. The Grinch comes up with the idea to take Christmas away from the "Whovillians.” He goes through each one of the homes and steals Christmas trees, presents, stockings and the like. He thinks he's done the job. But when the residents of Whoville wake up, they still end up singing in the town square. Because Christmas isn't about presents for the Whos, it's about family and love. This opens up the Grinch's heart, who then goes down to Whoville to apologize and celebrate Christmas with them.
Why is this book a great read? Children can learn that Christmas (and holidays in general) aren't really about the gifts and decorations, but instead about coming together as a family and community.
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is similar to How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Like the Grinch, Scrooge is a devout Christmas hater. He believes in only work and can't stand Christmas — "bah humbug” — in his own words. However, during one night, he is visited by three ghosts: the ghost of Christmas past, present, and future. After observing his past holiday memories, seeing his present actions, and watching what will become of him if he continues his this way, Scrooge has a change of heart. He doesn't want to be the curmudgeon everyone avoids. After that night, he goes to Tiny Tim's house bringing Christmas gifts. He is determined to change his ways and bring some Christmas cheer.
Why is this book a great read? Like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Carol carries the same message: Christmas isn't about wealth or presents but about being around the ones you love and care about.
3. The Legend of Old Befana
This is one of the most heartfelt Christmas books. Written by Tomie DePaulo, The Legend of Old Befana is a time-old Italian story about an elderly woman in an Italian village who sweeps day in and day out. One night, the three kings visit her place before journeying on to Bethlehem. They invite her but she declines; she has to sweep. She then regrets her decision, making sweets to bring to the baby Jesus. She doesn't get to Bethlehem in time and is said to be giving sweets to children every Christmas.
Why is this a great read? It introduces children to another culture and their interpretation of Christmas.
4. Olive the Other Reindeer
Written by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold, Olive the Other Reindeer is a Russel terrier believing that she is the other reindeer. She ventures to the north pole to help Santa and save Christmas.
Why is this a great read? This is one of the more modern holiday books. It's endearing and provides a fun interpretation to the "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” song, and story. It's a great present and goes well with the best holiday cards.
5. Carl's Christmas
Alexandra Day's holiday book, Carl's Christmas, tells the journey Carl, the dog has running errands with the young child of his owners.
Why is this a great read? It has more picture than text which allows for children to create their own story about Carl the dog.
This is a classic by Dr. Seuss. The story is about the Grinch who lives up on a hillside away from Whoville. The Grinch despises Christmas and hates that the citizens of Whoville are having such a good time during the holidays. The Grinch comes up with the idea to take Christmas away from the "Whovillians.” He goes through each one of the homes and steals Christmas trees, presents, stockings and the like. He thinks he's done the job. But when the residents of Whoville wake up, they still end up singing in the town square. Because Christmas isn't about presents for the Whos, it's about family and love. This opens up the Grinch's heart, who then goes down to Whoville to apologize and celebrate Christmas with them.
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is similar to How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Like the Grinch, Scrooge is a devout Christmas hater. He believes in only work and can't stand Christmas — "bah humbug” — in his own words. However, during one night, he is visited by three ghosts: the ghost of Christmas past, present, and future. After observing his past holiday memories, seeing his present actions, and watching what will become of him if he continues his this way, Scrooge has a change of heart. He doesn't want to be the curmudgeon everyone avoids. After that night, he goes to Tiny Tim's house bringing Christmas gifts. He is determined to change his ways and bring some Christmas cheer.
This is one of the most heartfelt Christmas books. Written by Tomie DePaulo, The Legend of Old Befana is a time-old Italian story about an elderly woman in an Italian village who sweeps day in and day out. One night, the three kings visit her place before journeying on to Bethlehem. They invite her but she declines; she has to sweep. She then regrets her decision, making sweets to bring to the baby Jesus. She doesn't get to Bethlehem in time and is said to be giving sweets to children every Christmas.
Written by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold, Olive the Other Reindeer is a Russel terrier believing that she is the other reindeer. She ventures to the north pole to help Santa and save Christmas.
Alexandra Day's holiday book, Carl's Christmas, tells the journey Carl, the dog has running errands with the young child of his owners.