Countdown To Christmas: A Daily Advent of Christmas Books
One of the family traditions we started 2 years ago is a Christmas Book A Day Advent. Our elf, which my daughter named “Ella” (along with every other toy and stuffed animal she has), arrives each year on December 1st, with a special message from Santa. She tells her to always be kind to others, thankful for what she has, to share with her sisters, and a special reminder not to pull hair (like WHY!?). Ella also mentions that, along with a healthy dose of mischief, she will also bring a new Christmas Book to read every night before bed.
NOTE: I do NOT wrap each book individually. If that is something you want to do, more power to you! I simply have my elf “deliver” the book to our mantle every morning. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Keep reading for a calendar of 25 books (we also read a book about the True meaning of Christmas on Christmas Day!). If any of these books just aren’t your jam (or aren’t age appropriate) read to the end for some bonus book selections!
01. The Elf On The Shelf
Everyone knows this one, and, of course, we have to start here since our Elf is the one that kicks off the whole shebang! We used to get pretty creative with moving our Elf at night, but now she pretty much just ends up in a new “silly spot” (AKA on top of a tree, on a really high window sill). I would suggest Pinterest for mom’s who aren’t falling asleep 5 minutes after their kids are in bed.
02. Humphrey’s First Christmas
After Ella introduces the Book A Day Advent, we like to start with a couple books about the True Meaning of Christmas. This is a sweet take on the nativity, which follows Humphrey, a lazy camel carrying on of the three wise men to the birth of Jesus. He’s grouchy and grumpy and complains throughout the book, but Humphrey’s sweet side shines in the end.
03. God Gave Us Christmas
An adorable read in the “God Gave Us” series. Little Cub and Mama set out to find out who made Christmas, and if Jesus really is more important than Santa. A completely wholesome and adorable read!
04. Never Let a Unicorn Meet a Reindeer
This is a new one for us this year, but we will be adding to the “Never Let a Unicorn” library. Find out what happens when a little girl writes Santa to ask for a reindeer to come to her summer birthday party! Cute and fun the whole way through.
05. Dasher
The illustrations are gorgeous and the story is touching and sweet. A circus reindeer desperately wants a new life in the snow. When he meets Santa, his whole life is about to change!
06. The Polar Express
We all know the story. A little hops on board the Polar Express on Christmas Even to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. This 20th Anniversary Edition should not be skipped. The illustrations are incredible and it includes a downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson.
07. The Not Very Merry Pout Pout Fish
My oldest daughter’s favorite series is the Pout Pout Fish books. This adorable tale sends Mr. Fish on a quest to find the best presents, only to discover the best gifts come straight from the heart.
08. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
I feel like I don’t really need to get into the details here. Grumpy green guy and his pup dress up as Santa to steal Christmas. Enter cute little girl. Heart grows. The end. Obviously a must-have in any Christmas Book Advent.
09. Pete The Cat Saves Christmas
We were introduced to Pete The Cat from Spencer’s teacher and love these books! This Christmas story is no exception! A rockin’ tale that has your favorite blue kitty learn an important lesson about Christmas Spirit, the importance of doing things for others, and never giving up.
10. Little Blue Truck Christmas
Your favorite little blue truck, Blue, is back to deliver Christmas trees to all of his friends! With the same fun and catchy rhythm as the original, this is definitely a family favorite in our house.
11. Christmas in The Manger
This is definitely a book for younger readers. A simple representation of the story of Jesus’s birth with cute illustrations helps toddlers follow along and learn all about the Nativity.
12. Sneezy The Snowman
My middle daughter loves this book! A sneezy little snowman keeps doing things that make him melt! The rhyming and rhythm of the book makes it a fun read for all ages.
13. Fancy Nancy - Splendiferous Christmas
Nancy goes ALL IN on Christmas this year (surprising, right!?). Fancy tree toppers (that Nancy buys with her very own money!), tons of tinsel, and special fancy words for Nancy are all on the list. But what happens when things don’t go exactly her way? Another adorable Fancy Nancy book with a perfect ending speaks to my oldest daughter’s fancy heart.
14. Itsy Bitsy Christmas
Itsy & Bitsy set off on a journey to meet a new King. Along the way, they meet others who tell them they are too little and unimportant to meet a King! The two little spiders begin to believe what the strangers are telling them, but, when they learn about Jesus, they realize this King is for everyone!
15. Construction Site on Christmas Night
If your littles love Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, join the construction site equipment you love (like an excavator, and bulldozer) on their job of building new homes for firetrucks. When they finish, they receive a Christmas surprise of their own!
16. The Spider Who Saved Christmas
An old story retold, we learn that happiness and hope can be found in the darkest of places. This book is worth purchasing if just for the gorgeous illustrations by Randy Gallegos.
17. Bear Stays Up For Christmas
Bear’s friends help him stay awake for Christmas by tackling a list of Christmas To-Do’s! This story ends with an important message that giving is actually the best gift of all.
18. The Joyful Book
A book about all the things that bring you joy in life! This book is perfect for younger readers with bright and cheery illustrations.
19. Merry Christmas Curious George
Curious George and The Man In The Yellow Hat set off to pick out their Christmas Tree. When George gets carried away, he ends up on a different tree that was delivered to a Children’s Hospital. Join George as he brightens the children’s day and meets a special visitor!
20. 5 More Sleeps ‘Til Christmas
We haven’t read this 2020 release with our kids yet, but I can’t wait until we do! This Jimmy Fallon original is funny and totally relatable. The story follows a cute little boy the week before Christmas as he is eagerly awaiting the big day! Every day he prepares for Santa’s arrival, with the help of his little sister, and every night, when he sleeps, something magical happens. A cute book that will definitely be on our Christmas Book Advent list for years to come!
21. There Was A Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow!
A spin off of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, the old lady is back at it! Swallowing everything from snow to a pipe, to coal and more! The only question is why did she swallow that snow to begin with?
22. The Lights In The Church
A brother and sister stumble upon a beautiful church while lost in the park. When they get closer, they realize the doors are locked, but the stained glass window images come to life! A sweet little story that teaches kids about some of Jesus’s miracles and the Love from Him.
23. The Snowman’s Song
A cute little story of a young snowman who wishes for a voice to sing Christmas carols like the human kids.
24. The Night Before Christmas
Of course, we end the official Advent with the Night Before Christmas. Although we may all know this poem by heart, The Classic Edition is beautifully illustrated and should be in every family’s collection. A must buy!
25. Jesus Calling - The Story of Christmas
This beautiful book tells the story of Jesus’s birth with supporting bible verses. It definitely dives into the biblical reason behind Christmas, and helps kids understand that Jesus isn’t just important on Christmas Day. This is for older kids (I would say 4-5 years old at the youngest), but is an important book for kids (and adults!) to read.
BONUS BOOKS!
26. The Red Little Sleigh
A heartwarming story of a little red sleigh who just can’t wait to grow up to be Santa’s special sled on Christmas.
27 . How to Catch an Elf
Part of the “How To Catch A” series, How to Catch an Elf is a cute story with bright and colorful pictures.
28. & 29. Llama Llama Books
Llama Llama Jingle Bells
Llama Llama Holiday Drama
Llama Llama board books are perfect for toddlers and the Llama Llama books are a family favorite! The little Llama isn’t a fan of waiting until Christmas, until Mama Llama teaches him an important lesson!
30. Is It Christmas Yet?
Another cute book for littler ones. Little Bear keeps trying to help Big Bear get ready for Christmas, but keeps messing things up! Will they be ready in time?
31. Song of the Stars
The first biblical Christmas book I purchased, this story has lovely illustrations and lyrical text that describe Jesus’s birth and the impact on the earth of His coming.
Christmas Book Advent Calendar (+1)
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