I think my very favorite Christmas-y thing is the books. I adore Christmas books. It’s become quite the addiction. A few years ago I did the 12 Days of Christmas Books series on NewBaby.com. It’s still there for your viewing pleasure. Today, I’m going to share my
TOP TEN CHRISTMAS BOOKS I CAN’T WAIT TO READ THIS YEAR
1. The Pine Tree Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs
This is my favorite kids’ book. It’s a gorgeous story about the true meaning of Christmas (<–yes, I know, it’s the most overused statement in all of December) without going into the actual Jesus-in-a-manger story. I cry every time I read it.
2. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
My new favorite classic. Jo-Lynne introduced me to this book a few years ago and I am in love with it. It’s a fun story of a too-tall Christmas tree and how even a little bit of a tree can make a Christmas happy! I found an old old copy of this book at the thrift store and I’m going to make some kind of Christmas-y shadow-box-ish display with it. LOVE.
3. Any Pop Up Book by Robert Sabuda
I’m a sucker for a pop-up book and Robert Sabuda’s got the best. I have The Night Before Christmas, the Christmas Alphabet, The 12 Days of Christmas and Winter in White. And they are all my favorite.
4. The Gift of the Magi by O Henry, Illustrated by PJ Lynch
Quite possibly the most wonderful story of all time. It makes my heart hurt to think about how beautiful it is. This version is my favorite. (Does using the word “favorite” for every single entry make it not as meaningful?)
5. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Sojciechowski, illustrated by PJ Lynch.
This is one of those books I bought without reading and once we got it home, we fell in love with it. There’s a grumpy old man, a cute little boy, a nativity scene and of course, a happy ending.
6. Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn
You know I love Robin Jones Gunn. Now add her to Christmas and whip up a little novella? I can’t not love it! This is the first of 2–you’ll want to curl up in front of your tree with a mug of hot chocolate and read them straight through!
7. Hilary Knight’s Twelve Days of Christmas
Imagine actually receiving a partridge in a pear tree and eleven pipers piping. It’d be quite a haul, dontcha think? Well, that’s what this book shows. Benjamin Bear sends all 12 days worth of gifts to his sweetheart Belinda. It is a charming funny book you will love!
8. The Christmas House by Carol Bullman
This is a newish book and I love it because of the modern illustrations. As much as I love classic Christmas stuff–this one is fun because of it’s newness. It’s the story of a poor family and their new baby who understand that happiness isn’t about material goods–and with the help of some Christmas music they unite their whole neighborhood.
9. A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas by Phillip Yates
OK. This isn’t going to be a Christmas classic. But it’s got funny illustrations and I bought it last year for our little pirate. I’m excited to find out if it’s any good! Plus, there’s an ACE on the front cover, too!
10. A Christmas Carolby Charles Dickens, illustrated by PJ Lynch.
I’ve seen every theatrical version known to man (my fave is Mickey’s…). Last year I decided I needed to read the book. I bought the version illustrated by PJ Lynch because apparently he illustrates every single Christmas book in the world. (But I really like this one from Brett Helquist, too.)
What’s your favorite Christmas book?
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Link up your Top Ten list and join in the Top Ten {Tuesday} fun! All you have to do is WRITE a top ten list, PASTE it below, LINK back to me in your post & then start LOVIN’ on the rest of the participants with facebook likes, stumbles, comments and tweets! For better and more succinct guidelines see my Top Ten {Tuesday} page!
kelly @ miskellany says
I cannot even begin to tell you all of my favorite Christmas books! I also love Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree. And The After Christmas Tree by Linda Wagner Tyler. And Christmas is Here (words from the King James Bible). And Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson. And The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston. And Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden. And The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado. And…I should just do a Top Ten Tuesday post!
oh amanda says
Oooh, that is a list! I don’t know some of those! Thanks!
Joan says
I LOVE outdoor wniter maternity portraits! And these are no exception! Very clean & crisp yet such warmth with the couple, their love & expression. SO jealous you get to shoot outside already!
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Wendy says
Umm…Night Before Christmas…duh!
I’m actually just saying that because Evan read it to me last night (yes, we already got our stack out), and it made me think about the previous Christmases where I’ve read it to him. And maybe I got something in my eye.
I like the pop-up ones too. We have the ones you mentioned, but they’re up high. 🙂
oh amanda says
There are so many versions of a Night Before Christmas! I finally bought a vintagey looking one last year. But every time I see a new cute version I think I should maybe start collecting just THOSE! 🙂
michelle says
Ah! I did the same theme as you this week! I’m surprised we only share 1 book in common, though. 🙂 Thanks for the link-up!
oh amanda says
Fun! I just read your post and love your choices!
Leigh says
We just got the Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado, and I love it! Unfortunately, my kids fav is Elmo’s the 12 days of Christmas. I started an unfortunate “tradition” where I sing the words each time I read the book… I might have to hide that one this year…
oh amanda says
LOL! Elmo’s 12 Days! I’d love to hear that, Leigh!
Andrea @ Simple Organized Living says
Honestly, I better get to the library b/c I haven’t read any of those before!
Looks like a great list.
Carol@simple_catholic says
You have some of my favorite books on this list!
Another favorite book of mine is “The Christmas Shoes” by Donna VanLiere. The book is based on the hit song by NewSong. It was also a made-for-tv movie. It is a touching story that makes me cry every time!
Sarah says
Bear Stays Up is great. Our fave is Room for a Little One. And Robert Sabuda books – so fantastic.
Stacey @ Tree, Root, and Twig says
I’ve been surprised at how much I love Polar Express. It’s become a family favorite. 🙂
Gina says
Polar Express makes me cry every single time I read it. And The Grinch usually gets read about 70 bajillion times every winter.
JessieLeigh says
I second Sarah’s recommendation of “Room For a Little One”. My mom bought that one for my not-quite 1yo son on his first Christmas. That year, his baby sister was born, four months premature, on Christmas Eve. “There’s always room for a little one…” I can’t read it without tearing up. And the illustrations are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
vanessa says
We just got a copy of Mr. W. Christmas tree a few months ago too! I love it! Trying to dig out the christmas book box from the garage today….
Tiffany @ No Ordinary Homestead says
I love, love, LOVE The Polar Express. I have had it since I was a kid and it was first published…long before it was a movie. But clearly I need to come raid your reading shelf because you have so many awesome ones! I seriously adore books!! They are just so wonderful 🙂
Sarah says
This is great! I’ve been wanting to research good Christmas books, just haven’t found time. So thanks for making the research super easy! 🙂
oh amanda says
I have about 20 more I could list! I usually just buy whichever ones look cute after Christmas. They’re 50% off so I don’t feel bad if it’s only OK! 😉
Karla says
Some of these books I’d never heard of and now I can’t wait to go out and find them. Thanks for a great Top Ten Tuesday list!!
Ane says
I definitely want to re-read A Christmas Carol. 🙂
I hope you have a great week! 🙂
Emily says
That pirate one looks really fun! I might have to check that one out!
Love your blog!
Have a lovely weekend!
😀
Emily
Elizabeth says
I love Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. It’s a really quick read. I love those Christian Christmas romance collections. I can’t even think of them off the top of my head but I love all the short stories. Robin Jones Gunn rocks btw!
Funkidivagirl says
I love Christmas books and look forward to bringing them out of storage along with all the decorations. One of my favorite books is Santa Claus by Rod Green.
Larissa says
I have soooo many things I love about Christmas, I can’t even begin. My husband laughs at me, bc there are so many things that have to be done or it just doesn’t feel like Christmas time to me. When I was shopping last year at this time, I found the same version of Twas the Night Before Christmas that I had growing up, and had to buy it for my kids, and I have to watch just about every xmas movie ever made. LoL My fave version of A Christmas Carol is the Muppets version, tho. I laugh sooo hard every time I watch it.. and it’s just not Christmas without my dad imitating Rizzo “Light the lamp, not the rat! Light the lamp, not the rat!!” 🙂
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looking for a title. it’s about a man who mistaenly died and the whole city was happy about it. he wasn’t really dead, just snowed in at a resort over the holidays. can you help me find the title? chet
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Hehe My connection is raelly bad right now, it has been 2 weeks. Since I hosted this blog in USA server, it is no cool if I can’t open my own blog fastly. LOL But the new prepared design will be light and cool one. Of course better than current one!
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CindyC says
Without a doubt, The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever. I grew up listening to my mom read it to us, and when I read it aloud to my DH last year, I was moved to tears at the end. It is beautiful and hilarious.
Ben Carter says
Great list, but aI am missing
The Spirit of Christmas
http://goo.gl/SCAa7
Nisa says
These pics are amazing! I love them! M is so aolbraade and mommy and daddy look so happy. You definitely captured some beautiful family moments I’m sure M and J will treasure forever!!!
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Lisa says
We love Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson. And Bear Stays Up For Christmas. Also Bob and 6 Other Christmas Stories by Sandra Boynton.