By Misty Wahlstrom
The holiday season is the perfect excuse to pull on the fuzzy socks, grab a mug of hot cocoa and read heartwarming stories with your favorite little elves. For elementary-aged children, books about Christmas and giving aren’t just fun, they’re magical. They remind us that the best gifts can’t be wrapped, taped or placed under the tree. From a grumpy green Christmas thief to a doe with big dreams, these stories sprinkle in a little humor, a dash of adventure, and a whole lot of heart to make the season merry and bright.
Start the month off strong with How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.The Grinch, who learns that maybe, just maybe, Christmas doesn’t come from a store. With rhymes that bounce like jingle bells and a moral that even the smallest Who can understand, this classic reminds us that Christmas spirit can’t be bought. Kids will love giggling at his sneaky pranks, and adults might relate a bit too much to the Grinch’s desire for some peace and quiet.
Once the tree’s up and the sugar cookies have vanished, it’s time to climb aboard The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.This story practically jingles with Christmas magic as a young boy hops on a train to the North Pole. The breathtaking illustrations and writing make it easy to believe that you might just hear sleigh bells outside your window. It’s the perfect story for kids who still believe — and for parents who secretly hope the train might make a stop in their driveway, too.
Next up, Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares brings a fresh twist to Santa’s reindeer tale. Forget Rudolph’s shiny nose, Dasher’s courage and curiosity steal the show. Trapped in a traveling circus, Dasher dreams of a better life and follows the North Star to find it. Her bravery and kindness set the stage for Santa’s first sleigh ride. This story is equally inspiring and adorable, reminding kids that following your dreams sometimes means leaving the circus behind.
If you’re in the mood for a brand-new story, Emily’s Christmas Dream by Michael Stolle, will lead you into a magical new world. Emily just wants a magical Christmas dream, but her nightgown has other plans! Worn backward, it zaps her from snowy wonderland to spring flowers and an Easter Bunny. Full of holiday mishaps, giggles and a sprinkle of magic, this story proves that even when Christmas doesn’t go as planned, it can still be absolutely egg-cellent.
Finally, save The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling for Christmas Eve, when you’ve officially hit peak holiday coziness. This adventurous tale follows Jack and his toy, the Christmas Pig, on a wild quest through the Land of the Lost. It’s got courage, friendship and enough Christmas magic to make even Santa’s workshop jealous. It’s the perfect story to wrap up the season — touching, funny, and full of heart.
From the grumpy Grinch to the first gift of Christmas, the brave reindeer to the loyal Christmas Pig, these stories deliver laughter and love. They remind us that while gifts are nice, the best part of the holidays is sharing stories, family and maybe a cookie or two.