Christmas stories have such a special place in my heart, memories of the books that were read year after year when I was a child, and now some that have become family favorites since my own kids were born.

One tradition we’ve started is Advent Christmas Books, a tissue paper-wrapped book under the tree each night of December, whether from our own collection or on loan from the library. Our list this year included old favorites like The Polar Express, as well as new titles, like:

Fa La La

Guess Who’s Coming to Santa’s For Dinner?

Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons

Christmas in the Barn 

and Merry Christmas Mr. Mouse

As a new tradition, I had Travis help pick out a version of The Nutcracker from the library. A special holiday excursion like this will build anticipation for the big day!

Moving forward, I can’t wait to spend Christmas Eve with each family member reading a new book, perhaps the first gift of Christmas. This is apparently an Icelandic tradition, and we’re only a year or so away from having it be feasible in our home!

Finally, don’t forget to read the perfect Christmas Eve book as a tradition each year: The Night Before Christmas.

What books are a must for your family’s holiday? Please share in the comments!