Christmas Books Top 10

I would love to wrap up 25 books and open one each day to read... someday we will have a Christmas collection to be able to do that. I think that would be a fun tradition. My husbands mom however, gives each family (us and his sibling's families) a Christmas book each year. This year we received The Sparkle Box and we are so excited about it. It is already made our "favorites list". What are some of your favorites? Here is a list of our top 10. 

Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle. 

Sam is so excited about Christmas! He's thinking about his Christmas list, anticipating holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift -- a sparkly box sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family's good deeds. Sam's parents explain that the things that they've been doing for others are, in fact, a gift for Jesus -- for Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. This heartfelt story will inspire readers to adopt this faith-centered tradition in their own homes.

Christmas is supposed to be a season of love, warm feelings, and happy hearts. But with the children's constant bickering, pretty packages and a sweet-smelling tree don't come close to filling the McDonald home with the true spirit of the first Christmas.

Then Mom remembers an old tradition of building a soft bed for Baby Jesus -- one straw at a time. Each time someone secretly does something nice for another family member, he or she gets to add a single straw to the manger. Soon the children's quarreling and negative feelings subside and the homemade crib is overflowing. But for one family member, a required act of kindness becomes more than he can take.

Jingle All the Way is the tale of a loveable, obedient pup who wants nothing more than a place to call home for the holidays. 

Year after year, children and adults alike are baffled by the mystery of how Santa really knows who’s been naughty or nice. After much urging by the elves and Mrs. Claus, Santa has allowed his biggest secret to be revealed in The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. At the start of each Christmas season, the elf appears to serve as Santa's eyes and ears, traveling back to the North Pole each and every night to make a detailed report of the day’s activities.

With a message of friendship to warm the coldest nights, Bob the Snowman captures the hearts of adults and children alike. "A Snowman Named Just Bob" is a magical family storybook written by Mark Kimball Moulton and illustrated by artist Karen Hillard Crouch. The playful yet powerful message of friendship will dance off the page and into your heart in this beloved Holiday Classic 

A weary old man (Micah) travels to Bethlehem and sees Mary & Joseph along the way. Once he reaches Bethlehem he also finds there is no-where to stay. The innkeepers wife gives him a blanket and a poor family gives him some bread. He then comes across the stable with Mary, Joseph & the Newborn Jesus.  They invite him in and he gives them the bread & blanket. For some reason I find this story really touching. That those with almost nothing to give (the Innkeepers wife, the family, then Micah himself) gave what little they could. Also, the illustrations of the baby Jesus are just beautiful.

The classic. The bookplate for this one says that we hope they always "Hear the bell." I love Santa & that magical (too fleeting) part of childhood and that this book celebrates it.

A really beautiful story which is also appropriate for Easter.

Every home should have this book.

The great American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is revered for his classic literary works. His poem “Christmas Bells” has become one of our most well-known and beloved Christmas carols, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” What is less known, though, is the story behind the poem.

Reeling from the tragic death of his wife and the war wounds of his son, Longfellow penned the words to “Christmas Bells” during one of the darkest times in American history. And while the words of the poem reflect his obvious despair and grief, it is the triumphant message of “peace on earth, good will to men” for which this song — and Longfellow's personal story — is remembered.