I think it’s been pretty clearly established that I’m a big fan of books. I’m not the only one in my family who is; in fact, most of my family are avid readers or avid book listeners.

Last year, my mom started a new tradition with my siblings. She wraps up twenty-four Christmas picture books and puts a number on each wrapped book. Each morning from the beginning of December through Christmas Eve my little brother gets to find the number that goes with the day and he gets to open that book. Not only does he have a book that my mom reads to him each day, but he also gets to open presents before Christmas.

We’re already thirteen days into the month, and I thought I’d highlight some of my favorite picture books we’ve read so far.
These first two books are two of my all-time favorites because they exemplify the true meaning of Christmas in such beautiful ways.

Christmas from Heaven is the true story of the candy bomber. His selfless sharing inspires many others to give their candy rations to so children who may never have had candy can experience sweet joy. This story is inspiring and beautifully written with a wonderful message about Christmas giving.

Christmas Day In the Morning has always been one of my favorites. Every year this story means more to me than it did the last, and I don’t think it would be Christmas without it. It’s the story of a kind-hearted boy who wants to do something extra for his dad on Christmas morning to show how much he loves him. He makes a seemingly simple sacrifice to his dad to show his love and affection.

The Tale of Three Trees tells about three trees with very different dreams for their lives. Even though their lives don’t go how they would have chosen, their dreams come true in surprising ways that are even more meaningful than they could have hoped for. This is another Christmas book that I can remember reading every year. I remember my older brother reading it to me when we were very little, but looking back on it, I don’t think he got all the words right, because the story didn’t make much sense when he read it.

The Legend of the Candy Cane is exactly what it sounds like – a legend about the origin of candy canes. The illustrations are beautiful, and I remember lingering on the page with all the different kinds of candy whenever I would look at it. (I still might stay a little longer on that page.) One of our family traditions is to drink hot chocolate and eat a candy cane while we read this story.

I Believe in Santa Clause shows how Santa is a symbol of Christmas. It teaches that when we think of Santa, we should also be thinking of Christ because he is who Christmas is truly focused on. I love the comparisons between Santa and Jesus Christ this book exemplifies.

Santa Calls will forever have a special place in my heart. It is about a girl named Esther, her big brother, and her brother’s friend, who have a great adventure in the north pole. All Esther wants for Christmas is for her big brother to be her friend. I think I’ve always felt a connection to Esther and her desire to be her brother’s friend. I’m not saying my brother and I went to the north pole, but he’s one of my best friends, so you can decide for yourself if we went on an adventure to the top of the world.

Last but not least is It’s Christmas David! We love the David books by David Shannon, and quite often wonder if they were written about our own little brother, David. In the story, David is trying his hardest to be good so he will receive gifts on Christmas, but continues to do naughty things. He has a deep-set fear of being on Santa’s naughty list and he is very afraid he’ll end up with coal instead of presents. You’ll love the story if you’re trying to be good this year, once tried to be good, or know someone who is trying to be good.

You can find these books in bookstores near you, your local library, or through the links I’ve included in the post. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season, filled with books, blankets, and hot chocolate.