For so many of us, our childhood memories of the holidays included a special book or story. Perhaps it was one we read with family every year, was a treasured gift from a loved one, or simply captured the magic of the season between its pages. To celebrate the holidays, the Bookstr crew would like to share our favorite childhood holiday books with you — did any of your favorites make the list?
T’was the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Matt Tavares
It might be cliche, but this is and always has been one of my favorite Christmas stories. My Papa used to read it to me, and now, for the last 16 years, I’ve been reading it to my kids every December. In fact, we read it every night the week before Christmas. It’s one of our holiday traditions. We have several different copies, from the flimsy $5 book to an intricately illustrated hardcover. There is something so magical, whimsical, and innocent about the story that just pulls me in. I love that I get to share something with my kiddos that was once shared with my Papa, too.
Kristi Eskew, Executive Editor
Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
This was one of my all-time favorite holiday reads growing up and I checked it out of my school library so much my parents finally bought me my own copy one Christmas. I think it really stood out to me because no one else in my friend circle knew about it or had read it and for some reason that made it special for me, like I had found treasure. This book is also on my “Books to Buy My Future Kids” list.
Melissa Rogers, Outreach
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
I’ll never forget the first time I heard The Polar Express. It was in second grade, on the last day of the semester before winter break. We were having a holiday party with our treats and hot chocolate when my teacher read the book to us. We were all in awe, completely captivated by the story. What makes it one of my favorites isn’t just the book itself but the memory of that day — spending time with friends and feeling the excitement of the holiday season.
Ailyn Saavedra, Social Team
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
I remember reading this and though I do not remember the words, I remember how it made me feel. It was one of the first books I actually remember enjoying. I usually had a hard time with reading and writing all the way until the eighth grade — now I just suck at spelling. This book was different for me, as I actually understood what was being said, and was always finding a way to reference bears’s hibernation in any conversation I could, to prove I was smart and to also show how I, too, would love to sleep through the winter with no consequences.
Abigail Hibbard, Graphics
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
From the first time I read Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree as a kid, I loved it! After discovering it in the middle of my childhood, I began reading it every year. I still love reading it to my niece and nephews when I go home for Christmas! It’s such a fun and light-hearted book with good illustrations and a cute ending. To me, it perfectly encapsulates the vibe of the holidays.
Sophia Considine, Editorial
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
This book was a really popular holiday gift when I was a kid, especially because it had been animated into a short film a few years before I was born. It’s got a bittersweet ending, but it’s ultimately about enjoying magical times with friends when you can. I remember being so sad when I got to the end and the snowman disappeared, but it stuck with me and acted as a reminder to make the most of the time we have with the people we love, which was something I really needed at that time, and still do.
Cara Broel, Outreach & Editorial
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
My family loves How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in every form, from the 1966 animation to the 2000 live-action film to the book that started it all! The animated movie in particular is my dad’s favorite Christmas movie of all time, so when we were young, my parents would read us the book each and every year before we watched the adaptation. Somewhere along the way, our copy of the book must’ve gotten lost, so it’s been a few years since we’ve all read the book together. Still, it’s a precious holiday tradition that I will always remember fondly.
Lauren Nee, Managing Editor
Eloise at Christmastime by Kay Thompson, illustrated by Hilary Knight
I used to love this book as a kid, as I wished I could live in the penthouse of a hotel like Eloise! I wanted to live her life and would return to this book again and again. It became a tradition, and my dad and I still watch the movie rendition every year!
Alicia Kimbrell, Graphics
The Elves and the Shoemaker by The Brothers Grimm, retold by Paul Galdone
As a child, this story filled my heart with so much joy and love because of this very story. While we never celebrated Christmas, I saw this story as such a beautiful example of what the winter holidays were supposed to represent. As the story goes on, it displays wonderful morals that I think we can all get behind — kindness and thankfulness. And it’s perfect for around the holidays as the story does take place around Christmas time. I’d read this story over and over just to read about the elves and how they wanted to help the poor shoemaker, and in return, he and his wife gave the two elves a gift in return. How heartwarming is that?
Quiarah B/Vphan, Managing Editor
Thanks so much for joining us on this holiday trip down memory lane. We hope that you and yours are making your own lovely memories and traditions, perhaps with a future fondly remembered book by your side.
For more picture books perfect for the holidays, check out our list here.
To see our recommended seasonal reads for kids, click here.
