There’s something truly special about sharing the joy of the holidays and their traditions with children. With my Slovakian roots bringing forth numerous familial traditions, I’ve realized the holidays look different for everyone. Tradition, culture, and faith hold both a unique and special role in holiday celebrations.
It’s worth engaging with stories that emphasize different cultures and religions to educate and entertain young readers. These 12 books are sure to encourage little ones to be curious about other holidays and to embrace the holidays they celebrate!
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore, Illustrated by Charles Santore
Twas the Night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there…
The nostalgia hits as I recall these words, suddenly bringing the magic of Christmas alive. The Night Before Christmas is a short poem that’s perfect for engaging your little ones. This Christmas story has brought generations together through reading, sharing the magic of Santa Claus. An excellent choice for a new family tradition — reading aloud together — brings anticipation to your Christmas festivities.
The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving by Dandi Daley Mackall, Illustrated by Richard Cowdrey
When a boy named Nick overhears a mall Santa call his name, the Santa shares the story of St. Nicholas, teaching him that giving brings greater joy than receiving. This uplifting Christmas tale with stunning illustrations introduces children to the origin of St. Nicholas and connects the spirit of giving to God’s generous gift. This text explores the magic of Christmas and how St. Nick inspired Santa Claus.
This captivating, faith-based picture book about the origin of St. Nicholas, celebrating the joy of giving and receiving, is both heartwarming and educational — perfect for curious young readers who inquire about the origin of Santa Claus. With its themes of faith, giving, and helping others, this book is ideal for those who wish to reinstate these values within their household!
All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins, Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
The All-of-a-Kind Family series, first published in 1951, is brought back to life in this read about a Jewish family on the Lower East Side of NYC and their preparations for Hanukkah. The youngest sister of five is distraught when she isn’t allowed to help prepare the latkes but is later given the best job — lighting the first candle on the menorah.
Join the All-of-a-Kind Family in this tribute to the family customs, values, and stories of the original series, as Jenkins shares a glimpse into a Jewish immigrant family and their Hanukkah traditions in this warm tale. This would be a meaningful gift for a Jewish family member or friend, as it captures family values and embodies Hanukkah traditions.
Tamales for Christmas by Stephen Briseno, Illustrated by Sonia Sanchez
Everyone has their own holiday traditions, especially in the meals shared! Encompassing the values of generosity, inspired by the author’s own grandmother, this picture book shares a tale of Christmas and a grandma who makes hundreds of tamales!
This grandma doesn’t make these tamales just for her own family’s benefit — to sell to afford presents — but instead she provides for those in need. This is a fun story of generosity, embracing how food plays a role in big and small ways in every person’s Christmas celebration. No matter the culture, food brings people together.
The Seven Days of Kwanzaa by Angela Shelf Medearis
The Seven Days of Kwanzaa is worth purchasing for children who are curious about Kwanzaa. With its focus on history, meals, craft projects, traditions, and more, this kid-friendly guide is perfect for teaching your children about Kwanzaa. This interactive story is sure to be a hit for those who want to instill their children with the customs of Kwanzaa or anyone who wants to learn more about this beautiful holiday.
Under the Bodhi Tree: A Story of the Buddha by Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Kailey Whitman
With beautiful illustrations and an educational lesson about Buddha, this engaging story about a boy who reaches enlightenment is a strong choice for those wanting to teach their children about Buddhism and enlightenment. This is a great starting point for teaching children about Bodhi Day. There is something everyone can gain from meditation, as mentioned in the book, and this is a positive message to spread.
Equally important is educating yourself and your children about the religions of this world. Books centering around holidays are great starting points for your curious readers. While you may not celebrate Bodhi Day yourself, there’s immense value in understanding cultures and backgrounds other than your own.
Luna’s Yuletide Traditions: Winter Solstice Family Celebrations by Mae D. Corbin
Regardless of the holiday you celebrate, this book is educational, has cute illustrations, and features an uplifting tone to celebrate Yule. With tons of symbolism, this book would be a great introduction to a few of the many traditions one could celebrate during Yule.
With simple explanations of symbols, such as the Yule log, and a few traditions of the 12 days of Yule, this would be an excellent gift for your little one. While it doesn’t explicitly mention the meanings of each day of Yule, it may bring questions to the forefront of your children’s minds, fostering conversation about their faith and culture.
We Celebrate the Light by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, Illustrated by Jieting Chen
A book that encompasses seven different winter holidays celebrated in the US, this story makes a great addition to your holiday book collection. From eye-catching illustrations to warm imagery to informative explanations of holidays some may be unfamiliar with, this unique read is suitable for young readers. This book is inclusive in many ways, representing diversity — often hard to find in children’s books — including disabilities and differing appearances.
Each page is filled with beautiful illustrations and clear explanations, celebrating diversity, heritage, culture, and faith. This book encapsulates so much for a children’s book and shares about each faith and their holiday celebrations in an educational and meaningful way.
Where Would Santa Go? by Julia Inserro, Illustrated by Natalie Merheb
This book touches on what specific places look like and is a fun tale of celebrating Christmas everywhere. This is an easy, fun read that shares the message that Christmas is celebrated all over the world. This children’s book briefly introduces customs, traditions, and new places. An amazing choice for your little one who dreams of traveling on Santa’s sleigh!
Joy to the World!: Christmas Around the Globe by Kate DePalma, Illustrated by Sophie Fatus
Journey around the globe to witness the celebrations and traditions of 13 different countries and how they celebrate Christmas. With images representing diversity and family traditions around the globe, it’s a beautiful picture of a unifying holiday! The last few pages include more information about each country to educate your curious young readers.
Lights of Winter: Winter Celebrations Around the World by Heather Conrad, Illustrated by deForest Walker
It’s fun to celebrate light in the world wherever you see it!
This children’s book showcases many of the festivals of light celebrated in winter. With easy, straightforward descriptions and detailed illustrations, this is a wonderful addition to your family book collection. The artwork is also diverse and inclusive, highlighting various cultures and traditions from around the world.
Happy All-Idays! By Cindy Jin, Illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.
Happy All-Idays! is a short and sweet book that celebrates the many ways people observe the holidays. The illustrations encourage diversity and celebrate the countless ways to celebrate the holidays. There are many different winter holidays; no matter what you celebrate, there’s something special about each.
The final line of this children’s book encompasses its message — one I hope you’ll carry with you this holiday season:
All season’s greetings to you and happy ALL-idays!
No matter what religion, culture, or holiday you celebrate, choose to honor the differences and beauty in each. The holidays can be a unifying and meaningful time to share with others, especially with children! Celebrate the holidays with a few of these 12 children’s books this holiday season, and carry out the traditions you hold close to your heart.
We hope you enjoy one of these holiday reads, and we’ll happily offer you more!
For more holiday recs, check out our Bookshop shelf!
