Christmas Book Countdown Tradition – 50 Favorite Christmas Books

There is just something about the anticipation behind unwrapping a present to reveal the surprise that just can’t be put into words.  Seriously, what kid doesn’t like to unwrap gifts?  Years ago, I started this tradition where the boys took turns unwrapping a Christmas book every night to read.  This tradition gives back in many  more ways than just simply reading a good story.

You are probably asking yourself, how do I start and what Christmas books do I include?  Detailed below is a list of our favorite books and ideas on how to begin this tradition in your home.

The idea behind this tradition is to unwrap a different Christmas book to read every night leading up to Christmas Day. This will undoubtedly get you in the spirit and gain some brownie points from their teachers too.  If you are worried that this will be a big investment then purchase books throughout the year and save them up.  Try searching local garage sales and thrift stores or go online to eBay or Facebook marketplace for gently used books.  Also your local library may have a few favorites to borrow.  Just don’t forget to return them.

Here is a list of our favorite books.  I will admit up front that I am an addict for interactive books especially those from Hallmark.  I just can’t help myself.

1. Construction Site On Christmas Night – Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford

2. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas – Alice Schertle

3. How To Catch A Snowman – Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton

4. Home Alone – John Huges

5. The Christmas Wish – Lori Evert

6. Snowman At Christmas – Caralyn Buehner

7. The Broken Ornament – Tony DiTerlizzi (not pictured)

8. All I Want For Christmas – Jared Smith

9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Libby Snow

10. A Charlie Brown Christmas Tree – Cheryl Hawkinson

11. The Night Before Christmas – Clement Moore

12. A Charlie Brown Christmas – Charles M Schulz

13. The Legend Of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer – Joe Troiano

14. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas – Clement Clarke Moore

15. Frosty The Snowman – Warner McGee

16. Olive, The Other Reindeer – J. Otto Seibold & Vivian Walsh

17. Dream Snow – Eric Carle

18. How Santa Got His Job – Stephen Krensky

19. One Snowy Rescue – Christina Butler

20. Snowman Magic – Katherine Tegen

21. Penquin’s Snowy Playtime – Martin & Caddy

22. Merry Christmas Mom and Dad – Mercer Mayer

23. The Christmas Story – Cherie Zamazing

24. God Gave Us Christmas – Lisa Tawn Bergren

25. One Baby Jesus – Patricia A. Pingry

26. The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving – Jan Berenstain

27. Room for a Little One – Marin Waddell

28. The Christmas Story – Tracy Harrast

29. Who Is Coming To Our House? – Ashley Wolff

30. The Polar Express – Chris Van Allsburg

31. The Night Before Christmas – Rachel Isadora

32. How The Grinch Stole Christmas – Dr. Seuss

33. Thomas’ Christmas Delivery – Tommy Stubbs

34. Santa’s Christmas Train – Helen Foster James

35. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas – Eric Litwin

36. Olaf’s Night Before Christmas – Jessica Julius

37. Mater Saves Christmas – Kiel Murray

38. A Visit to the North Pole – Stacey Donovan (Might be my favorite interactive book)

39. Snow Time to Lose – Dianna Manning

40. The Snow Must Go On – Molly Wigand

41. There’s Snow Stopping Us Now – Cheryl Hawkison

42. Jingle All The Way – Tom Shay-Zaplen

43. A Snow Day for Jingle – Tom Shay-Zaplen

44. Jingle’s Good Deed – Lee Stuart

45. Jingle and Bell’s Christmas Star – Deborah Welky Miles

46. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Chelsea Resnick

47. Rudolph and the South Pole Toys – Chelsea Resnick

48. Elf Pets A Reindeer Tradtion – Chanda A. Bell

49. The Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tradition – Carol V. Aebersold

50. Elf Pets A Saint Bernard Tradition – Chanda A. Bell

Place all the books in a basket or under the tree.  You can ever number them 1-25 if you like.  We placed ours in a basket by the Christmas tree.  The boys usually take turns picking out a book each night and sometimes they each would pick one.  Why not?  In reality, I am just a tiny bit nuts and have 50 Christmas books but who is counting anyway.

The hidden surprise behind all this is the quality time.  Time usually spent rushed this time of year with endless to do lists and all the hustle and bustle.  Instead we are creating memories.  I also love that there is a good mix of faith-based books included too.  Santa Clause is great but I really want them to understand the true meaning of Christmas.

If you do this tradition in your home, what are some of the books you love?  I like to add a couple new ones every year to shake it up a bit.