Classic Christmas Literature for Children

Children’s Classics for the Holidays

There’s nothing more special than spending time with loved ones during the holiday season, and reading to the children in your family is especially fulfilling and heartwarming. If you’re wondering what you should be reading, look no further! Cuddle up with these beloved gems:

A Christmas Carol (1843)

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (with original illustrations by John Leech) is a definitive piece of literature for the holidays. With all the different incarnations of this classic (including picture books for small children and films of all sorts), this tale never grows old.

• Dickens’ classic tells the story of a curmudgeon called Ebenezer Scrooge. He is greedy, cruel, and alone. He is cold and mean to the man who works for him (Bob Cratchit) and refuses to pay him adequately even though he has a sick child (Tiny Tim). Scrooge doesn’t understand the importance of giving; he refuses to help the needy and will not spend time with his family. After he is visited by the ghost of his former boss on Christmas Eve, he is warned that he will also be visited by three other ghosts over the course of the night: the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. After Scrooge sees that, if he does not change his ways, he will die all alone, he changes his outlook on life and becomes charitable and kind on Christmas day. So, in the end, the protagonist learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Other Beloved Children’s Books for Christmas

• Twas the Night Before Christmas/A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore (1823) is actually a poem but is most definitely a holiday favorite and treasured classic.This one is fun to read and recite aloud. Soon you’ll know all the verses by heart.
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss (1957) is a beloved story that people of all ages can enjoy. With its fun rhymes and unique illustrations, the Grinch and the characters of Whoville are Christmas creations that have withstood the test of time.
• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (1985) is a whimsical tale about a young boy who is awakened by a train called the Polar Express headed to the North Pole. This is a beautiful adventure story filled with childlike wonder and a special treat from Santa Claus for the protagonist.

For more information on the books mentioned in this blog, consult these websites below:
https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/entertainment/christmas-books-for-kids
https://www.charlesdickensinfo.com/christmas-carol/
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43171/a-visit-from-st-nicholas
http://polarexpress.com/the-book/
https://genius.com/Dr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-annotated