• Dec 7, 2024

Top 25 Christmas Stories for Catholic Families

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The Advent and Christmas seasons are special times to reflect on faith, celebrate the birth of Jesus, and create meaningful memories with loved ones. Stories are a wonderful way to deepen the experience, especially for children, by illustrating the wonder and joy of the season. Below is a curated list of 25 beautiful books to enrich your family’s Advent and Christmas traditions.

Each title includes a description to help you choose the perfect addition to your reading list. These books are sure to delight and inspire as you journey through the season of hope and love.

Please note: not all of these books are written by Catholic authors and therefore please read them at your own discretion.

  1. The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher

  2. My True Love Gave to Me: A Catholic Advent Tradition by Katie Warner

  3. The Night the Saints Saved Christmas by Gracie Jagla

  4. Christmas in Heaven by Anthony DeStefano

  5. Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne

  6. The Birds of Bethlehem by Tomie dePaola

  7. Brigid’s Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story by Bryce Milligan

  8. Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

  9. The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg

  10. Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

  11. The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats

  12. Country Angel Christmas by Tomie dePaola

  13. The First Christmas by Tomie dePaola

  14. Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

  15. The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown

  16. One Starry Night by Lauren Thompson

  17. Who is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate

  18. The Friendly Beasts: An Old English Christmas Carol illustrated by Tomie dePaola

  19. 12 Days of Christmas by Lara Hawthorne

  20. All About Advent & Christmas: Sharing the Seasons of Hope & Wonder with Children by Katherine Bogner

  21. The Wisemen Who Found Christmas by Raymond Arroyo

  22. Santa’s Priority: Keeping Christ in Christmas by Tom Peterson

  23. The First Christmas by Thomas Williams

  24. The Spider Who Saved Christmas by Raymond Arroyo

  25. Christmas Songs: Interactive Children's Sound Book by Holly Berry-Byrd


1. The First Christmas Night by Keith Christopher

This poetic retelling of the Nativity story draws readers into the wonder of that first Christmas night. With soothing rhymes and stunning illustrations, it’s the perfect bedtime story for the season, inviting families to reflect on the peace and joy of Jesus’ birth.

2. My True Love Gave to Me: A Catholic Advent Tradition by Katie Warner

This book offers a Catholic perspective on the classic “Twelve Days of Christmas” song. With reflections and activities for each day, families can deepen their Advent experience while learning about the true gifts of faith, hope, and love.

3. The Night the Saints Saved Christmas by Gracie Jagla

When Santa runs into trouble on Christmas Eve, a host of saints come to his aid! This fun and faith-filled story highlights the joy of giving and the power of community, reminding us of the true spirit of Christmas.

4. Christmas in Heaven by Anthony DeStefano

This touching story provides comfort and hope for families who have lost loved ones. Through gentle text and warm illustrations, it helps children understand that the joy of Christmas is shared in heaven, making it a meaningful addition to your library.

5. Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne

Pairing the lyrics of the beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night” with gorgeous illustrations, this book beautifully captures the serenity and holiness of Jesus’ birth. It’s a lovely way to reflect on the peace of Christmas Eve.

6. The Birds of Bethlehem by Tomie dePaola

Told from the perspective of the birds observing the events in Bethlehem, this unique take on the Nativity story is both gentle and creative. The artwork by Tomie dePaola enhances the storytelling with its timeless charm.

7. Brigid’s Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story by Bryce Milligan

This captivating tale blends Irish legend with the Nativity story, following young Brigid as her miraculous blue cloak transports her to the stable in Bethlehem. The story emphasizes generosity, faith, and wonder.

8. Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

Bear’s friends try to keep him awake to experience the joys of Christmas. Along the way, Bear discovers the true meaning of the season in this heartwarming tale about friendship, giving, and celebration.

9. The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg

Through a touching narrative, this story uncovers the Christian symbolism behind the candy cane. It’s a beautiful way to teach children about faith, hope, and the joy of sharing Christ’s love.

10. Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

This charming book from the “Little House” series transports readers to a pioneer Christmas. Join the Ingalls family as they prepare for the holiday with simple traditions, sharing the warmth and joy of family.

11. The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats

The beloved carol is brought to life with vivid illustrations that tell the story of a boy offering his humble gift of music to the newborn King. A heartwarming reminder of the value of giving from the heart.

12. Country Angel Christmas by Tomie dePaola

In this delightful story, the country angels are tasked with creating Christmas decorations. Through teamwork and love, they bring joy to heaven and learn valuable lessons about giving.

13. The First Christmas by Tomie dePaola

Faithful to the Gospels, this beautifully illustrated book offers a timeless retelling of the Nativity story, capturing the reverence and wonder of the first Christmas.

14. Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

Set in a rustic barn, this poetic story captures the quiet simplicity of the first Christmas. With gentle text and soft illustrations, it’s perfect for sharing the beauty of the Nativity with little ones.

15. The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown

A small fir tree dreams of being part of something special. This touching story follows its journey to becoming a cherished Christmas tree, highlighting themes of love, joy, and acceptance.

16. One Starry Night by Lauren Thompson

This simple yet profound retelling of the Nativity story invites children to experience the wonder of Jesus’ birth. With evocative illustrations and gentle text, it’s perfect for young readers.

17. Who is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate

In this sweet and simple story, the animals prepare their home for an important visitor—Baby Jesus. The repetitive text and charming illustrations make it a delightful read for toddlers and preschoolers.

18. The Friendly Beasts: An Old English Christmas Carol illustrated by Tomie dePaola

This classic carol is brought to life with beautiful illustrations, celebrating the animals that shared the stable with the Holy Family. Each animal’s gift to Jesus is a reminder of the spirit of giving.

19. 12 Days of Christmas by Lara Hawthorne

Celebrate the beloved Christmas carol with vibrant and detailed illustrations that encourage children to count along and explore the meaning behind each verse.

20. All About Advent & Christmas: Sharing the Seasons of Hope & Wonder with Children by Katherine Bogner

This book is a valuable resource for families looking to enrich their Advent and Christmas seasons. It offers practical tools, stories, and crafts to help children connect with the faith-filled meaning of the holidays.

21. The Wisemen Who Found Christmas by Raymond Arroyo

Follow the Magi on their historical journey to Bethlehem in this engaging and beautifully illustrated book. It’s a wonderful way to explore the story of the three wise men.

22. Santa’s Priority: Keeping Christ in Christmas by Tom Peterson

This story encourages families to focus on Christ as the center of Christmas celebrations. Through engaging text and meaningful lessons, it reminds us of what truly matters during the holidays.

23. The First Christmas by Thomas Williams

This beautifully illustrated book captures the wonder and significance of the first Christmas. Perfect for families, it invites readers to experience the joy and reverence of Jesus’ birth.

24. The Spider Who Saved Christmas by Raymond Arroyo

An ancient legend comes to life in this tale of a humble spider whose small act of kindness protects the Holy Family. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the unexpected heroes of Christmas.

25. Christmas Songs: Interactive Children's Sound Book by Holly Berry-Byrd

Sing along with classic Christmas songs in this interactive book, complete with sound buttons. It’s a fun and engaging way to bring music into your family’s holiday traditions.


Conclusion

These 25 books offer something for every family. Whether you’re looking for stories that emphasize faith, tradition, or the joy of giving, these books beautifully capture the essence of Advent and Christmas. Share these treasures with your loved ones, and create lasting memories as you celebrate the season together.

Which book will you start with this Christmas? Let us know in the comments!

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