Traditions
Seven Holiday Books to Read with Your Family
Cozy up to a good book and Create Festive Family time
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They say presence is a present—and never is this more true than with your kids. While everyone at Santa.com is certainly a fan of curling up to a good Christmas movie, there’s really nothing like reading a story to your kids to create a sense of togetherness. Set aside time to get cozy and connect this season with seven books that are part of our own holiday repertoires.
The Polar Express | Chris Van Allsburg
Instead of watching the blockbuster animation, why not read it together? Your kids will be transfixed by the magical journey of a boy on an epic train ride to the North Pole.
Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories | Various Authors
Entice teens and older kids to have a listen with these historical spooky stories. Ghost stories were often printed in English newspapers in the Victorian era, meant to to be read together by a roaring fire. Why not bring that tradition into your own home?
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‘Twas the Night Before Christmas - Clement Clarke Moore
You know we couldn’t leave this classic out! Young or old, everyone will enjoy this Christmas Eve must-read. We love the version linked here because of the beautiful illustration that puts a modern spin on the poem.
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A Christmas Tree | Charles Dickens
This endearing story told from the Christmas tree’s point of view is Dickens’ lesser known Christmas story, but equally as lovable.
The Little Match Girl | Hans Christen Anderson
Tug at those heart strings with this beautifully illustrated classic. A story about a little girl who dreams of warmth and comfort, it serves to inspire acts of kindness and charity during the holidays and beyond.
A Treasury of African American Christmas Stories | Bettye Collier-Thomas
Experience Christmas through the eyes of well-known and visionary black writers. This collection of short stories was dubbed the “best Christmas book to read during the holidays” by Esquire and deserves a place on your shelf.
Get A Treasury of African American Christmas Stories
A Literary Christmas | The British Library
A gorgeous collection of poems and prose from England’s greatest authors, from Oscar Wilde to George Eliot. You’re sure to kickstart a love of literature when this one becomes part of your family holiday reading.