There are so many traditions during this time of year ranging from elves and foxes to “The Nutcracker” and ice skating, to hunting for the best Christmas lights while singing Christmas carols at the top of your lungs. One of my favorite family traditions is our book advent calendar. Starting on December 1st my girls pick one of our holiday books to read together as a family. This tradition combines some of my favorite things: reading, family, and lots of snuggles.
I started collecting holiday books when my big girl was growing in my belly, and each year my girls get a new book to add to the collection. As they grow some the books get swapped out, but for the most part we have the same books each year. I love seeing their faces when I pull out our collection. They each remember their favorites from the year before and can’t wait to jump in bed to read (what could be better!!!)
Here are a few of our favorites:
Tallulah’s Nutcracker by Marylin Singer
It’s Christmastime, and Tallulah finally gets what she’s been wishing for—a part in a real ballet, a professional production of The Nutcracker. She’s only a mouse, but she works as hard as if she had been cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy. On the night of the performance, everything is perfect until she steps on another mouses tail! She is so embarrassed until the Sugar Plum Fairy tells her how she fell on stage too.
This is a wonderfully written and illustrated book that left my girls twirling around their rooms.
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
It’s December 24th, and the old farmer settles down for a winter’s nap, wondering how Christmas can come when there is no snow! In his dream he imagines a snowstorm covering him and his animals—named One, Two, Three, Four and Five—in a snowy blanket. But when the farmer awakens, he finds that it has really snowed outside, and now he remembers something! Putting on his red suit, he goes outside and places gifts under the tree for his animals, bringing holiday cheer to all. This interactive book, with its beautiful imagery, keeps the attention of all ages.
My girls love counting along.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This story has become a favorite of millions, as it reveals a child’s wonder at a new world and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The adventures of a little boy in the city on a very snowy day.
A classic that ever gets old. My girls always beg for snow after we finish this one.
Duck and Goose: It’s Time for Christmas by Tad Hills
Our feathered friends are getting ready for Christmas. The only problem? Goose is more interested in skating, sledding, and making snow angels than in helping Duck decorate their Christmas tree. While Goose has the time of his life in the snow, it seems poor Duck will be left to do all the work. . . .
Who doesn’t love Duck and Goose?! I love hearing the belly laughs from my girls when we read this one.
Can you Make Santa Giggle? by Ron Berry
This is a great touch-and-feel book for younger Smarties. My girls still love pressing Santa’s belly and hearing his laugh.
Wishing you a holiday season full of fun traditions and lots of snuggles!
