Every Christmas Season, parents struggle with how to best represent the holiday in the eyes of their children. It's so important, because we know we're shaping more than just memories, but their hearts as well. Once they're grown, the traditions and keepsakes are passed on to them.
Today, we look at several books which represent Christmas and get to the heart of what it's all about.
1. The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Jan Bernstein
Excerpt from Goodreads:
In The Berenstain Bears and The Joy of Giving Brother and Sister Bear can’t wait for Christmas and all the presents they’ll open. But during the Christmas Eve pageant, something special happens! The Bear cubs learn a very valuable lesson about the joy of giving to others.
2. Santa's Favorite Story by Hisako Aoki
Excerpt from Goodreads:
Christmas may be canceled this year because Santa is too tired to deliver all his packages. The forest animals are worried, but when Santa tells them the story of the very first Christmas, when Christ was born, the animals discover the true spirit of the season.
3. The Legend of Saint Nicholas by Dandi Daley Mackall
Excerpt from Goodreads:
Nick is much more interested in contemplating his presents under the tree than he is in being dragged along for last-minute shopping with his dad. But while his father s off shopping, Nick hears someone say his name it s a mall Santa, telling a group of children a story about the original St. Nick. In the long-ago story, a wealthy boy named Nicholas is moved by the sight of poor children and decides to use his family s wealth to help the needy, starting anonymously with his less-fortunate friends... (Full Description at goodreads)
4. A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel
Excerpt from Goodreads:
"Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the city, not a creature was stirring...Except for BAD KITTY."A greedy Bad Kitty didn't get all the presents she wanted for Christmas, but after she goes on a Christmas caper across town and through multiple alphabets, she makes a new friend, finds an old friend, and learns the true meaning of Christmas. Or not. Nick Bruel's first picture book about Bad Kitty since the uproarious Poor Puppy in 2007 is full of rhyming mayhem... and Christmas cheer.
5. God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergen
Excerpt from Goodreads:
As Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear begins to wonder...
"Who invented Christmas?"
Mama's answer only leads to more questions like "Is God more important than Santa?" So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama's gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that...
