Beloved Children’s Stories to Share This Holiday

The magic of Christmas is often best captured through the pages of a well-loved book. For generations, children’s Christmas stories have become cherished traditions, passed down from parent to child, keeping the holiday spirit alive with timeless tales of hope, wonder, and generosity. In this post, we will detail some of the best classic children’s Christmas books and the inspirations behind their creation.

Clement Clarke Moore’s, The Night Before Christmas” is considered the quintessential Christmas story, “The Night Before Christmas” (originally titled “A Visit from St. Nicholas”) was written in 1822 by Clement Clarke Moore. The poem was inspired by Moore’s desire to entertain his children during the Christmas season. As the story goes, Moore wrote the poem on Christmas Eve to amuse his young family, never expecting it to become a holiday staple. The poem introduced beloved details about Santa Claus, such as his magical sleigh, his team of reindeer, and his jolly personality.

Moore’s joyful depiction of Christmas Eve has remained a beloved part of holiday tradition ever since. For many parents and caregivers it is the story read on Christmas Eve and the story most children remember growing up. This traditional method of storytelling inspires new parents to follow in the footsteps of their own parents to pass the tradition down to their own children. For this reason alone, Moore’s famous poem will continue to be passed down from generation to generation. It will always be the story that will always survive even in today’s digital world.

While not a children’s book in the strictest sense, “A Christmas Carol” (1843) has enchanted audiences of all ages for over 180 years. Written by Charles Dickens, the novella was inspired by the author’s concern for the poor and the hardships many people faced during the Victorian era. Dickens hoped to raise awareness of social inequality and promote a spirit of generosity and compassion during the Christmas season. The transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from a miser to a kind, charitable man became an enduring symbol of redemption and the power of Christmas goodwill. The story’s blend of magical realism and moral lessons continues to captivate readers and audiences in numerous adaptations.

This story represents what the true meaning of the holiday season is about. As the focus on Christmas increasingly becomes more commercialized, we find in this inspiring story, the message that empathy and helping your community and neighbours, is the true gift of the holiday season. For that simple reason alone, this will always remain a Christmas favourite for children of all ages.

Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (1957) has become one of the most beloved Christmas tales of all time. Inspired by Seuss’s desire to create a story that could teach children about the true spirit of Christmas, the Grinch was born from his own frustrations with the commercialization of the holiday. Seuss, who was known for his distinctive illustrations and rhythmic verse, crafted a story that not only entertained but also imparted a valuable lesson about generosity and kindness.

The Grinch’s heart “growing three sizes” exemplifies the power of Christmas to change people for the better, making it a story that continues to resonate with readers young and old. The book has been turned into several Hollywood movies and this has helped to spread the positive message of personal change. The book, animations, and movies provide a guide post for readers and viewers alike and that is why the story continues to resonate for so many years after the book was published.

“The Polar Express” (1985) is a Christmas classic that has captivated children with its enchanting story and stunning illustrations. Written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, the story was inspired by the author’s memories of the magic and wonder of childhood Christmases. Van Allsburg, known for his surreal and dreamlike artwork, wanted to capture the sense of wonder and adventure that children feel as they explore the world around them, especially during the holiday season. “The Polar Express” introduces a young boy’s magical journey to the North Pole, where he is gifted with a special bell that only those who believe in Santa can hear.

The book celebrates imagination, belief, and the spirit of Christmas, making it a must-read for generations of children. While this book is relatively new in the children’s holiday book marketplace, it provides a template for the artwork of many other Christmas tales that feature magical and beautiful drawings that can’t be captured with today’s increasing use of AI technology to develop images.

First published in 1978, “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs is a wordless picture book that has captured hearts with its beautifully illustrated scenes and tender story. The inspiration behind the book came from Briggs’s memories of building snowmen as a child and the fleeting, magical nature of winter. The story follows a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life, leading to a magical adventure. The simple narrative, set to the magical backdrop of winter, is a poignant reminder of the joys of childhood and the ephemeral beauty of snowy days.

For those of us who are fortunate enough to live in locations that are cold enough for winter snow, the book reminds us all of the “big snow banks” and difficult and almost impossible treks to school during snow storms and blizzards. No Christmas is complete without some snow on the ground and this story reminds us all of the simplicity of the holiday wish for a white Christmas. Although it has no dialogue, the emotional depth and expressive illustrations make it a powerful and timeless holiday read.

No post about the marvels of Christmas books is complete without Robert L. May’s famous story about a red-nosed reindeer, Rudolph. Written by Robert L. May in 1939, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” began as a booklet for the Montgomery Ward department store, where May worked as a copywriter. Inspired by a desire to create a special holiday story for children, May crafted the tale of Rudolph, a reindeer with a glowing red nose who is initially shunned by his peers but ultimately becomes a hero when his nose lights the way for Santa’s sleigh. May considered naming the reindeer Rollo or Reginald before deciding upon using the name Rudolph.

The story is about two main themes, self-acceptance and inclusivity. We can consider May ahead of this time as he wrote a story that resonates today with the message that we all belong and our similarities are our greatest strength. From books to animated television specials, this uplifting story will continue to be told for many years to come.

There are many more children’s books that draw on the magic of the season to draw us to the true meaning of the holiday season. These titles represent a small sample of what is still available in print books and there are numerous other titles we could have included. The most important focus for children’s books is what inspired the author to create the story as it provides a glimpse into the hearts and minds of children’s book authors. Let us know what your favourite book is and we will add it to our list.