Christmas Book + Audio Favorites

Hey friends! It’s hard to believe that Christmas will be here in less than two weeks! This is one of my favorite seasons of the year—I love the lights, the music, the shopping, the memories, the church outreaches. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite books and audio resources that I have enjoyed during the Christmas season. Maybe they can become a part of your family’s Christmas traditions and memories.

Disclaimer: Just because I recommend a resource does not mean that I agree with everything written therein or endorse everything the author has written. As always, read with discretion and compare everything to God’s word. 😊

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski. One of my favorite childhood memories! This book has such a sweet “change-of-heart” story, with beautiful illustrations. It’s perfect for reading aloud with your kiddos as you snuggle together on the couch.

The Manger Mouse by Joel Wells. Another lovely picture book that your little people will enjoy! The events of the nativity, as seen through the eyes of a mouse in the manger.

The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt. One tree played a role in Christ’s birth; another during His life; and yet another on the saddest day in history. With beautiful illustrations, this retelling of a traditional folktale will take you and your children from Christ’s birth to His atoning death, making for a great conversation starter.

One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham. One wintry night…a young boy wandered far from home and found himself in a mountain cabin, listening for the first time to the greatest story ever told. This wonderful retelling of the Christmas story, from Creation to the Resurrection, will capture your children’s attention and draw the whole family back to the real “Reason for the season.”

The Birds’ Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin. This delightful short story was first published in 1888, and it’s a wonderful reminder of how Christmas really is about Christ and others, not ourselves. Another great read-aloud, especially for elementary-aged children.

Missent: the Story of a Letter by Isabella Alden. What would you do if you found a mysterious postcard inviting someone to Christmas dinner that was supposed to be sent years ago? Sarah Stafford decided to send it on, but little did she know the life-changing results that would follow! A sweet story for teens/adults.

Christie’s Christmas by Isabella Alden. A sweet family read-aloud! A Christmas train that gets stuck, a baby that’s left behind, and a Christian little girl who finds herself in the middle of it all makes for a wonderful story.

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. Linked right here as free pdf read! Jim and Della are newlyweds with every intention of getting a very special Christmas gift for each other. Such a delightful Christmas classic with a fun and unexpected story twist.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. If you’ve never read this old classic, you really should! It’s funny, sad, entertaining, and instructive, all at the same time—with the best ending. First published in 1843, this timeless story of Christmas continues to be enjoyed by young and old!

Audio Drama: The Candle in the Window. Based on the book by Margaret Hill McCarter, Lamplighter Theatre’s audio drama is great listening for the whole family! Tully can’t understand why his teacher, Miss Ruth Ravenstow, is so sad. Tod the mailman carries a very special package to each home he visits. And somehow, the candle in the window not only leads Tod and Tully to safety, but it also brings Miss Ravenstow home.

You Are There: Christmas by Lamplighter Theatre. I’ve not personally listened to this one, but I have heard parts of other “You are There” dramas and imagine that this one is just as good. Be transported back in time to experience what it would have been like to be present at Jesus’ birth.

There’s no better time of year to gather as a family around the fireplace with a good read-aloud or an inspiring audio drama. Enjoy!