December 7

The Christmas Story
illustrated by Tara Larsen Chang

This book should actually be called "The Friendly Beasts", as it is the lyrics of the lullaby-like Christmas song. But, hey, for a dollar bin find last year, this is a good one. The illustrations are lovely and this is one of my favorite carols!

December 6

Peppa Pig and the Lost Christmas List
based on the U.K. TV series Peppa Pig

The boys were introduced to Peppa Pig by friends in N. Ireland. Peppa saves Christmas, of course!

December 5

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?
by Jane Yolen
illustrated by Mark Teague

A holiday edition of the popular Dinosaur series, full of hypothetical dinosaur antics, like eating Santa's cookies and dumping out the stockings, followed by all the helpful and festive actions that the dinosaurs ACTUALLY do. Cleverly illustrated with less commonly known dinosaurs. Can you find the name of each somewhere in the illustrations?

December 4

The Littlest Christmas Tree
by R.A. Herman
illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers

Reminiscent of a 'Charlie Brown tree', the Littlest Christmas Tree is the smallest on the lot and keeps getting overlooked. When it hasn't found a home by Christmas Eve, it looks like the tree's dreams of becoming a Christmas Tree will be dashed. My youngest was delighted to discover that the boy in the story shares his name!

December 3

December
by Eve Bunting
illustrated by David Diaz

This is one of my favorite Christmas books. It is not an easy read, content-wise, as it is about a homeless mother and son. But it is an excellent springboard for a discussion with kids about those who have enough and those who don't. It is also a beautiful story of selfless love, hospitality, and generosity.

December 2

December 2 -

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
By Dr. Seuss

Classic! This is the first year both boys have been able to sit through the whole story together. I was so happy to share this one with them. Now I need to show them the cartoon version, which is nearly identical to the book. A must-read AND a must-see!

A New Advent Tradition

Since my boys were babies, I've been thinking about Advent calendars. I wanted something unique, something fun, and something that would become a tradition. This year, thanks to a friend, I've found it. (Here's the post.)

CHRISTMAS BOOKS!

24, to be exact. Wrapped and piled under the tree, to be opened with delight each day of Advent. Complete with snuggle time and kisses (real and Hershey's). I don't know who is more excited: me or my kids!

If I can keep up, I will post the daily reveal here on my blog. There is quite a variety. Some are silly, some are classics. Some share the biblical Christmas Story. Others are heartwarming, or even tear-jerking (at least for me, if not my 4 1/2 and 3 year olds.)

What are you passionate about? What are your kids interests? Perhaps you can find a way to weave those things into a new family tradition for you. During Advent, or anytime of year!

Enjoy!

December 1 -
10 Trim-the-Tree'ers: A Holiday Counting Book
by Janet Schulman
illustrated by Linda Davick

This lively, rhyming concept book follows ten children as they decorate the tree in the lobby of their apartment building. The boys had fun finding and counting the ornaments.