How to Teach Your Children the True Meaning of Christmas
Do you love books?
I do! I love to read and I really want to instill that love into my children. When my boys were younger (and life was calmer) we started a tradition of finding and reading books each day leading up to Christmas.
Eventually, we ended up with a ton of books to read!
As we started gaining a Christmas library, I began searching for some books that taught the true meaning of Christmas.
We had plenty of the classics like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and The Night Before Christmas. But I wanted some books that would teach my kids that Christmas is not all about presents, snow and gifts.
I wanted them to learn the “why” behind our celebrations and traditions.
Today I want to share with you 4 of my favorite Christ-centered Christmas books. There are a few more that I like as well, but these are our all-time favorites! These are the few I’ll be reading to my grandkids one day.
4 Christmas Books that Teach the True Meaning of Christmas
The Legend of the Christmas Tree by Rick Osborne
Every year we put up Christmas trees to celebrate the birth of Christ. Until I read this book I had never thought about the meaning behind the Christmas tree tradition. This inspiring story will give you insight into the meaning behind this popular tradition, and how it is used to share about God. It is geared for children ages 4-8 years old, but honestly, I enjoyed it! The pictures are beautiful and the storyline is appropriate for anyone of any age. This is a staple in our house during Christmas!
The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg
We had a family tradition that coincided with this book when my boys were little. We enjoyed this book so much that we moved The Night Before Christmas a few nights earlier and read this one on Christmas Eve. The boys would gather around in the pjs and each would get a candy cane to eat while I read the story aloud. I can’t wait to continue this tradition with our girls this year! Similar to The Legend of the Christmas Tree, this story shares the meaning behind this sought-after candy and shares the meaning of it’s colors as it pertains to Christ. This is definitely one of our favorites!
The Legend of the Christmas Stocking by Rick Osborne
Another favorite here! It’s so easy for my kids to get wrapped up in their Christmas lists. The sacred holiday can quickly turn into a long list of things they want to receive. This book shares the meaning behind the stocking tradition and how giving is much better than receiving. The story dives into the tradition of St. Nick but also covers the absolute and unfailing love that God has for us as His children. The lessons learned in this book make this one a valuable addition to our library! You can purchase this book by clicking the picture of the book!
Mary’s First Christmas by Walter Wangerin, Jr.
How can you find these books?
Just a warning before reading this book… Grab some tissues!! This is my absolute favorite Christmas book. As a mother, my heart broke and was mended as I read through this beautiful story. It is told through the eyes of Mary, the mother of Jesus, telling her 5 yr old son about his miraculous birth. She gives the ups, the downs, and the final victory of what Jesus’ life would be like. This story is beautifully written and is sure to touch the heart of any mother. It brings together the reality of Jesus as 100% man, yet 100% God. This book will truly give you and your child an insight into how Mary’s First Christmas may have been.
To purchase any of these books you can click on the titles or the pictures next to the books. (As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read my full disclosure here)
As we enter into the Christmas season, our desire is to Keep Christ the Reason for the Season. If you’re wanting to do the same, you can read more of our Reason for the Season Christmas posts by simply clicking the links below:
3 Secrets for Inviting Peace into Your Home at Christmas
Pushing Through to Find Peace
Experiencing Joy in Your World this Christmas
How to Give the Gift of Forgiveness this Christmas
3 Simple Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas this Year
When God Opens the Eyes of Your Heart to the Hurting
Practical Tips to Gain a Heart of Praise
What great books. Even though my kids are grown, I still love children’s books. Thanks for sharing these! Visiting from Coffee for Your Heart.
I think I’ll be like that when my kids are grown too, Ginger! Thanks for visiting!
These books have such a great message! Thank you for sharing 🙂 Visiting from #encouragementforyourheart
I love Christmas books! Thank you for this list! I love “Pine Tree Parable”, too! By Liz Curtis Higgs. It’s wonderful! Happy Thursday from #ThoughtProvokingThursday!
Megs
I’ve never read this one by Liz Curtis Higgs! She is one of my favorite authors. Thanks for sharing, Megs!!
We love reading Christmas books! (Even at 11, 10 & 8!) I’ve only read the Legend of the Candy Cane from your list, but will definitely check the library for the others!
A few of our favorites are: Jacob’s Gift and The Littlest Angel. I’m also going to read a new one: One Wintry Night!
Visiting from #DanceWithJesus Linkup!
Oh yay! Thanks for those suggestions, Becky! We love to find new good books to read! Have a wonderful weekend!
I own all but the last one…going to have to get that to add to the collection! Merry Christmas Alisa!
May I also suggest the book, “Merry Christmas, With Love” by Sandi Patty. As a public school teacher it’s hard to get across the TRUE meaning of Christmas without “preaching”. This book helps me do that every Christmas.
I’ve never read that one, Tom! I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for the suggestion.
We have owned some of the above books and have now passed them on so my granddaughters can come to love them. There is just something so special about children’s books with a great message that make traditions live on. So glad that I stopped here tonight!
So true, Joanne! I love a good kids book with a great message. ❤️️
Thanks you for these suggestions! My kids loved The Legend of the Candy Cane, but I hadn’t seen the other books.
Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!
Thanks, Richella! The Legend of the Candy Cane was the first one I read. When I found the others I was so excited! They also have an Easter book called the The Legend of the Easter Egg. I hope you and your family enjoy them! Have a Merry Christmas!
These 4 books look wonderful. The 25 day challenge is a great idea and appreciate the sign-up to read them all!
Thanks for joining us, Lisa! These books are awesome! They even have some for Easter as well. Have a wonderful weekend!
Alisa, I love that your list is about the true meaning of Christmas. There are so many distractions, even for adults, and it is good to be reminded what we are celebrating!
Thanks Courtney Leigh!