A literary Advent calendar for the bookish family

Advent calendars filled with chocolate are delightful, but if you want to step up your game this year, consider one with a literary theme. Here’s how it works: Each day of December you introduce a new Christmas book and snuggle up to read it out loud with your family. 

Even if you don’t own 25 Christmas books, you can still pull off a literary advent calendar. Building a family library takes time, patience, and storage space. Each year, select a few books to add to your collection. Online bookstores, such as Thriftbooks or third-party sellers on Amazon, sell gently used books for a significant discount. And don’t forget to utilize the local library or swap with friends! 

There is an abundance of beautifully illustrated, high-quality Christmas picture books. Narrowing it down to just 25 can be quite difficult, so here are some favorites to get you started. 

1.     The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston

Grab your tissues for this beautifully touching and joyful story about the sacrifice, courage, and gift of family. Barbara Cooney’s illustrations bring this unforgettable story to life! 

2.     An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco 

Patricia Polacco is a favorite for her family-oriented, culturally rich stories. An Orange for Frankie is a true story from Polacco’s own family about a little boy whose spirit of quiet generosity makes a lasting impact one Christmas. 

3.     Holly & Ivy by Rumer Godden 

An orphan girl, a doll, and Mrs. Jones all have a similar Christmas wish. Will their wishes for love and belonging come true? This timeless story is great for all ages with gorgeous illustrations by Barbara Cooney. 

4.     The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski

Can a grieving widow and her son bring light and happiness back to the life of a reclusive woodcarver? This beautiful story with stunning illustrations by P.J. Lynch draw the reader in for a heartwarming treat. 

5.     Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck

The young son of a farmer wants to give his father a present, and he finds a way to give a true gift from the heart. This book is incredibly heartwarming and a great conversation starter about generosity and gifting from the heart. 

6.     The Legend of Old Befana by Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola introduces readers to a favorite Italian Christmas tale about an old woman, her desire for a clean floor, and her search for the newborn King. This story is a true delight and not one to miss! 

7.     The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

A young girl gives all she can to the Christ Child and a miracle occurs! Caldecott honor-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola brings this Mexican legend to life with bright colors and stunning paintings. 

8.     The Birds of Bethlehem by Tomie dePaola

The Nativity story is told from the perspective of feathered friends. The birds in Bethlehem agree something extraordinary is happening, and they gather at a stable where a child was born. Tomie dePaola’s illustrations are captivating for children and adults alike. 

9.     Lucia, Saint of Light by Katherine Bolger Hyde

Readers will learn about the life and martyrdom of St. Lucy and how she became a favorite saint in Sweden. Wonderful all year round, but especially perfect to read on the Feast of St. Lucy (Dec. 13)! 

10.  St. Francis and the Nativity by Myrna Strasser

The story of the first nativity comes to life in this book about a young shepherd boy who helps Saint Francis visually display the beauty and miracle of Christmas. With lush stained-glass-inspired illustrations, readers will be drawn into the history of the nativity scene and St. Francis’ lasting impact. 

11.  The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot 

Animal stories set in the rolling hills of England are sure to delight, but add in a Christmas backdrop, and it’s simply idyllic. James Herriot tells the story of a stray cat and a surprising Christmas day gift for a woman and her three dogs. The James Herriot Treasury for Children deserves a spot on your bookshelves! 

12.  The Spider Who Saved Christmas by Raymond Arroyo 

An unlikely heroine shines in this retelling of a folktale about the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt. 

13.  Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman 

Mortimer the mouse is happy to find a new home in the family’s nativity scene, but after hearing the Christmas story he realizes the manger is for baby Jesus. Mortimer sadly leaves the creche but isn’t left out in the cold for long! 

14.  Jan Brett’s Christmas Treasury 

If you want bang for your buck, this is the Christmas treasury for your bookshelf. Seven delightful stories in Jan Brett’s unmatched wonderland of intricate illustrations that are truly a feast for the eyes. There’s a story for everyone, especially if you know a hedgehog lover. 

15.  The Nutcracker by Jan Brett 

There are many picture books that tell the story of Tchaikovsky’s beloved “The Nutcracker” ballet but not all feature dancing animals. Jan Brett’s illustrations captivate once again. 

16.  Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry

Mr. Willowby has found the perfect Christmas tree, but there’s a problem: The tree is too tall! Without batting an eye, Mr. Willowby cuts the top off and it gets passed around to bring Christmas joy and festivity to all the local forest animals. 

17.  The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter 

A poor tailor has an important job to finish on Christmas Eve, but he is tired, sick, and running out of thread! Luckily there are helpful mice who live in his workshop that are ready to save the day, so long as the tailor’s cat doesn’t interfere. 

18.  Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien 

J.R.R. Tolkien’s children received fascinating, hilarious, and adventure-filled letters from Father Christmas every year. And now you and your children can read them as well. 

19.  The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats

The beloved Christmas carol of a little drummer boy who wants to bring a gift to the newborn King comes to life through Keats’ illustrations. Illustrated Christmas carol books are a wonderful way to include the youngest readers and teach older children a new carol. 

20.  How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Will the Grinch steal Christmas, or will his heart be transformed? This Dr. Seuss classic is whimsical, clever, and a joy to read aloud. 

21.  The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

This book is a true treat to read, especially with older children and teenagers. A poignant story about the unwavering and sacrificial love between a husband and wife. 

22.  Room For a Little One by Martin Waddell

In a cold stable, animals make room for one another and the Christ Child to be born. Perfect for the youngest readers! 

23.  An Angel Came to Nazareth by Anthony Knott

As Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, four animals must choose who they will carry. The donkey realizes that he will carry the greatest of all. This book is filled with simple rhymes, gorgeous illustrations, and a beautiful message of humility. 

24.  The Story of Christmas by Pamela Dalton

Scissor-cut illustrations follow the King James Bible’s account of the Christmas story. The illustrations are captivating! 

What are your favorite Christmas picture books? Let us know in the comments.