October 8, 2023

25 Christmas Books to Create a Cozy Holiday Tradition with Your Family

Make the countdown to Christmas extra special with the 25 Books of Christmas tradition! Unwrap a holiday or winter-themed book each night and snuggle up for cozy story time. It’s a fun way to encourage reading, build family traditions, and fill your home with Christmas magic—one book at a time!

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Introducing the 25 Days of Books: A Christmas Countdown You’ll Actually Want to Keep Up With

Let’s talk about holiday traditions—the fun ones, the cozy ones, and the ones that don’t leave you questioning why you committed to them by mid-December. Enter: The 25 Books of Christmas. It’s simple, magical, and best of all, it doesn’t involve glitter explosions or baking 18 dozen cookies (unless you want it to).

Picture this: Each night in December, your kids unwrap a book and you all snuggle up for a festive read-aloud. That’s it. No crafts that require obscure supplies, no elaborate setups—just books, blankets, and a little holiday magic. And bonus? It sneaks in a love of reading without anyone even realizing it!

How It Works: The Least Complicated Christmas Tradition Ever

The 25 Books of Christmas is a simple yet magical holiday countdown that captivates the hearts of young and old alike. Here’s how to get started with this heartwarming tradition:

Gather 25 Christmas or winter-themed books. They can be old favorites, library finds, or a mix of both. No need to buy a whole new collection unless you want to!
Wrap them up. If wrapping 25 books feels overwhelming, wrap the first few and add the rest as you go. (Pro tip: Gift bags totally count.)
Number them or let kids pick randomly. Up to you! Some love the countdown effect, while others enjoy the surprise factor.
Start December 1st. Each night, unwrap one book and read together. Instant holiday magic.
December 24th gets the grand finale. End with The Night Before Christmas (because obviously).

Some of My Favorite Christmas Reads

If you need some book inspo, here are a few tried-and-true favorites that bring all the holiday cheer:

The Littlest Reindeer by Brandi Dougherty
Join the littlest reindeer on a heartwarming adventure as she dreams of pulling Santa’s sleigh.

How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace
Embark on a whimsical journey as children attempt to catch one of Santa’s mischievous helpers.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Hop aboard the Polar Express and take a magical ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

A Christmas Gift for Little One by Cheryl Crouthamel
Follow a young fox as he receives a special Christmas gift that brings joy and wonder.

I Love You Through and Through at Christmas Too by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak
Celebrate the love between parents and children with this heartwarming Christmas edition of a classic.

How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan
Discover the secrets behind catching Santa Claus in this imaginative and humorous tale.

The Grumpy Reindeer by Dorothea DePrisco
Meet a grumpy reindeer who learns the true meaning of Christmas in this heartwarming story.

Dear Santa by Rod Campbell
Explore the letters and wishes of children as they send heartfelt messages to Santa Claus.

You Are My Merry by Marianne Richmond
Celebrate the joy of togetherness during the holidays with this heartwarming story.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
Conclude your countdown with the timeless classic, “The Night Before Christmas,” and immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas Eve.

And that’s just a start! You can mix in new finds or rotate books each year to keep things fresh. Check out my full collection here!

Why You’ll Love This Tradition (Besides the Built-in Cozy Factor)

It sneaks in extra reading time. Because books > more screen time.
It slows down the holiday chaos. Between the shopping, wrapping, and cookie-induced sugar highs, this is a moment of calm.
It makes bedtime easier. Kids actually want to wind down when a book is involved.
It builds anticipation without a sugar rush. Unlike advent calendars filled with chocolate, this one won’t leave them bouncing off the walls.

Keeping the Reading Magic Going Year-Round

The fun doesn’t have to end with Christmas! Want to keep your kids loving books beyond December? Try creating a cozy reading nook (twinkle lights highly encouraged), making library trips a regular thing, doing book swaps with friends or family, or letting kids “read” to stuffed animals, siblings, or the family pet.

So there you have it—the easiest Christmas tradition that delivers all the warm, fuzzy holiday feels. Now, go grab some books, wrap them up (or don’t), and enjoy some sweet, simple moments with your little ones this season. Happy reading!