Books to Read with the Kids This Christmas

You've probably seen pictures of the notorious Elf on the Shelf causing mischief in people's homes. The Elf on the Shelf comes each year around Thanksgiving to watch children and make sure they are being good so that he can report back to Santa Claus. The Elves are active only when the child sleeps, and can often be found in the morning frozen in the previous night's festivities! This Christmas tradition has really taken off over the past few years, and parents and children alike can read all about how the Elf on the Shelf came to be in the Elf on the Shelf book!

Santa Mouse tells the story of a lonely, nameless mouse who had saved only one thing for himself all year: a perfect piece of cheese. On Christmas Eve, the mouse realizes that  even though Santa brings presents to all the boys and girls in the world, no one gives a gift to Santa Claus! The mouse wraps up his special cheese to give to Santa. If you want to know what happens next, read the story!

The Tale of the Three Trees  tells of three tall and beautiful trees that grow on a mountaintop. The trees all have dreams and they share them with each other. The first tree wished only to hold treasure. The second tree aspired to be a mighty ship that would carry kings. The third tree hoped to continue to grow until it was the tallest tree in the world, so that when people looked up at its branches, they would raise their eyes to Heaven and think of God. Years passed, and eventually all three trees were cut down. The first tree was made into a feed box for animals and placed in a stable. The second tree was delighted to be taken to a shipyard, but was made only into a small fishing boat. The third tree was devastated to have been cut down, sure it would never get its wish. It was cut and left in a lumber yard. Several more years passed, and the trees' dreams were nearly forgotten. One day, a woman gave birth in a stable, and placed her child in the feed box made from the first tree. The tree knew that it was holding the world's greatest treasure. Each of the other trees achieve their dreams, but only by the work of God. Read the full story to find out how!

In the Polar Express, a boy listening for sleigh bells on Christmas Eve is caught off guard when he hears a train right outside his house. When he goes out to see it, the conductor tells him that the train is headed for the North Pole and invites him aboard. The boy accepts the offer and is taken into the heart of the North Pole where Santa is just about to give the first gift of Christmas. The boy is the chosen recipient of the gift, a silver bell from Santa's sleigh. When it's time to board the train home, the boy notices that he has lost the bell. How will he ever get it back? Find out by reading the full story this Christmas!

The story of Peef the Christmas bear begins when Santa asks the elves each to bring him a piece of fabric, with which he creates a helper, Peef. Peef is a teddy bear, crafted by Santa and named for the sound he makes, "peef." Each year, Peef helps Santa deliver his presents all over the world. He loves Santa, but each year, Peef wishes he could be given to a little boy or girl. Peef loves Santa too much to tell him that he wants to leave, but Santa figures it out. What happens next? Read the full story!

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic Christmas favorite. The mean old Grinch who lives high above Whoville resents the Whos down below. He resents their happiness, especially at Christmastime, so he devises a  plan to put a stop to it. He makes himself a Santa suit, and his dog, Max, a reindeer costume, and together they head down to Whoville. Once there, the Grinch sneaks into the Whos' homes dressed as Santa, and instead of leaving presents, he takes them. He also takes the trees, the decorations and the stockings. He loaded everything up in his sleigh and took it away, sure that the Whos would be devastated. Were they? Read the story to find out!

Also a Christmas Classic, the Night Before Christmas, is well known by all. Are visions of sugarplums dancing in your head? This Christmas story has been revived time and again, so get out a copy and share it with your kids this Christmas!