Mark your calendars because this is the year the Ames family stays home for the Holidays! I'm excited to make new memories and traditions with my little crew! It's our first year celebrating Christmas at our home and If i'm being truthful, its a little bittersweet. We love visiting grandparents for the holidays, but Mike and I decided that it was time to start creating our own traditions. So the first Tradition we want to start is The 12 Days of Christmas. The 12 days leading up to Christmas, we will unwrap a new book to read each night before bed and enjoy an easy 5-10 min a day of dedicated family reading time.
I reached out on Instagram for Christmas book suggestions and trust me when I tell you, you guys did not disappoint! It was fun learning new titles, seeing old favorites pop up, and even rediscovering the classics. A few of my favorites on my list are:
The Nutcracker
You can find dozens, if not hundreds of variations of The Nutcracker, but the New York City Ballet's edition is my favorite! The illustrations are gorgeous and follow the Ballet's interpretation perfectly. Plus as a dancer, my heart skips a beat when I see graceful ballet positions captured in a fun whimsical way!
North Pole Ninjas
Guys! This book takes the cake! It's my all time favorite Christmas book for my young family! The Author, Tyler Knott Gregson is a beautiful Poet and i've followed his work, especially his Type Writer Series for years. When he came out with a children's book, I was skeptical at first but oh my goodness he nailed it! It was the perfect blend of humor, heart, Ninjas and a beautiful message about spreading random acts of kindness to all. What makes this book even more special to me is the fact that I have a signed edition from his book tour! Plus don't miss out on the plush Ninja Elf that you can get with the book! So cute to cuddle with while reading! 5 Stars!!!
Nativity
Newbery Medalist, Cynthia Rylant illustrates the classic story of the Nativity story in a powerful folk art style. I love the Bible passages and the way her artwork brings the words to life. She just released the title in September 2017, so I have yet to read this story to my kids, but I'm excited to make it a regular part of our Christmas traditions.
My 12 Day of Christmas list has a little bit of everything ranging from the classics, stories of Jesus and even secret agent elves! My kids are little (2, 5) and one has some delays, so I picked the books that I thought would keep them captivated and engaged throughout the stories. I encourage you to seek out the best books for your kids and find ones that perk their interest! There are so many AMAZING Holiday books, so after my top 12, i've compiled a few honorable mentions! With no further ado, let me introduce my favorites!
1. North Pole Ninja's by Tyler Knott Gregson & Sarah Linden
11. The Night Before Christmas: The Classic Edition by Clement C. Moore
12. How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Big thank you to Aunties Bookstore, @auntiesbooks for contributing their favorite titles as well. This list couldn't have been as comprehensive without your input. Thank you to all those who shared their favorites as well! It was so fun seeing what books hold a special place in your family's hearts! Happy reading everyone and let me know all the fun books you'll be reading this Holiday season!
12. How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Honorable Mentions
- Mr. Willoby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
-Dream Snow by Eric Carle
- Gingerbread Christmas by Jan Brett
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