There are lots of things that I spend too much money on (like cutting boards and perfume scented pearled radiant pink tampons). But the one thing that I collect with gumption and dolla dolla bills, and make no apologies for, is Christmas picture books. I’m a big fan of traditions but my tradition to buy a new Christmas picture book every year has quickly evolved to more like 5 new Christmas books a year. I know that somewhere in my posterity there will be a Christmas picture book lover who will tenderly inherit my treasures, but until then I must cling them to my chest and defend my obsession.
I mean, Christmas is so magical and then when you throw in beautiful artwork and heartfelt stories…I become a major sap. Blah. So the time has come again where I have to share some of my favorite Christmas picture books. Swoon with me:
The Nativity (illustrated by Julie Vivas) – This book is one of my favorite illustrated books of all time. It perfectly captures what I felt like when pregnant (Mary is one of my personal heroes) and is just so adorable in general.
The Polar Express – I love the magic of this cross-continental train ride! I actually way prefer the book over the movie.
The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish – I adore all the pout-pout fish books. Especially because 3-year-olds are prone to be very animated pout-pout fishes (even at Christmas time!).
How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Still one of the most well-written Christmas books in my opinion. A classic. The Dr. knew what he was doing.
The Carpenters Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree – A really intriguing and heartfelt story! Especially if you have a soft spot for New York.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey – The biggest tear-jerk book on my list, I absolute love this book. Mr. Toomey has a heart of gold somewhere under his lumberjack beard.
Merry Christmas Mom and Dad (a Little Critter book) – Mercer Mayer, who illustrates and writes all the Little Critter books is my favorite children’s author. His books are like the essence of childhood. I know that sounds kinda dorky (this is a post about books after all) but he writes from the perspective of a child and it is exactly what I would expect an innocent child to say about Christmas. I love them.
Just a Snowman (another Little Critter book) – Like I said, I love the Little Critter books!
Tallulahs Nutcracker – The cutest ever Nutcracker tale of what goes on behind stage. I bought this one this year for Charlotte to open on Christmas Eve. I know she will grow to love it as much as I do.
The Night Before Christmas – Holly Hobbies illustrations are so lovely. All of the sweet babies nestled in their beds look like my babies, and I am not above buying an illustrated book because the children look like mine. But really, it’s one of my favorites!
Also, while I’m chatting about Christmas books, you may be interested in Our Christmas book tradition, my top fall reads, and some holiday party inspiration!
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