Here are five favorite holiday children’s books and creative activity ideas for your family to pair along with them.
Updated October 2024
It’s no secret that we love finding ways to bring more beautiful picture books and fun creativity into our family life.
We also love creating our own seasonal library at home. Now we’re officially in the “Holiday Season,” and that means we have a whole new group of books on our shelves, old favorites that make us feel nostalgic for every past snowfall and chaotic Christmas morning.
We’d like to share with you 5 of our favorite holiday books for kids and some ways you can use them to connect creatively with your family. Each book is paired with a creative craft that you can do together.
5 Holiday Children’s Books and Crafts
1. The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Carson Ellis
Based on Susan Cooper’s poem of the same name, this beautiful story will take you from ancient traditions to modern celebrations in the course of just a few pages. Get Creative: Since this book is an exploration of darkness and light, pair it with a project that plays on that theme. Experiment with black construction paper and chalk to create your own whimsical suns.
2. Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis
This joyful and vibrant book perfectly captures the magic of the Christmas tree tradition. Get Creative: Craft up your own tiny forest and make your own wrapping paper with sponges cut in the shape of trees and cookie cutters
3. The Twelve Days of Christmas by Britta Teckentrup
We love this illustrated version of the classic Christmas carol. The playful illustrations and the peek-through cutouts are so fun for little ones! Get Creative: After reading this book together, try crafting up your own holiday countdown, either with a simple paper chain made from decorated paper or try making a Christmas tree advent calendar.
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
This is a Christmas classic that shows the true spirit of Christmas comes from love, kindness, and friendship. Get Creative: Create your own little Grinchy snack with grapes, strawberries, and mini marshmallows! You can also use these materials to build toothpick sculptures.
5. The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi
This quiet picture book is one of our all-time favorite winter reads. With pristine white woods, talking animals, and the most delicious looking pies, what’s not to love? Get Creative: Create your own Christmas tree decorations by filling clear plastic balls with greenery, lace, buttons and more! But what about some outdoor creative fun as well? Bundle up and try making Swedish snowball lanterns!
We hope these books and crafts inspire you to carve out some time with your family for cozy reading and crafting!
More Holiday Books for Kids
- How to Create a Seasonal Home Library for Children
- 25 Children’s Books for Christmas
- The Best Holiday Picture Books
- 30 Children’s Books About Winter
- 5 Thanksgiving Book Crafts for Kids
- 5 Fall Book Craft Ideas for Kids
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