Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for many; decorated trees with colourfully wrapped gifts adorning its base, twinkling lights everywhere, and the scent of pine, gingerbread and hot chocolate floating through the air add a touch of magic and get everyone into the Christmas spirit. But for children its more, it has the power to fill their young hearts and minds with wide-eyed wonder, curiosity and excitement. And there are very few things that bring all this wonderful festive magic to vibrant life quite like reading a well-chosen book, one that has an enchanting Christmas theme. The festive season is the perfect stage to introduce stories that celebrate kindness, joy and the art of giving. At Young Page Turners, we believe that festive reading traditions can become the most cherished part of a child’s Christmas. Selecting the right books can turn quiet evenings into memorable adventures and family moments into traditions that last a lifetime – like adding a book to a Christmas Eve box.
Christmas reading for children taps into a world of wonderment, weaving fantasy and joyful festivities in fun and energetic stories. From snow-covered winter villages, illuminated by colourful lanterns, families decorating trees and wrapping presents, Santa getting stuck in the chimney or red-nosed reindeer lighting the way through the wintery skies, these books take children to a place where anything is possible. Packed with themes of hope, generosity and goodwill, these Christmas-themed stories will excite their young audiences while the message that the true spirit of Christmas lies in simple acts of kindness, not the receiving of lots of presents. Every turn of the page provides an opportunity to spark conversations about empathy, community and the joy found in giving without expecting anything in return.
When it comes to selecting the perfect Christmas books, there are lots of things to consider; their age, interests and their reading level. Board books are perfect for preschoolers with their sturdy pages and vibrant illustrations (and they are easy to wipe down). Early readers can enjoy simple chapter books featuring holiday-themed adventures, while middle grade readers can up their game and might relish more complex plots involving magical quests or heartwarming family reunions. By carefully matching the content to a child’s developmental stage it ensures that each story not only entertains but nurtures a love of reading that will extend far beyond December.
Picture books remain a timeless classic choice for the youngest page turners. These short engaging books are a visual storytelling delight but titles that feature tactile elements within the story, such as lift-the-flap surprises, textured pages and glittery accents, immerse little hands and eyes in a tactile celebration of the festive season. Stories featuring characters, such as Santa with his reindeer and elves, on their festive adventures help young readers connect these much-loved and familiar faces with the spirit of Christmas. And the reimagining of timeless classics such as “The Nutcracker” or “The Night Before Christmas” provide whimsical warmth that encourages even the most restless of listeners to pause and follow along and engage with the stories being told.
As children grow, so do their reading levels; their attention span starts to crave for longer, more in-depth stories. Chapter books with a Christmas theme appeal to budding independent readers during the festive season, bringing heartwarming and engaging plots with age-appropriate plotlines. These seasonal books have a knack of balancing of light suspenseful stories with the comfort of a festive setting, inviting young adventurers to travel alongside characters who discover the true meaning of Christmas through family, friendship and trust, and take meaning from them.
When it comes to middle grade and young adult (YA) readers, Christmas stories explore deeper emotional themes while still celebrating festive cheer. By blending stories that feature history, mystery or light magic, all within a wintery Christmas setting, they captivate pre-teen/teenage readers that are hungry for richer, more complex stories. Themes of family reconciliation, holiday self-discovery or even teen romances set against a backdrop of snow-dusted streets will resonate strongly with readers at this time of year.
Every family has their own Christmas traditions, but transforming book time into a holiday ritual can make each Christmas feel uniquely special. Families might read one festive book each night leading up to Christmas Eve, or unwrap a new title as part of an advent calendar or place a special Christmas-themed story in a Christmas Eve box along with some festive pyjamas. Creating a cosy reading nook with twinkling lights, hot chocolate and soft blankets will add a sensory layer that not only makes an excellent spot to snuggle up and read but reinforces the magic of these stories. As the years tick by, children will eagerly anticipate these reading sessions, eager to discover which snowy adventure awaits them next, forging memories that outlast the tinsel.
When it comes to keeping young page turners engaged in festive stories (and other books), try to vary the format and genre of these festive stories. Don’t just stick with one format – alternate between picture books, short prose poems, short chapter novels, graphic novels and even audio versions to expand the variety and engagement. And while reading with them, try to incorporate interactive elements, like pausing to ask questions about what a character will do next, how a character might solve a Christmas conundrum and using different voices for various characters.
There are lots of festive tales about, old and new, and at Young Page Turners we have been reading a few. Embrace the joy of Christmas reading this year, and let Young Page Turners be your trusted companion in turning pages and sparking imaginations throughout the holiday season. Click the button below to see what festive stories we have been reading, you might just find one or two you fancy reading yourself – whether it’s a festive sausage roll or Roald Dahl inspired Christmas tales.