Top 10 Christmas Books of All Time: Timeless Holiday Classics for Your December Reading Journal

Christmas makes me nostalgic in ways no other time of the year does. Warm memories of little feet scampering down the hall to see if Santa had arrived yet, piles of wrapping paper, adults trying desperately to assemble toys that have been strapped in by the manufacturer, it all brings back so much fun.  One of my favourite traditions was every December 1st, we would all gather around the TV with cozy blankets and watch The Polar Express. When the hot chocolate scene came up, we had cups of cocoa with whipped cream and candy canes ready for each child. I still love the sound of that train whistle. 

My kids are all grown up now, the house is quiet on Christmas day, but I still like to curl up with my copy of The Polar Express. How many of these top 10 Christmas books have you read, and which will you add to your December TBR?

Top 10 List

• 1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843): Scrooge's ghostly redemption defines holiday cheer and transformation.​

• 2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss (1957): A grumpy creature learns the true meaning of the season through heartwarming rhymes.​

• 3. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (1985): A boy's magical train ride to the North Pole captures childhood wonder.​

• 4. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry (1905): A poignant short story of sacrificial love between a devoted couple.​

• 5. The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore (1823): Iconic poem painting Santa's visit with vivid, joyful imagery.​

• 6. Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie (1938): A festive family murder mystery solved by the clever detective.​

• 7. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1868): Holiday scenes anchor the March sisters' enduring tale of family bonds.​

• 8. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum (1902): Origin story of Santa's enchanted beginnings in a magical forest.​

• 9. A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote (1956): Nostalgic fruitcake baking evokes tender holiday memories.​

• 10. The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans (1993): A widow shares profound seasonal wisdom with a young family.​

If you are reading any of these Christmas favourites, let me know which one in the comments below.

Twelve Days of Christmas — Bookish Gift Parody with Amazon Picks

 

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The Twelve Days of Christmas — Bookish Edition

Sing along to this festive parody packed with reader must-haves! Each "gift" links to Amazon for easy shopping (affiliate links marked). Perfect for stocking stuffers or your winter reading nook

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
A brand-new bestseller under the tree.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Two cozy reading socks,
And a brand-new bestseller under the tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Three colorful bookmarks,
Two cozy reading socks,
And a brand-new bestseller under the tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Four scented candles,
Three colorful bookmarks,
Two cozy reading socks,
And a brand-new bestseller under the tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Five classic novels,
Four scented candles,
Three colorful bookmarks,
Two cozy reading socks,
And a brand-new bestseller under the tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Six literary mugs,
Five classic novels,
Four scented candles,
Three colorful bookmarks,
Two cozy reading socks,
And a brand-new bestseller under the tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Seven bookish tote bags,
Six literary mugs,
Five classic novels,
Four scented candles,
Three colorful bookmarks,
Two cozy reading socks,
And a brand-new bestseller under the tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Eight journals journaling,
Seven bookish tote bags,
Six literary mugs,
Five classic novels,
Four scented candles,
Three colorful bookmarks,
Two cozy reading socks,
And a brand-new bestseller under the tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Nine e-readers glowing,
Eight journals journaling,
Seven bookish tote bags,
Six literary mugs,
Five classic novels,
Four scented candles,
Three colorful bookmarks,
Two cozy reading socks,
And a brand-new bestseller under the tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Ten bookends balancing,
Nine e-readers glowing,
Eight journals journaling,
Seven bookish tote bags,
Six literary mugs,
Five classic novels,
Four scented candles,
Three colorful bookmarks,
Two cozy reading socks,
And a brand-new bestseller under the tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Eleven stacks of paper,
Ten bookends balancing,
Nine e-readers glowing,
Eight journals journaling,
Seven bookish tote bags,
Six literary mugs,
Five classic novels,
Four scented candles,
Three colorful bookmarks,
Two cozy reading socks,
And a brand-new bestseller under the tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
Twelve signed first editions,
Eleven stacks of paper,
Ten bookends balancing,
Nine e-readers glowing,
Eight journals journaling,
Seven bookish tote bags,
Six literary mugs,
Five classic novels,
Four scented candles,
Three colorful bookmarks,
Two cozy reading socks,
And a brand-new bestseller under the tree.​

Hoping your holiday shopping is Merry and Bright