Christmas books with kind, wise messages

Vegetarian Baby and Child, Sept-Oct, 2002 by N. Glenn Perrett

I enjoy reading books about Christmas during the weeks leading up to this special day. The Christmas season is a good time to select meaningful books that we can read to our younger children or recommend to older ones. There are so many wonderful books about this time of year, which make holiday reading truly special. To ensure that you don't get caught up in the hectic pace of the season, set aside some quality time each day to read with your children. The following are a few books that people of all ages will enjoy.

Books for Young Children

Most of these books are appropriate for children aged 6-9; younger children will enjoy these stories read to them.

Old Dog Cora and the Christmas Tree Cora is an old Newfoundland dog who always helps haul the Christmas tree from the woods to her family's house. This year the task is given to Cora's daughter and granddaughter--although Cora is not ready for retirement. This charming book features determination, eagerness and other endearing "canine qualifies."

Grandfather's Christmas Tree

Grandfather's Christmas Tree is a story told to a young boy by his grandfather; his parents traveled to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in 1886 where they made their home. Although they had prepared for their first winter, harsh weather forced the young couple to use up their wood supply and then cut down and burn the beautiful blue spruce trees that sheltered their home. Under the boughs of the tallest tree they discovered two geese--one of whom had a broken wing. Both the young couple and the geese were dependent on the tree for their survival. Find out what happens in this beautiful tale that evokes the true meaning of Christmas!

Wolf Christmas

On Christmas Eve a pack of wolves run to a hillside overlooking several dwellings where humans are celebrating Christmas. Although the wolves realize that humans are dangerous, they join them in song. This simple story provides young readers with some basic information about wolves.

The Christmas Candle

This special book combines a wonderful story with a vital message. Richard Paul Evans' beautiful words are enhanced by Jacob Collins' exquisite paintings. Evans' story is of a special candle that a young man buys on his way home for a family celebration. The candle illuminates things which normally wouldn't be of importance to him, but which make him see things in a different light. These experiences make the young man a much better person and the world a kinder, safer place. The Christmas Candle is a Christmas classic!

Lucy's Christmas

Lucy's Christmas is a story about a 5-year-old girl, Lucy, her younger sister, Caroline, and how their family spends Christmas in 1909. This charming story provides a glimpse into a much simpler time. Christmas presents consisted of books, dolls and homemade gifts.

Books for Older Children & Adults

The Christmas Tree

The Christmas Tree is a touching novel that was inspired by an actual event. The chief gardener from Rockefeller Center narrates the story of Anna, an orphaned girl who goes to live in a convent. While at the convent Anna becomes best friends with a tiny fir tree whom she names Tree.

Anna and Tree grow up together sharing many experiences. Anna becomes Sister Anthony and Tree grows into a beautiful tall tree that is sought after for the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. After much thought Sister Anthony allows Tree to be cut down and used as the elaborate decoration at Rockefeller Center. The Christmas Tree is an endearing story about growth, love and memories.

The Christmas Box

In this story a young family is hired as caretakers for an old, widowed woman just before Christmas. The young family and woman become very close, sharing everyday experiences. She teaches them about the important things in life, including the importance of family, playing a large role in our children's lives, living full lives, and the true meaning of Christmas. The Christmas Box is a wonderful story with important messages.

Miracle on 34th Street

Disappointed by the commercialism of Christmas, Valentine Davies wrote Miracle on 34th Street in 1947- which also became the film classic of the same name. Kris Kringle, the Santa Claus for Macy's department store in New York, finds himself on trial as he believes, as do many others, that he is the real Santa Claus. Mr. Kringle changes the lives of several people including a mother and daughter who never believed in Santa Claus. As with the movie, this book is a classic! This edition, published in 2001, "is a precise reproduction of the original hardcover, published in 1947..."

Christmas Lost & Found: Rediscovering the True Spirit of Christmas

Sometimes it is easy to forget what is truly important at this special time of year. John A. Jenson's Christmas Lost & Found: Rediscovering the True Spirit of Christmas is a book that puts the important things into perspective. By combining some of his Christmas memories with words of wisdom, Jenson has produced a special, thought provoking book.