Five Christmas Stories to Charm the Grandkids
Christmas is coming and you’ll want to have a story or two to pull out on cozy holiday evenings. Children love to hear a new story and when Grandma or Grandpa reads it, it’s extra-special. You may have your own family favourites, but if not, choose from one of those below and you won’t go wrong.
The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown
Best known for her Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown never fails to bring a story that touches the heart. In this story a small tree feels all alone and wishes to belong to something greater than itself. When a young family comes to decorate it, a secret is revealed, a memory restored and the love of Christmas is shared.
Brilliant illustrations and a sweet story make this a childhood favorite. A young Ukrainian boy begs his grandmother to knit him white mittens. “They will get lost in the snow,” she says. And, sure enough, the adventure of the mitten begins. When the animals find and explore the lost mitten, they discover it’s very cozy inside. From small to large, they wonder how many will fit inside. But what happens when a tiny mouse tries to join the other animals? Achoo!
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Is Santa real? This 1986 Caldecott Award winner is still a best-loved story. Hop on the Polar Express train and take a trip to the North Pole. You’ll meet the elves, the reindeer and, of course, jolly old Santa. He’ll give you a bell and if you truly believe, you’ll be able to hear it forever.
Christmas Remembered by Tomie de Paola
The beauty and clarity of de Paola’s illustrations make this story a lovely one. It follows fifteen memories of the author from 1937 when he was three years old until he became an adult. The family celebrations, the various settings and the simple, elegant descriptions will make this book enjoyable for all ages.
Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson
Young Mortimer the Mouse is not happy with his dark, cramped little mouse hole. He needs a new home. It’s Christmas time and Mortimer finds a delightful little home that just happens to be a manger scene. He moves right in. What does Mortimer learn about the manger inhabitants and the meaning of Christmas?
