Reading together as a family is a cherished holiday tradition that can also encourage a love of literature. It fosters a love of reading in children and brings families closer during the holiday season. Gathering by the fire or Christmas tree to enjoy classics like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol creates lasting memories. Consider reading a different chapter each night or a different short story from a Christmas collection.
Another idea is to wrap a collection of different holiday books so the family can unwrap and read a new story each night, like an Advent calendar of books. This not only gives everyone the joy of opening a gift every night, but it also helps build your holiday library. Many Christmas stories, though originally written for children, can be enjoyed by all ages and are a wonderful way to build a holiday library. Here are some that are especially good for reading together as a family, as well as a way to start building your own holiday library.
1. The Night Before Christmas: The Collectible Edition Leather by Clement Moore (Author), Charles Santore (Illustrator)
“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse … ”
Who doesn’t remember reading this book during the holidays? Originally published in 1823, this iconic Santa Claus story is a favorite of so many and is the perfect one to read during the holidays and particularly on Christmas Eve. This edition, with an imitation leather cover, has a four-page foldout and vintage illustrations that add to the fun of reading it aloud to the family.
2. Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: The History and Legends of the Real Santa Claus by Ned Bustard (Author, Illustrator)
This award-winning children’s book will become a family favorite as we learn the history of Saint Nicholas, a real bishop who, through his amazing acts of kindness and generosity, inspired the story of Santa Claus. While his story has been embellished over the years, his legacy will forever be remembered when we celebrate our Santa Claus today.
3. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry (Author), Lisbeth Zwerger (Illustrator)
Since its original publication in 1905, O. Henry’s classic tale of the unselfish love between an impoverished couple who each sacrifice their most prized possession to buy each other a Christmas gift has warmed the hearts of everyone who has ever read it. This edition has beautiful watercolor illustrations that enhance this simple story of unconditional love.
4. A Christmas Carol in 20 Minutes a Day: A Read-With-Me Book with Discussion Questions, Definitions, and More by Charles Dickens, edited by Bushel & Peck Books
What better way to read Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story to the family than with this unabridged version that is broken up into 20-minute sections that can be read over several nights. At the end of each section, there are thought-provoking questions that will prompt wonderful discussions with the family.
5. Nutcracker Hardcover by E. T. A. Hoffmann (Author), Maurice Sendak
(Illustrator), Ralph Manheim (Translator)
Maurice Sendak designed the sets and costumes for a Christmas production of Nutcracker and then created magnificent illustrations for this edition of the book. Whether you have seen the ballet or not, you will be bowled over by this impressive rendition of the story. Read as Clara receives a nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, and then see her toys come alive!
6. A Treasury of African American Christmas Stories compiled and edited by Bettye Collier-Thomas
This collection of poems and stories, edited by Dr. Bettye Collier-Thomas, features holiday-themed works by prominent and lesser-known Black writers. These beautiful Christmas works were “originally published in African American newspapers, periodicals, and journals between 1880 to 1953,” according to the Main Historical Society. The anthology explores themes of love, faith, and racial identity, celebrating a rich literary tradition.
7. Holiday Memories by Rip Gerber
More than a journal, this is a beautifully illustrated keepsake with stories of holiday traditions, facts, and trivia from around the world to accompany your jottings. This is a wonderful way to start recording your own holiday traditions as you create the memories for years to come. It also has a guide on the best way to capture these memories.
These are just a few of the many books that can help you build your Christmas library and start a tradition that will preserve your memories for the future.
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”— Clement Moore
Read CityView Magazine’s “The Holiday Issue” December 2025 e-edition here.