Christmas is Coming 2021

…the most startling thing about this wonderful tree was that hundreds of tapers glittered like stars in its dark branches, and the tree itself, shining with an inner light, invited the children to pick its blossoms and fruits.

– The Nutcracker, E.T.A. Hoffman

With only a few days until Advent I’m beginning to dig out all our Christmas books to enjoy over the next few weeks. Some are a selection of classic picture books that I will try and find a quiet moment to enjoy with whichever child will join me. Others are longer chapter books which the older two children (aged 12 and 10) will enjoy reading independently. I’m planning to read aloud two retellings of the Christmas story:

1)Katy Morgan’s The Promise and the Light to all three children in the evenings.

2)Geraldine McCaughrean’s The Jesse Tree to my 6 year old.

There is an enormous selection of Christmas literature for children out there – old and new, classic and modern. It can be a little overwhelming. Perhaps these lists will help you navigate the choices:

Over 25 Christmas Picture Books

Over 25 Christmas Chapter Books

Classic Christmas Stories and Poems

Christmas Audiobooks

The Nutcracker Extravaganza

Authors are drawn to this time of year and the bookshops are filled with new titles fresh off the press every year. I couldn’t resist reserving some of this year’s and last year’s titles from the library ready for my children to enjoy. Have a scroll of what I’ve picked up.