“In the eyes of children we find the joy of Christmas. In their hearts we find its meaning.”
– Leland Thomas
Christmas is the season of joy and laughter, and children are indeed the personification of happiness. The innocent souls of children enjoy Yuletide with a childlike glee that is enviable by us jaded adults. Imagine a time, when you truly believed in the existence of Santa Claus. A time when you desperately wished to be on the nice list so that Santa would sneak in through the chimney and leave you with the gift of your heart’s desire. Christmas through a child’s eyes is not only exciting but also magical. The long winter break spent with friends and family devouring cakes and cookies while decorating the ginormous fir tree in the living room is bound to exhilarate kids. Add to that, stories about Jesus and the anticipation of Santa’s visit and you have a wide-eyed child bouncing with excitement. To keep them occupied and happy, we have to come up with myriad activities like games, baking, card-making, et all. However, reading is one thing that is bound to make your child’s day.
To get in the spirit of Yuletide, we have a ton of Christmas-themed books. Let us look at five such magnificent Christmas books meant for the young, both in age and in the soul.
The Original Scrooge
Book: A Christmas Carol
Author: Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens’ venerable Christmas classic has become a staple in the Christmas traditions of families around the world. With multiple renditions on screen, stage, and audio, this is one unmissable read. I am sure that we all have come across this book at one point in our life or another. This 1843 didactic novel underscores the importance of the joyful spirit of the season and the true meaning of Christmas. The book follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who wants nothing to do with Christmas. The holiday spirit literally haunts him as he is visited by the spirits of Jacob Marley, and that of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Dickens’ evergreen classic reminds the importance of family, forgiveness, and kindness.
Kindness Always Pays
Book: The Tailor of Gloucester
Author: Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter is none other than the creator of the famous tale of Peter Rabbit. In her own words, The Tailor of Gloucester was her favorite among the many books she had penned. This wondrous book intersperses Christmas legends with a beautiful moral lesson. The story revolves around an old English tailor. Fortunately for him, he had received the assignment of sewing the wedding clothes of the town’s mayor who was getting married on Christmas. This job had the potential to make or break his career. The tailor returns home and sends his cat, Simpkin, on an errand when he gets to know that the cat had a bunch of mice trapped. The moody cat is enraged when he finds his meal gone. He decides to sabotage his master. Now, it is up to the mice to save the day and return the ailing tailor’s kindness. This is an enchanting Christmas story with charming illustrations. Though written way back in 1903, the book still manages to enthrall children.
A Joyful Surprise
Book: Christmas Holidays at Merryvale
Author: Alice Hale Burnett
Alice Hale Burnett’s 1916 novella, Christmas Holidays at Merryvale, is one of those cozy reads that instantly puts you in the mood for the holidays. This fun little story follows Todd and his friends as they decide to do something remarkable for a less fortunate family. The boys’ shenanigans at Daddy Williams’ Toy Shop always manage to bring a smile to one’s face. Their make-believe battles in the snow take you back to your own childhood. Though old-fashioned in vibe, this vintage tale makes you wonder about the joys of a time with no technology. It is interesting to note that despite the book being written during WWI, the story has no reference to the Great War. Perhaps, Burnett wanted her heart-warming children’s novella to be an escape from the harsh reality.
A Bunkyful Christmas
Book: Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story
Author: Aleksandra Tryniecka
Aleksandra Tryniecka’s Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story is one of the most enjoyable Christmas reads that I was fortunate enough to come across in recent times. The beautifully illustrated children’s novel is set in the enchanting village of Walmland. The hero of the story is Bunky Hippo, an enigmatic little blue hippo who lives with his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Walm. Bunky Hippo spends his year striving to be on Santa’s nice list so that he could get the skates of his dreams. However, his hopes for Christmas are dashed when everyone gets the wrong gift. It is a treat to watch Bunky Hippo realize the true meaning of the holiday as he, Rodney, and Plum go on a heroic quest to save Christmas. A personal insight into Santa’s life is one of the many unique things about this book. This is one book that would not only take children and adults on an adventure but also teach them some precious values to boot.
A Touch of Disney
Book: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Author: E.T.A Hoffmann
Prussian author, E.T.A. Hoffman originally wrote the beautiful children’s tale, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, in 1816. In this story, Marie Stahlbaum is swept off her feet by her favorite toy, the Nutcracker. After defeating the evil Mouse King, the enlivened toy takes away Marie to a fantastical kingdom of dolls. The story touched so many hearts that it was adapted in many forms. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Marius Petipa, and Lev Ivanov turned it into the celebrated ballet, The Nutcracker. We also have a Disney live-action movie called The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. This is a story that is bound to be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Conclusion
Norman Vincent Pealerightfully remarked, “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
December is indeed the month of happiness. Tinsels and mistletoes, cookies and cakes, presents and games, all bring a sparkle to a child’s eyes. However, nothing can match the joy of spending time with family and getting to know the true meaning of Yuletide. This Christmas, give your precious child the chance to enjoy the spirit of the season through the wonderful world of books.
The World's Best 
There’s no better gift for our little ones than the gift of literature!
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Merry Christmas to all in advance. I recommend all to read the books that are given on the blog post. They are great indeed for children!
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Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
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