Christmas Countdown Books - Updated with New titles for 2020

One of my preferred ways to celebrate Advent with kids is to use a Christmas Countdown Book Box. This is an outstanding activity for children of all ages with the books modified for reading level. Each day of Advent, a new book is read that talks about the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Each day, a new book is placed in the “story box” that is placed under the Christmas tree (I use one of the hard boxes that is store-bought and pre -printed with a wrapping paper design). The children get to take turns going to the tree and opening the box to get the special Christmas book to read. As children get older, chapters of longer books can be read. To add extra fun, you can wrap the books. To start your collection, you can ask for family members to give your family books for Christmas to start your collection and also get books form the library to add to the book box. I have special memories of snuggling up on the couch with my kids after their afternoon naps. Sometimes I even allowed them to drink hot cocoa while reading the books. We would often re-read books from previous days. Suggestions for books to include (also any stories about the FIRST CHRISTmas):

The Story of Christmas by Patricia A. Pingry

The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado

Alabaster's Song by Max Lucado

Jacob's Gift by Max Lucado

The Legend of the Christmas Stocking by Rock Osborne

The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg

The legend of the Christmas Tree by Rock Osborne

There’s “Sno” Gift like Jesus by Michael & Sarah Hupp

Saint Nicholas, The Real Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegemeyer

Who Was Born This Special Day? By Eve Bunting and Leonid Gore

Celebrating a Christ-centered Christmas - Children’s Edition by Emily Freeman

Who Was Born This Special Day? By Eve Bunting and Leonid Gore

Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

God Gave us Christmas by Lisa TawnBergen and David Hohn

One Baby Jesus (a Board Book) by Patricia A. Pingry

Christmas is Coming! by Tara Fortner and Wazza Pink

Over in a Stable by Suzanne Nelson and Alexandar Zolotic

Bartholomew's Passage by Arnold Ytreeide (part of a series)

Tabitha's Travels by Arnold Ytreeide (part of a series)

Jotham’s Journey by Arnold Ytreeide (part of a series)

Ishtar’s Odyessy by Arnold Ytreeide (part of a series)

Longer Books for Older Children (read a chapter) A Christmas Carol Pilgrim’s Progress The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Chronicles of Narnia Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Little Women Little House on the Prairie Books Hinds Feet on High Places