I’ve been collecting Christmas picture books for a few years now. While my kids are starting to grow out of it, I want to remind them that there’s magic in them with their beautiful illustrations, imaginative storytelling, and the way they make us slow down and relish a story.
Every year, I still take them out, and we read them together whenever we get the chance. For this post, I’m sharing some of our favorite picture books that recount the stories behind different Christmas traditions. So many families focus on these traditions without knowing the true meaning of why they do it. My hope is that we can slow down and remember them with gratitude, wonder, and the spirit in which they were intended.
With that, here’s a list of 12 well-known Christmas traditions celebrated by many around the world. I hope you’ll learn something knew this season about your beloved Christmas traditions.
12 Picture Books about Christmas Traditions
#1 The Legend of the Poinsettia – Tomie dePaola
Every Christmas, stores are filled with bright red poinsettias, but have you ever wondered how they became a Christmas tradition? In this beloved folktale from Mexico, Tomie dePaola shares the story of a young girl whose simple gift blossoms into something beautiful, reminding us of the true spirit of gifting.
#2 The Legend of the Christmas Tree – Rick Osborne
We know the Christmas tree tradition began in Germany, but this sweet story helps us see the true intent of the tradition. A father searching for a way to make Christmas more about faith than gifts takes his family to find the perfect tree. When they get there, the farmer tells them the story behind the evergreen, helping the family celebrate in a meaningful way while they decorate the tree.
#3 The Legend of the Christmas Cookie – Dandi Daley Mackall
In this touching story, a mother and son bake cookies for their church despite a fierce winter storm and hard times at home. As they bake, she teaches her son about the origin of Christmas cookies and how they once were used to share the story of Jesus’ birth while also feeding the hungry. It’s a lovely reminder that giving, especially when it’s hard, is what Christmas is all about.
#4 The Legend of the Candy Cane – Lori Walburg
This story makes me smile because it reminds me of simpler times. A stranger opens a new shop in town, and everyone wonders what it will be. When a little girl offers to help him set up, she discovers he’s opening a candy store and learns the hidden meaning behind the candy cane. Read it to learn all about it.
#5 The Legend of the Christmas Stocking – Rick Osborne
A boy named Peter sells newspapers to help his family while they wait for his father’s return from sea. He saves every penny to buy himself a beautiful toy ship, one that looks just like his father’s. But everything changes when Peter hears the story of Saint Nicholas, the gold coins, and how Christmas stockings became a symbol of giving. Inspired by the tale, he decides to use his hard-earned money to buy gifts for his family instead, knowing his father may not make it home in time for Christmas. It is a touching story of selflessness and giving.
#6 Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend
If you want to teach your child about the real man behind the legend of Santa Claus, this is the perfect book. It tells the story of Saint Nicholas, whose acts of kindness and generosity inspired one of the most enduring Christmas figures of all time – Santa Claus himself. There is another gorgeous book that also tells the story of St. Nicholas called Just Nicholas. You could not go wrong with either or both of these books.
#7 The Legend of the Christmas Candle – DeeAnn Schumacher
A hedgehog family celebrates Christmas by placing a candle in their window; a tradition meant to welcome travelers in need of warmth and food. To their surprise, someone does come, and their act of kindness changes their lives forever. This story teaches us about compassion and generosity, even when you don’t have much to give.
#8 The Legend of the Christmas Rabbit – Frank Walter
While there clearly is no legend of the Christmas rabbit that we know of, this fictional tale tells us the story of Jesus’ birth as witnessed by the so-called legendary rabbit.
#9 The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree – David Rubel
Henry’s family is struggling during the Great Depression, barely getting by. One day, his father decides to cut down fir trees and sell them in New York City to earn some money for Christmas. While there, they befriend a group of construction workers who are building Rockefeller Center. After selling most of their trees, Henry and his father donate the remaining ones to the workers. In return, those same men come together to help build a warm, cozy home for Henry’s family. Before they leave, Henry plants a pinecone he pocketed the day he accompanied Dad to sell the trees. Years later, as an adult, Henry donates that very tree to Rockefeller Center, passing on the kindness that once blessed his own family.
#10 The Christmas Book Flood – Emily Kilgore
Inspired by Iceland’s beloved tradition, Jolabokafloo, this book tells of families exchanging books on Christmas Eve, then cozying up with hot cocoa to read all night long. It’s a tradition that has recently gained popularity in the US. This book has an accompanying book for grown-ups that is also worth reading.
#11 Silent Night: The Song and Its Story – Margaret Hodges
This book is hard to come by and has been out of print for some time, but you can still find copies on Amazon. It’s the only picture book I know that beautifully tells the story behind the beloved carol “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Through its gentle words and illustrations, the book shares how the song was first written in Austria in the 1800’s, and how it became one of the most cherished Christmas hymns around the world.
#12 The Good News of Christmas
There are countless children’s books about the Nativity-the story of Jesus’ birth, but this one remains a favorite. It beautifully retells the birth of Jesus with lots of beautiful illustrations and is also written in rhyme which is so fun to read to children.
A common theme
If there’s one common theme running through all of these stories, it is kindness and generosity. We could all use a reminder of that in today’s world. Whether you celebrate the season in full or simply enjoy its traditions, remember that each of these customs was born from a place of goodwill, a spirit we can carry forward and pass on to the next generation.
