There’s something magical about the run-up to Christmas. Twinkling lights appear in windows, glitter begins to drift mysteriously across every surface, and even the chilliest mornings feel warmer when kids are buzzing with excitement for the festive season. One of them ost powerful ways to capture that joy and nostalgia is through seasonal storytime. Great Christmas books can open the door to wonder, reflection and togetherness, becoming tales to treasure long after the decorations come down.
For younger readers in KeyStage 1, The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan and Janet Ahlberg remains a timeless treasure. Its playful letters, envelopes and surprises invite children to handle and explore the story, sparking curiosity and delight. Reading it aloud creates a shared experience where pupils wait eagerly to see who the Postman will visit next. Another warm and gentle classic is Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, perfect for quiet winter afternoons. Without a single written word, it encourages discussions about friendship, imagination and the fleeting nature of magical moments.
There’s something magical about the run-up to Christmas. Twinkling lights appear in windows, glitter begins to drift mysteriously across every surface, and even the chilliest mornings feel warmer when kids are buzzing with excitement for the festive season. One of them ost powerful ways to capture that joy and nostalgia is through seasonal storytime. Great Christmas books can open the door to wonder, reflection and togetherness, becoming tales to treasure long after the decorations come down.
For younger readers in KeyStage 1, The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan and Janet Ahlberg remains a timeless treasure. Its playful letters, envelopes and surprises invite children to handle and explore the story, sparking curiosity and delight. Reading it aloud creates a shared experience where pupils wait eagerly to see who the Postman will visit next. Another warm and gentle classic is Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, perfect for quiet winter afternoons. Without a single written word, it encourages discussions about friendship, imagination and the fleeting nature of magical moments.
As children move into Lower KeyStage 2, they’re ready for slightly richer narratives that still carry that comforting festive glow. Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express is ideal for capturing the nostalgia of Christmas belief. Its themes of trust, wonder and growing up resonate deeply with pupils who are beginning to understand the shifting nature of childhood traditions.For something fun and contemporary, Matt Haig’s A Boy Called Christmas offers humour, adventure and heart, while gently exploring resilience and kindness.
Upper Key Stage 2 readers often enjoy stories that combine Christmas charm with deeper meaning. Michael Morpurgo’s The Best Christmas Present in the World is a beautiful way to connect historical empathy with the season’s spirit, drawing pupils into reflections on peace, memory and gratitude. For a lighter option, The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher blends music, magic and dinosaurs – an unbeatable combination for reluctant or enthusiastic readers alike.
For a fabulous fantasy adventure, try The Christmas Pig by JK Rowling. A contemporary fairytale, this story has the perfect mix of humour and heart to capture the attention of any child this Christmas.
Lastly, here are some books tot urn to if your child is struggling with the frenetic nature of the festive season:
Christmas tears and tantrums? Turn that frown upside down with Father Christmas Needs a Wee by Nicholas Allen
Overtired in the run-up? They’lll ove the charming antics of Stick Man by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler (sit them down and ask them to follow the story alongside the animation on TV).
All het up on Christmas Eve? Calmthings down with the lyrical poetry that is Twas the Night BeforeChristmas by Clement C. Moore.
Integrating these books into December, either as in read aloud sessions or by adding them to your child’s school bag, bedside table or bookshelf can invite little ones to pause and feel the warmth, excitement and nostalgia that make Christmas so special.