Christmas Time's A'Comin'

Christmas?!?  But it's only September!!  Yes, but time goes so fast.  Christmas is three months from today so I thought it would be great to post some past and future favorite Christmas titles.  Every year I find wonderful blog posts about favorite Christmas titles...four days before Christmas and too late to do anything about it.  So here is my list early so you can make your Advent reading plans in plenty of time.  I encourage you to choose a book (or more) from this list or from your own favorites to treasure with your family this year.  It is one of our most blessed traditions. 

A Tree for Peter by Kate Seredy - One of the most beautiful books I've ever read.  Truly.  This book is so special I have three copies.  (Exciting update HERE!!!!!!)

This Way to Christmas by Ruth Sawyer was one of our reads last year.  David is a young boy who is separated from his parents during WWI and, in his lonliness, discovers how to give the joy of Christmas to others.  We loved it.  This book has been reprinted by Yesterday's Classics.

Stars Over Bethlehem by Opal Wheeler - You probably know Opal Wheeler from her endearing composer biographies.  Inspired by the carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, as a child, Opal dreamed of traveling to Bethlehem on the night of Christ's birth.  This book tells of her pilgrimage.  A special treat mom will enjoy, it is short enough to read in one sitting.

I Saw Three Ships by Elizabeth Goudge - Can anyone resist a book written by Goudge?  Polly, who lives with her two maiden aunts after the death of her parents, is certain a miracle will happen at Christmas.  Charming.

A Song for Young King Wenceslas by Cecil Maiden - I've been fascinated with the story of Good King Wenceslas ever since learning to play the song on the piano as a child.  This is a chapter book for children.  Stephen's Feast and Wenceslas are excellent picture books.

Speaking of picture books, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski is my all-time favorite.  I see this version comes with a CD narrated by James Earl Jones.  I might need to invest in it because I can't make it through this book without crying.

A Certain Small Shepherd by Rebecca Caudill is another touching story of a mute boy and his special Christmas miracle.

The Trees Kneel at Christmas by Maud Hart Lovelace, author of the beloved Betsy-Tacy series, tells of a Lebanese-American family during the holiday season.  Miracles seems to be a common thread in Christmas stories and this special gem is no exception.

Author Alta Halverson Seymour wrote several wonderful Christmas stories set in various lands.  Titles include A Grandma for Christmas, The Christmas Donkey, The Christmas Stove, Arne and the Christmas Star, The Top O'Christmas Morning, Erik's Christmas Camera, Kaatje and the Christmas Compass.

If you enjoy collections of Christmas stories and poetry you might like Christmas by Alice Dalgliesh or Take Joy by Tasha Tudor. 

There are so many more I could list...and I may before the seaons arrives.  If you have special ones you've savored, please share.  I'm always searching for new titles to add to our list.