Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. In my cozy Charlotte Mason homeschool, the Christmas season is a time for new traditions, a season of warmth and wonder. But the thing that makes it even more special is the holiday reading. You see, for as long as I can remember, Christmas time has been synonymous with the joy of discovering enchanting Christmas stories, while also re-reading the classic Christmas living books we all know and love over and over again.
Each year, as the holiday season approaches, we eagerly anticipate beginning our advent calendar, picking out the perfect Christmas gifts, and embracing the greatest gift of all—the birth of Jesus. But amidst all the festive hustle and bustle, it’s the timeless tales found in our Christmas books that truly capture the essence of this wonderful season.
With so many beautiful Charlotte Mason-style Christmas living books to choose from it can be hard to choose the perfect ones to read for your homeschool. That’s why I’ll share my top picks for holiday reading to help you and your family make the most of your Christmas homeschooling this year. Additionally, I have also included some fun related activities for each book to help blend these beautiful living books with hands-on learning.
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What makes a good Christmas living book?
Charlotte Mason Christmas Living Books should include some of these features:
Captures the Christmas spirit and inspires the reader to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ
Has a sweet story that shows the characters doing good deeds, overcoming challenges, and finding joy in the simple things of life
May include short stories that reflect the traditions and cultures of different people around the world
May feature Christmas hymns and folk songs that express the faith and hope of the season
Transports the reader to a simpler time, when people valued family, friendship, and generosity more than material things
Is a treasure, with a beautiful story, that can be read and enjoyed year after year
The Best Charlotte Mason Christmas Living Books
This Christmas book list has something for all ages: from Christmas picture books for younger children to classic chapter books for older kids, as well.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Barbara Cooney
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Barbara Cooney: A heartwarming tale set in the Appalachian Mountains, that takes place during World War I. The story revolves around Ruthie, a young girl, and her family as they prepare for Christmas. When Ruthie’s father, who is delayed by the war, is unable to fulfill his promise of bringing home the perfect Christmas tree for the town, Ruthie and her mother take it upon themselves to find the tree he had marked in the spring. The story beautifully centers around their journey to locate the ideal Christmas tree.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The book captures the beauty of nature, emphasizes the importance of family traditions, and portrays the virtues of kindness and generosity, aligning with Charlotte Mason’s focus on living ideas and respect for the environment.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: This sweet story creates a sense of nostalgia and highlights the significance of giving and sacrifice, making it a perfect choice for a Christmas read that resonates with the spirit of the season.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Make pinecone Christmas trees using cones, paint, and glitter.
Go on a nature walk to look for the perfect Christmas tree, like Ruthie did.
Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell
Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell: The story of a kind ox who invites various animals to share his stable on a cold winter night. He welcomes a dog, a cat, a mouse, and finally a donkey who is carrying Mary and accompanied by Joseph. The ox makes room for them all, and soon they witness the birth of Jesus. This is the perfect short story for younger children, particularly in the preschool to early elementary age range.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The book reflects themes of hospitality, kindness, and inclusivity, aligning with Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on character development and moral values.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “Room for a Little One” beautifully captures the essence of Christmas by portraying the spirit of generosity and the importance of making space in our hearts and lives for others.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Use Legos or blocks to build a nativity scene like the stable.
Act out the nativity story with kids playing each role.
Story of Holly & Ivy by Rumer Godden
Story of Holly & Ivy by Rumer Godden: A lonely orphan named Ivy wishes for a family and a doll for Christmas. She runs away from the orphanage and arrives in a town where she sees a beautiful doll named Holly in a toy shop window. Holly also wishes for a child to love her, and so does Mr. and Mrs. Jones, a childless couple who live nearby. Through a series of events, Ivy, Holly, and the Joneses find each other and become a family.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The book emphasizes imagination, the value of simple joys, and the importance of fulfilling dreams, resonating with Charlotte Mason’s principles of living ideas and the cultivation of a child’s imagination.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: This enchanting story is a delightful exploration of hope, love, and the fulfillment of dreams, making it a perfect choice for a Christmas read that sparks joy and inspiration.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Make paper dolls of Ivy and Holly.
Set up a dollhouse, like the toy shop, and role-play scenes.
Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter
The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter: A classic Beatrix Potter story about a poor tailor who is commissioned to make a coat for the mayor’s wedding on Christmas Day. He falls ill and cannot finish the coat, but he is helped by a group of mice who sew the coat for him. The tailor is amazed and grateful, and he rewards the mice with food and warmth. While I don’t really consider this to be a just for Christmas time story and I definitely think it can be read all year round, we always include it in our Christmas reading.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The story promotes the values of hard work, cooperation, and the joy of craftsmanship, aligning with Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on hands-on learning and character development.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “Tailor of Gloucester” is a charming and whimsical story that brings forth the themes of kindness and unexpected miracles, making it a delightful Christmas read for both children and adults.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Sew simple felt Christmas decorations like ornaments or stockings.
Create an art piece inspired by scenes in the book.
Make a thank you card for someone who has helped you, just like when the tailor thanked the mice.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: This cherished Christmas story is a staple in our household. Each year, as part of our nighttime read-aloud tradition during the Advent season, we dive into the timeless tale of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ When I initially introduced this story to my children a few years ago, I held reservations, thinking they might not fully enjoy it. To my delight, though, I was proven wrong. The story reveals the transformative journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, an initially miserable old man, as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas through encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The book explores themes of redemption, compassion, and the consequences of one’s actions, aligning with Charlotte Mason’s focus on moral development and the impact of character on destiny.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “A Christmas Carol” is a classic that continues to resonate due to its powerful message of redemption and the ability to change, making it a perfect choice for a reflective and meaningful Christmas read.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Make shadow puppets and act out scenes from the story.
Make spirit headbands (Past, Present, Future) and act out the ghosts’ visits.
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry: This charming short story revolves around a young couple, Jim and Della, who each sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy Christmas gifts for each other, only to discover the depth of their love and sacrifice.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The story embodies the principles of selflessness, love, and the true spirit of giving, aligning with Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on character development and the development of values.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “Gift of the Magi” is a poignant and timeless tale that beautifully illustrates the meaning of selfless love and the true spirit of Christmas, making it a heartfelt and enduring choice for the holiday season.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Discuss times students sacrificed something or gave a meaningful gift to help someone.
Help each child make a simple Christmas gift to give someone special
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck: This sweet story follows young Rob, as he gives his father the perfect Christmas gift by milking the cows early on Christmas morning. The beautiful illustrations paint a serene winter landscape, evoking the magical simplicity of heartfelt gestures during the holiday season. This book gives us a beautiful reminder that the true spirit of Christmas lies in love-infused acts of kindness.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The story emphasizes the values of love, sacrifice, and the importance of thoughtful actions, aligning with Charlotte Mason’s focus on character development and strong values.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “Christmas Day in the Morning” is a touching and heartwarming story that beautifully captures the essence of familial love and the significance of meaningful gestures, making it a wonderful choice for a Christmas read that resonates with the true spirit of giving.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Make homemade cards or gifts for family members like Rob did for his father.
Cook a special breakfast like pancakes or baked cinnamon rolls to surprise someone you love.
Take a cold weather walk early in the morning and notice the winter scenery.
Write a poem about giving meaningful gifts from the heart.
The Story of the Three Wise Kings by Tomie dePaola
The Story of the Three Wise Kings by Tomie dePaola: We adore all of Tomie dePaola’s Christmas books, but for brevity, I’ll highlight two exceptional ones that truly embody the essence of living Christmas books. “The Story of the Three Wise Kings” beautifully recounts the biblical tale of Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar, wise men from the East who followed a new star to Bethlehem, worshipping the newborn king, Jesus, and presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Tomie dePaola’s distinctive illustrations add the perfect amount of Christmas charm.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The book aligns with Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on living ideas, biblical narratives, and the cultivation of a child’s imagination through engaging storytelling.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “The Story of the Three Wise Kings” presents a beautifully illustrated and culturally rich account of the biblical narrative, making it a wonderful choice for Christmas reading that educates and inspires.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Make paper crowns and act out the three kings’ journey to find baby Jesus.
Create a map marking the route the wise men took to reach Bethlehem.
Make a star or a Star of Bethlehem out of cardstock, glitter, and glue.
In this heartwarming Mexican folktale, young Lucida, who loves weaving blankets with her mother, learns the true meaning of giving. When her mother falls ill and Lucida has no gift for the Christ Child at the Christmas procession, an old woman advises her to bring roadside weeds to the altar. Miraculously, the weeds transform into vibrant red star-like flowers, known as poinsettias, forever symbolizing the spirit of Christmas in Mexico. This story was a favorite in my homeschool, primarily because I love to decorate our house and Christmas tree with poinsettias everywhere and my children love to tell me this story over and over again.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The book aligns with Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on cultural diversity, moral values, and the celebration of simple, meaningful acts.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “The Legend of the Poinsettia” is a beautifully illustrated story that imparts the importance of heartfelt giving and the joy found in humble offerings, making it a lovely choice for the Christmas season.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Have your children create poinsettias out of red and green cardstock and glitter.
Learn about the history and significance of poinsettias, especially in Mexican Christmas traditions.
Miracle on 10th Street: And Other Christmas Writings by Madeline L’Engle
Miracle on 10th Street: And Other Christmas Writings by Madeline L’Engle: This collection of Christmas writings by Madeleine L’Engle includes essays, poems, reflections, and stories that explore the deeper meaning of Christmas and the miraculous aspects of the holiday season. There are some truly beautiful pieces in this collection, with some of our personal favorites being Miracle on 10th Street, Mary Speaks, and Born Once.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The collection aligns with Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on living ideas, thoughtful reflection, and the exploration of profound themes related to the Christmas season.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “Miracle on 10th Street” offers a diverse and insightful collection of writings that encourage readers to ponder the deeper aspects of Christmas, making it a thought-provoking and enriching choice for holiday reading.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Compose new Christmas poems and essays inspired by L’Engle’s work.
Make a collage with pictures showing the deeper meaning of Christmas.
Perform short Christmas plays based on the stories. Make props and costumes.
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder: While each book in the Little House series has at least one Christmas chapter, my favorite one and the most enchanting and cherished depiction unfolds in ‘Little House in the Big Woods.’ This particular narrative offers an intimate glimpse into the Ingalls family’s unique Christmas celebrations and traditions, providing readers with a captivating portrayal of the holiday season during that era in American history.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The book aligns with Charlotte Mason’s focus on nature, family values, and the exploration of everyday life through living literature.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “Little House in the Big Woods” offers a nostalgic and heartwarming portrayal of Christmas in a bygone era, making it a delightful choice for readers interested in historical perspectives on holiday traditions.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Create old-fashioned Christmas crafts like cornhusk dolls or handmade candles.
Experience outdoor activities from the story like ice skating, sleigh rides, and chopping wood.
Make holiday decorations with elements from nature like pinecones, acorns, and red berries.
Jotham’s Journey (A Storybook for Advent) by Arnold Ytreeide
Jotham’s Journey (A Storybook for Advent) by Arnold Ytreeide: This Advent story follows the character Jotham as he embarks on a perilous journey through ancient Israel, encountering various characters and ultimately witnessing the birth of Jesus. This book holds a special place in our family’s holiday traditions and we have since added in the other stories from this amazing collection.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The book aligns with Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on narrative storytelling, the exploration of historical settings, and the integration of faith-based themes into education.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “Jotham’s Journey” provides a unique and engaging Advent experience, combining suspenseful storytelling with biblical themes, making it an excellent choice for families looking to enrich their Christmas traditions.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Create maps, and artwork of Jotham’s route and the places he visited.
Learn more about the culture and geography of ancient Israel during Advent.
Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz
Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz: In this classic Peanuts story by Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown seeks to discover the true meaning of Christmas amidst the commercialism and chaos, leading to the creation of the iconic Charlie Brown Christmas tree. While watching the movie every year is one of my favorite family traditions, reading the book during our Advent season read-alouds proves to be an equally enjoyable and wonderful experience.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The story aligns with Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on moral and character development, as well as the exploration of meaningful themes through relatable narratives.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: Charlie Brown Christmas” remains a timeless classic that encourages reflection on the true spirit of Christmas, reminding readers of the importance of simplicity, friendship, and the deeper meaning behind the holiday season.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Hold a Peanuts movie night, if your family allows movies, and discuss Charlie Brown’s quest to find the meaning of Christmas.
Compose a list of ways your family can keep Christmas simple and meaningful.
Play a soundtrack of Peanuts Christmas music while working on other holiday activities.
Have your children draw their own Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
Night Tree by Eve Bunting
Night Tree by Eve Bunting: This enchanting picture book follows a family’s tradition of decorating a tree in the woods with edible treats for the forest animals on Christmas Eve. This beautiful story has inspired my family to establish our own annual decorating tradition that my children eagerly look forward to each year.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The book aligns with Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on nature appreciation, family traditions, and the celebration of the Christmas season through living ideas.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “Night Tree” is a beautifully illustrated story that celebrates the joy of giving and the connection between nature and the holiday season, making it a delightful choice for families and nature enthusiasts.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Go on a nature walk and select a special tree in your area and make edible decorations for it from birdseed, popcorn, cranberries, etc.
Watch for animals that visit your night tree with photos or drawings.
Make pine cone bird feeders coated with peanut butter and birdseed.
The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg
The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg: This sweet picture book not only celebrates the joy of candy canes but also intricately explores their symbolism, offering a profound connection to the timeless message of the gospel. The illustrations are so beautiful too.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: The book aligns with Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on moral values, the exploration of traditions, and the celebration of meaningful symbols.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: “The Legend of the Candy Cane” introduces readers to the symbolic meaning behind a beloved Christmas treat, making it a delightful and educational choice for holiday reading.
Fun Related Activity Ideas:
Enjoy candy canes with your children while reading about the history of candy canes.
Learn about how candy canes are made
Help your children to create their own candy canes from pipe cleaners and pony beads or draw candy cane patterns.
Mary’s Little Donkey: And the Escape to Egypt by Gunhild Sehlin
Mary’s Little Donkey: And the Escape to Egypt by Gunhild Sehlin: A charming Christmas story that follows the adventures of a stubborn donkey who becomes Mary’s loyal companion. The donkey carries Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born, and then helps them escape to Egypt from Herod’s soldiers. This book is perfect if you are looking for an enjoyable and child-friendly perspective on the events of the Nativity and the Flight to Egypt.
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: Presents a living narrative that combines history, character development, and a connection to nature.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: The story offers a unique perspective on the Nativity, emphasizing courage and loyalty, and provides a wonderful opportunity for discussion about the true meaning of Christmas.
Fun Related Activities:
Read the Nativity story from Luke 2:1-20 and Matthew 1:18-2:12 to get the full account of Jesus’ birth, the magi’s visit, and the flight to Egypt.
Set up a hands-on nativity model – Allow children to carefully arrange figurines of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, animals, shepherds, etc. Talk about what each piece represents in the Christmas story.
All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings by Gayle Boss
Alignment with Charlotte Mason’s Principles: Embodies Charlotte’s holistic approach to education by connecting nature, storytelling, and the spiritual aspects of Christmas.
Why it’s a Great Choice for Christmas Reading: The book fosters a deeper understanding of the Advent season, intertwining the beauty of nature and the spiritual significance of Christmas, making it a contemplative and enriching read.
How We Use Christmas Living Books in Our Charlotte Mason Homeschool
I love to use these books in a variety of ways to give my children a complete Christmas educational “feast” that Charlotte Mason herself would be proud of. Here are some ideas for you:
Morning Time Routine:
Begin your homeschool day with a dedicated “Morning Time” where the family gathers to read a Christmas living book together.
Use this time to discuss the story, characters, and any moral or spiritual lessons presented in the story.
Incorporate Narration:
Encourage your children to narrate or retell the story in their own words after reading.
This practice enhances comprehension and helps develop language skills while embracing Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on narration.
Advent Calendar Tradition:
Integrate Christmas living books into an Advent calendar, choosing a new story each day leading up to Christmas.
This builds anticipation, creates a sense of wonder, and adds structure to the holiday season.
Themed Activities and Crafts:
Choose activities that match your family’s interests. Look through the hands-on suggestions paired with each book. Select activities, crafts, recipes, and more that appeal to your children’s ages and holiday traditions.
Make memories together. Implementing the activities deepens the books’ lessons, fosters creativity and imagination, and infuses joy and meaning into Christmas. Your children will remember the books fondly when you bring the stories alive through activities done together as a family. My children still talk about the year we made a bunch of poinsettias out of red and green cardstock after reading “The Legend of the Poinsettia” and decorated our whole house with them.
Discussion and Reflection:
Engage in meaningful discussions about the values, traditions, and characters presented in the stories.
Encourage your children to reflect on how the stories relate to their own lives and experiences.
Nature Walks and Observations:
Connect Christmas living books with nature by incorporating outdoor activities.
Explore elements of the season, such as winter landscapes or how animals adapt to the winter, tying them back to the stories. I have a whole post on how we do a Winter Nature Study in my homeschool if you are looking for some fun ideas.
Literature-Based Lessons:
Integrate lessons inspired by the Christmas living books into your curriculum.
This could include language arts activities, history discussions, or even art projects that complement the themes of the stories.
Christmas is a time of wonder and learning, of faith and hope. Make this Christmas a season of enchantment and education. Explore the magic of these Charlotte Mason Christmas living books with your family, creating lasting traditions and memories that celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.
I'm Karen, a homeschooling mom and a lifelong learner who is a passionate advocate of Charlotte Mason's timeless educational philosophy. I have been homeschooling for over a decade, using Charlotte’s methods of living books, nature study, copywork, dictation, and narration. I've found that Charlotte Mason's holistic approach to education resonates deeply with my values and goals as an educator and parent. Through my blog, I aim to inspire and support my fellow homeschoolers as we explore the beauty and wonder of a living education that nurtures the mind, heart, and soul.
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