12 Books of Christmas

Last year for Max's 2nd Christmas, we decided to begin a little tradition that we lovingly refer to as, "The 12 Books of Christmas".  Essentially, we wrapped up 12 different Christmas/winter themed books, labeled them 1-12, and each night, beginning on the 13th of December, we let him open one to read before bed. We ended this new tradition on Christmas Eve, with "The Night Before Christmas".

Max opening one of his 12 books last Christmas

Our little collection of books actually started a couple of years ago, but for Max's first Christmas, he was a bit too young to understand the concept of opening these gifts, and more into trying to eat the wrapping paper... so basically we used that year as a jumping off point to begin our search for books that we would be able to enjoy in the years to come.

One of the things I like best about this idea is that you can really find Christmas themed books anywhere.  I've had luck in the Target Dollar Spot, Clearance bins, Amazon, used book stores, etc.  It doesn't have to cost you a fortune, and once you start, you can add just a few new books each year and rotate them.  Either way, your child thinks its pretty awesome to open a gift every night, and you're inspiring them to read... pretty much a win-win.

I wanted to share some of our favorite book titles here with you...

A Christmas Carol
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Charlie and the Christmas Kitty
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
The Polar Express
The Night Before Chistmas Pop-up Book
Olive the Other Reindeer
Little Blue Truck's Christmas
Flora and the Penguin
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Santa is Coming to Maine
Santa is Coming to Pittsburgh
A Christmas Wish for Corduroy
Max's Christmas
Elmo's 12 Days of Christmas
Ella Bella Ballerina and the Nutcracker
Bear Stays up for Christmas
Olivia Helps with Christmas
The Night Before Christmas
The Littlest Elf
Elf on the Shelf

I would love to here about some of your favorite family Holiday traditions!
-J