Tis the season for crazy schedules, jam packed weekends, and To-Do checklists a mile long. Busy mamas know that the stress of the season can easily take over if we allow it to. But amongst the snow-flocked, glitter glued, peppermint scented chaos, there are those precious moments steeped in the pure and simple magic that truly defines what this season is all about.
Family. Joy. Tradition. Love.
In our family, as in many of yours, our favorite every-day tradition is bedtime story-time. A time when whatever the day presented us with, is pushed to the side and we snuggle in close, crack one (or three…) of our favorite picture books, and let our imaginations play. With the holiday season upon us, our family moves story-time from the kids’ bedrooms, to a cozy pile of blankets and pillows beside the tree, the lights twinkling in our eyes as we read, a little bit of magic in our everyday routine.
This holiday season, we here at North Phoenix Moms Blog want to share with you, some of our families’ favorite holiday picture books. So, grab a blanket and your favorite kiddos, and snuggle up. Tis the Season!
Eileen’s family simply adores their holiday stories. Their favorites include The Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Gift of the Magi. “We love collecting and reading books for each holiday. Christmas has special meaning to us so many of our holiday books are Christmas books. There are so many great choices out there I have to stop myself from buying more! We read a few each night leading up to Christmas.“
When it comes to holiday favorites, Stacey’s family favorite is a classic that so many of us know by heart….The Polar Express. “Children’s books have always had a special place in my heart. Combine that with the holidays and its a sure fire way to warm the heart and to remember what is important during this hectic holiday season…. family.”
In Malia’s family, they enjoy a little humor in their holiday story time….their favorite being Snowmen at Night. “It’s such fun to image and pretend what snowman really do at night while explaining how they only last a day or so…LOL!“
Jen and her family use story time as a way to relax and calm down from the bustle of the holiday Season. The Spirit of Christmas is one of their very favorites! ” I have two crazy busy little guys so sitting down and reading a book together is such a nice calm especially with the extra busy holiday schedules.”
Emily and her little guy are big fans of all the books in the “Bear” series and when it comes to holiday reads, Bear Stays Up for Christmas is tops on their list. Along with Who Is Coming to Our House, the holiday reading time and snuggles are special memories in their household.
And in my home, we LOVE to giggle our way through story time! Along with so many of the holiday classics listed by some of the other contributors, we sprinkle in some more giggle-inducing reads as well. The Gingerbread Bear, Dinosaur vs. Santa, and Llama Llama Holiday Drama are a few of our favorites…among many, many, others.
Once upon a time, my idea of the “perfect” holiday season included many more material things. Now, my idea of the perfect holiday season in one in which there is a smile on the faces of my kiddos each night as they drift blissfully into those “sugar-plum” dreams. Sharing stories such as these with them reminds me of just how magical this season is when viewed through the eyes of a child. And that, my fellow mamas, is the very best gift of all.
Happy snuggling…..and Happy Holidays!
LOVE love LOVE this post!
Great holiday book reminders! Thanks Jess!
The Polar Express is one of our favorites. We also liked Closing the Book on Santa Claus by Ron Chandler. It is about a father who tries to save his daughter’s holiday celebration after it is cancelled at the local school. He organizes a rally at city hall, but unexpected calamity prevails. I had to read it to my daughter twice.