‘Tis the season for stockings to be hung and for relatives to visit. What will everyone eat? How can you make your space feel festive? Who’s going to keep the kids entertained? No matter how you celebrate, we’ve got answers to these questions and more in the list below.
Read Aloud Stories
The Night Before Christmas
adapted by Jan Brett
“Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring. Not even a mouse” – Clement Moore. This traditionally illustrated adaptation of the classic poem is a joy to read out loud.
Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa
by Donna L. Washington
Li’l Rabbit is the youngest and is always told to get out of the way. When sent outside, Li’l Rabbit dreams up hopes of finding something to help Granny Rabbit feel better. An adventure running through the forest results in something Li’l Rabbit did not expect.
The Hanukkah Hop
by Erica Silverman
Biddy-biddy bom-bom … Eat some snacks, invite some friends over, light the menorah, and read this picture book! The kids will dance the night away to the rhythm of these rhymes.
Kids’ Activities
Hanukkah Fun: Great Things to Make and Do
by Judy Bastyra and Catherine Ward
This delightfully illustrated title is full of crafts to keep the kids busy each day creating and learning about Hanukkah history and culture.
Celebrate Kwanzaa with Paper Crafts
by Randel McGee
Discover the vocabulary and concepts behind Kwanzaa and engage with children through seven craft projects. Tracing templates and further reading suggestions are available at the back of the book.
Disney Christmas Cookbook
by Joy Howard
Kids can cook – with their favorite Disney characters! Make Chicken Long Rice with Lilo, Peter Pan’s Star Marshmallows, Tiana’s Sweet Dough Turnovers, and more. There are 50 recipes in total.
Books for Teens
Eight Dates and Nights
by Betsy Aldredge
Nana and Hannah’s parents don’t exactly get along. So, Hannah must fly from New York to East Texas alone for Hanukkah. There, she meets Noah while shopping in town. Can she help him save his family’s deli?
This Winter
by Alice Oseman
This short novella covers the span of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in three parts – one for each sibling. Tori, 16, wants to help her brother, Charlie. Charlie, 15, is having a rough go of it this year. And, Oliver, 7, is old enough to pick up on what’s going on.
Plan to Host
12 Days of Christmas with Six Sisters’ Stuff
by Six Sisters’ Stuff
Plan your holidays perfectly this year, with nearly 150 ideas that include possible new traditions, ways to give back, and tips to keep your sanity. Feed your guests with French Toast Sticks, Gooey Butter Cookies, and Slow Cooker Ham.
CountryLiving Christmas at Home
Need to impress your in-laws this year? CountryLiving is here for you with an entire book of ideas. Find nearly 300 pages of indoor decorating tips, and delicious treats, and menu-planning ideas.
by Michelle Doshi