Our family’s traditions include celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas, which begin with Christmas Day and continue through Epiphany. For us, these days are a reminder that opening gifts on December 25 is not the center of the Christmas story or the season. When the planning and shopping, baking and making, wrapping and unwrapping are done, a dozen extra days provide space and time for rest and reflection. We may have to return to work or school, but before we pack up Christmas and put it away for a year, these days are a gift of extra time for quiet pursuits, conversations over a cup of coffee, writing letters, or reading a book.
I have a collection of books for and about Christmas, and during the holiday season I take them out, put them on my shelves and admire them. Sometimes the busy-ness of the season keeps me from reading these books, but during the Twelve Days of Christmas I find more opportunities to enjoy them. Here are some my recommendations for books to celebrate the end of this season and the beginning of a new year:
Book 1
The first and foremost of my Twelve Books of Christmas is the Nativity story from Luke’s gospel. A favorite version when our kids were small is the picture book, B is for Bethlehem by Isabel Wilner, with artwork by Elisa Kleven. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace …”
Book 2
The tale of Good King Wenceslas on the Feast of Stephen, Dec. 26. This legend about a Bohemian king who cares for the poor is retold in a Christmas song: “Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.” I recommend the picture book version, Good King Wenceslas, with illustrations rendered from woodcuts by Christopher Manson.
Book 3
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S Lewis. This is a perfect Christmas book for so many reasons, including Father Christmas, who announces the end of the White Witch’s enchanted freeze, when it was “always winter and never Christmas.
Book 4
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, obviously a classic for any season. The story begins at Christmastime when the father, a military chaplain, is serving far from home. This story has resonated with me through many chapters of my life.
Book 5
Santa Calls by William Joyce. This book has so much to offer: adventure, siblings learning how to get along, letters from Santa, and the illustrations! Joyce is the creator of George Shrinks and A Day with Wilbur Robinson, the inspiration for Pixar’s Meet the Robinsons, both story and artwork. I found this treasure on a bargain rack at the base exchange years ago, and we’ve loved it ever since.
Book 6
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. I read this every year, usually during Advent. This year I didn’t take it out until one morning after Christmas, when I read it in one sitting with my coffee and a piece of pie. I wrote about the many reasons I like this book, especially the shelf-worn copy I found in a library discard pile, for Military SpouseBookReview.com.
Book 7
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. A winter evening is a perfect for a good ghost story, particularly if the weather outside is frightful. No matter how many movie versions you’ve seen (our family favorite is the Muppets) the original words are the best. At only five staves, or chapters, Dickens’ quintessential holiday tale is perfect for one dark and stormy night. Pot of tea recommended.
Book 8
Hilary Knight’s Twelve Days of Christmas, is about those crazy gifts and how a generous and creative recipient puts them all to good use. But don’t worry, no poultry is harmed in the telling of this tale. Parallel story lines and endearing characters in Knight’s intricate illustrations make his version particularly engaging. Hilary Knight also illustrated the Eloise books by Kay Thompson, best known for her precocious creation and her quick-time rendition of “J-J-J-Jingle Bells.”
Book 9
When Christmas Came, by Eileen Spinelli is a sweet picture book about a Christmas Eve church service. Eileen is a poet and the author of books that relate to military families, including While You Are Away and Where I Live. Over the years, I have had several opportunities to talk to Eileen and her husband, Jerry Spinelli, a Newbery Award winner, including this article for Books Make a Difference magazine.
Book 10
This recommendation is for two similar books, Letters from the Jolly Christmas Postman written and illustrated by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, and Letters from Father Christmas written and illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Baillie Tolkien. These books include a few of my favorite things: handwritten letters, postmarks from all over, decorated envelopes, and whimsical illustrations. The Tolkien book is based on letters and drawings the author created for his own sons when they were young.
Book 11
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Opinions may differ about the movie, but nothing diminishes or matches the magic of the original story and its haunting illustrations. Pairs well with a cup of “hot cocoa as thick and rich as melted chocolate bars.”
Book 12
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. The Twelve Days of Christmas are bookended by Christmas Day at the beginning and Epiphany at the end, celebrating arrival of the magi. The visit and gifts of these wise rulers bring the Nativity story full circle, from Christ's birth in a stable to the recognition of his royalty by earthly kings. O. Henry’s story of Della and Jim reveals the value of giving and receiving gifts to celebrate Christmas.
It’s never too late to take time for a good book, no matter the date or the season. In fact, reviewing this already has me thinking and planning ahead, for good gifts to give and thoughtful ways to spend each day of the year.
What books do you read or recommend for this or any season? I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions if you would like to send me a message. For these and more literary ideas for the Twelve Days of Christmas, follow me and #Terris12books on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
Terri Barnes is a writer and book editor and is the author of Spouse Calls: Messages from a Military Life.