5 Classic Children's Christmas Books

I've rounded together some classic children's Christmas books that are festive, funny and sweet without being vomit-inducing.
When I say 'classic', I really mean; books that I read when I was younger. So classic in the sense that they were popular in the early '90s.
It's probably a little late to post a Christmas shopping list, but if you've still got some children to buy for, or some nostalgic adults, then any of these books are ideal.

The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allen Ahlberg

Oh, Janet and Allen Ahlberg, you wrote some wonderful children's books; Each, Peach Pear Plum; Funnybones and Peepo to name a few. Their book The Jolly Christmas Postman was one of my favourites and always got read at Christmas. The Postman is out on Christmas Eve bringing his deliveries to the fairy-tale creatures, including Humpty Dumpty and Baby Bear. Of course, the magic of this book is it's interaction, but it was more than just a pop up book; there are real letters, puzzles, cards and games to explore.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss

Dr Seuss took the traditional festive story of a grumpy miser discovering the magic of Christmas and put his own touch of the surreal on it with How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Most younger kids are probably just aware of the Jim Carey film, but try to direct them to the book. The story of the Grinch trying to ruin Christmas for the residents of Whoville by dressing up as Santa Claus is told with wicked rhyme and fantastic illustrations.

Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs

Father Christmas lives in a terraced house on a normal street and instead of elves and Mrs Claus, he has a cat and a dog. He's grouchy, likes a tipple, and dreams of a sunny holiday. This lovely book appeals to children and adults as it presents Father Christmas in a realistic yet still magical way. The book follows Father Christmas on his deliveries, with his final stop being Buckingham Palace. Raymond Briggs also wrote a sequel, Father Christmas Goes on Holiday and both the books were made into a short animated film which I always watch around Christmas. Mel brooks did a brilliant job of Father Christmas' voice and grumbling about 'another bloomin' Christmas!'

One Snowy Night (A Tale from Percy's Park) by Nick Butterworth

The Percy the Park Keeper books were popular in my house when I was growing up, One Snowy Night particularly sticks out in my mind. Percy the Park Keeper is getting ready for bed on a cold, snowy night when there's a knock at the door; all the animals in his park need somewhere warm to stay. The Nick Butterworth's simple prose and fun illustrations make this a really special Christmas book and is a good introduction to the rest of the series.

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Another Raymond Briggs book, and probably his most famous, The Snowman is a well loved children's Christmas classic. The short film has perhaps become more famous than the book, and it has spawned the sequel, The Snowman and The Snowdog. But, while the films are lovely, the book is really something special. It is told entirely through Briggs' beautiful illustrations and shows how a boy builds a snowman which comes to life. Together they explore his house and then the Snowman takes the boy flying. Warning, there's a sad ending which always makes me tear up. I think it's even more powerful without words. But the ending is one of the reason why this book has touched so many people. Also, be prepared for lots of questions from kids about where the Snowman has gone!

I hope you enjoyed this list of festive children's books, it made me really nostalgic researching and reading the books again. Are there any other Christmas books that you enjoyed as children?

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