Ten Best Christmas Stories to Read on Christmas Eve

Christmas is a time to spend time with family. The morning chill and fog are the best motivators to stay in and enjoy. Your kids are sure to love it if you cozy up with them in bed and read them the following stories.

Stick Man 

Written by Julia Donaldson, Stick Man is worried whether he be home in time for Christmas. Until he meets a friend with a magical sleigh who can fly him anywhere he wants.

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

Authored by Robert L. May, this is one of the most popular reads around Christmas. A great read for children, as they learn that everyone, no matter how different, has value in their own way. 

The Gift of the Magi

Written by O. Henry, A Gift of the Magi is a beautiful short story about the personal sacrifices we are willing to make for the ones we love. 

The Fir Tree

A fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, this book teaches children and adults alike to appreciate the present. It tells the story of a young tree that wants to grow up fast. Focusing so much on the future, it forgets to truly appreciate the present. 

The Box Of Delights

Written by Jason Masefield, this children’s fantasy novel is the enchanting adventure of a boy who discovers a box of surprises on his train home from boarding school. He realizes that both he and the box are endangered by an evil magician. He then embarks on a journey through time and space to save his life, his friends, and Christmas itself.

The Greatest Gift

The Greatest Gift is a short story written by Philip Van Doren Stern in 1943. It talks about a man who stands on a bridge on Christmas Eve, ready to jump. Before he can, an odd man approaches him and strikes up a conversation. George admits that he wishes he had never been born. The man tells George that his wish has been granted. On returning to his town, George finds that no one recognizes him. He then realizes just how valuable his life is.

The Elves and the Shoemaker

The Elves and the Shoemaker is a classic fairy tale by the Grimm brothers. One morning, a shoemaker comes into his shop to find a beautiful pair of shoes that have been made for him to sell. He is amazed and decides to find out who has been making lovely shoes for him. 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Written by Louisa May Alcott, this is a story of four brave girls Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy that is sure to warm your heart. 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

This story is written by Dr. Seuss. It talks about how Christmas is a spiritual experience, not a material one. 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Not only is this the best Harry Potter installment, but it’s also the one that makes the most of Christmas at Hogwarts — with the added drama of the Triwizard Tournament’s traditional Yule Ball. From laughing at Ron’s robes to gasping at the twist of Hermione and Krum, not to mention all the intrigue surrounding Karkaroff and Snape, the Yule Ball section of Goblet of Fire is simply an iconic bit of literature.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

This is a children’s poem that is traditionally read on Christmas eve in most families. 

“Little Piccola” by Nora Smith

Little Piccola lives in Italy, and her Christmas is not one of snowfall and Santa Claus, but of warm sun and orange groves. Despite the beautiful weather, Piccola yearns for a true Christmas after she hears the local Americans talking about it. So she leaves a shoe (instead of a stocking) by her fireplace — and what appears in it is a surprising delight for both Little Piccola and the reader.

Writing down this list is already making me want to snuggle up in bed with my little one. So off I go. I hope you enjoy a lovely book reading session too!

Stay Tuned! Stay Relevant!