7 classic Christmas stories you should read to your kids

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Gather ’round children, it’s time to hear a Christmas tale! There’s nothing quite like turning the Christmas anticipation to fever pitch by getting the kids enthralled by Yuletide stories. Here are the classic festive season page-turners you should read to your little ones. 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

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Author: Dr Seuss

The story: The nasty Grinch cooks up a hideous plot to stop Christmas from coming, by stealing the Whos’ Christmas presents.

Best quote: “What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more?”

The Polar Express

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Author: Chris van Allsburg

The story: A boy who no longer believes in the magic of Christmas boards the mystical Polar Express, and takes a journey that restores his faith, and helps him believe again.

Best quote: “Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”

Little Master Dickens: A Christmas Carol

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Author: Jennifer Adams

The story: A reimagining of the classic Dickens’ story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his metamorphosis from greedy old man into kind fellow, this gorgeous picture book is perfect for children aged up to three.

Best quote: “Bah, humbug!”

The Night Before Christmas

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Author: Clement C. Moore

The story: The classic Night Before Christmas poem is always a winner to read on Christmas Eve, as it details Santa’s journey delivering presents (and children sleeping peacefully!).

Best quote: “The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.”

Dream Snow

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Author: Eric Carle

The story: A fabulous yarn of a farmer on Christmas Eve, and his snowy dream. In true Eric Carle fashion, this interactive book will have the kids giggling in delight.

Best quote: “Then he shouted, ‘Merry Christmas to all!’ and pushed the button.”

The Twelve Days of Christmas

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Author: Alison Jay

The story: While we all know the classic Christmas carol, this beautiful book adaptation by Alison Jay is a visual delight.

Best quote: It’s hard not to love that final verse – reciting each and every gift breathlessly (from the partridge in a pear tree to 12 drummers drumming), the kids adore it!

The Nutcracker

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Author: E.T.A. Hoffmann

The story: This 200-year-old story is most famous for its ballet adaptation, and tells of an enchanted Nutcracker leading toy soldiers in battle against the Mouse King. The original version is one for the older kids, although there are some great picture book versions that are suitable for little ones.

Best quote: “He wore gold tassels at his shoulders, yet this was not the most eye-catching part of him, nor was it the miner’s cap upon his head or his white beard made of cotton or his bared teeth. For Marie only noticed the sweet nature of his face and instantly fell in love.”

These beautiful Christmas classics have stood the test of time, but of course there are so many incredible modern festive tales. Keep an eye out for our round-up of Aussie Christmas stories you should read your kids!

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