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I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations for non-religious, non-Santa Christmas books for kids. We’re atheists, and we aren’t doing Santa either. I just found Little Blue Truck’s Christmas. In it, the truck delivers Christmas trees to friends. It’s perfect for my two-year old.Anyone have other non-religious, non-Santa Christmas books that might be good for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids too?
Thanks so much! -Emily
Here are some more book ideas…
“Ethiopian fringed umbrellas; star-shaped Filipino parol lanterns; candlelit Swedish St. Lucia crowns — Mary Lankford brings together Christmas traditions from twelve different lands, like decorations on a splendid tree.”
Celebrating the Great Mother: A Handbook of Earth-Honoring Activities for Parents and Children: “The ideas, suggestions, and activities collected here bring children into rituals that celebrate seasonal cycles and help reclaim the spiritual roots of today’s modern holidays.” (Feminist Bookstore News)
“Get into the holiday spirit with the Muppets as they count down to Christmas with friends-a-singing, fruitcakes flying, pine trees running amok, and…a chicken in a pine tree! This Muppet twist to a classic carol will have you singing long after the holidays are over. Gatefold flaps inside reveal holiday surprises!”
What are YOUR go-to, non-religious, non-Santa Christmas books for kids?
I lobe Holiday stories even though I am Jewish. Ones that show the magic of giving. Like Why the Chimes rang By John Alden. I am trying to find an old story that I used when I was a school Librarian. I don’t koknow the name of it but it was about a brother and sister who’s father was ill and couldn’t cut trees etc. their mother was also ill. The boy goes out to the forest to get their Christmas tree and while there helps some small creatures and a poor girl ( I think) He finds a beautiful flower blooming in the snow. and takes it home. The King of the land Has been looking for this legendary plant and hears about it at the children’s home. I can’t remember any more. Caan any one help me. It seems collections of stories like this are not available in book stores. I guess I should try my local library but I don’t remember seeing it there when I was working there.
I always thought of The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats as a Christmas book, although there’s not any mention of Christmas or Santa in it; just snow and winter fun. There is such a sense of wonder in the main character and his love for playing in the snow that I thin kthe “Christmas Magic” is there for sure.
I love The MouseHole Cat – only just mentions Christmas Eve at the end but I read it every year 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/Jackies-Gift-Sharon-Robinson/dp/0670011622 (Jackie’s Gift–it’s about Jackie Robinson’s family generously buying a Christmas tree for their next door neighbors, who it turns out are Jewish. Historical, non-denominational, and people being kind and gracious.)
I had to mention one of my favorites, since I didn’t see it on the list: Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree (Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385327218/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_CJsAwbY63Q2N2), about how one Christmas tree makes so many (human and animal) families happy! It’s been a few years since I read it to kids, but lots of ages loved it, it’s definitely not religious, and I am reasonably sure it is Santa-free.
Per and the Dala Horse: https://amzn.to/36GQGYu
Not really Christmas, but the wintry elements make it work, I think. And there’s magic, which is a big part of the holiday.