December always feels a little bit magical. The twinkling lights go up, Christmas carols sneak their way into the playlist, and the kids start counting down the sleeps until the big day. I love this time of year — the anticipation, the traditions, the excuse to slow down and make things special.
One of our family’s favourite traditions is our Christmas book advent calendar.
What is a Christmas Book Advent Calendar?
Instead of (or alongside!) a commercial advent calendar, unwrap a book each night in December. Twenty-four books, one for each day leading up to Christmas.
It doesn’t need to be fancy. You can wrap the books in brown paper, or even just gather them in a basket. And if you don’t have 24 Christmas books, you can borrow from your local library or shop your local second hand store. Even a 12 day Christmas book advent calendar could be a lovely new tradition.
It’s the ritual — unwrapping, snuggling on the couch, reading together — that makes it so special.
Why We Love It
The book advent calendar is a moment of calm in a busy month. No matter how hectic the day has been, we end it with stories and cuddles.
It’s not about buying “more stuff.” In fact, we reuse the same favourites year after year, and they only get more loved with time. (Ok, I will admit our Christmas book collection is now well in excess of 24, as I can’t resist adding in a new Christmas book or two each year.)
My kids know which books are hiding under the paper, and the excitement when a much-anticipated story is chosen is half the fun. As they get older, it’s becoming more common that my kids read chapter books independently, but in December our Christmas book advent calendar tradition wins out.
And honestly? It’s just as much for me. Reading Christmas stories together is one of those small, everyday memories I know I’ll always treasure.
Our Favourite Christmas Books
If you’re thinking of starting your own Christmas book advent calendar, here are some of our favourites:
The Things I Love about Christmas by Trace Moroney
Amazon // Booktopia – A lovely story talking about the joy of gathering with loved one at Christmas.
That Christmas Feeling by Lili Wilkinson
Amazon // Booktopia – An Australian book, with traditions my family related to. It doesn’t feel like Christmas yet for this brother and sister, for a wonderful reason. Every Christmas I cry the first time I read this book.
What do you wish for by Jane Godwin
Amazon // Booktopia – Another Australian book that makes me cry, which amuses my kids greatly. A lovely story full of the wonder of Christmas, the magic of wishing, and the timeless dreams of a child.
The Best Parts of Christmas by Bethanie Deeney Murguia
Amazon // Booktopia – Fritz knows that the best parts of Christmas happens around the tree, so how can he keep his Christmas tree―and the happiness gathered around it―with him all year through?
Olivia helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer
Amazon // Booktopia – Capturing the anticipation of Christmas Eve, this book makes us all laugh.
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
Amazon // Booktopia – Lovely to read out loud, this book celebrates decorating the tree – from digging out jam-packed boxes of decorations, hanging tinsel, to, at last, turning on those twinkly fairy lights.
Fire Truck Santa by Nic McPickle and Nathaniel Eckstrom
Amazon // Booktopia – A celebration of Australian community and tradition.
The Night Before the Night Before Christmas by Kes Gray and Claire Powell
Amazon // Booktopia – A glimpse into a bustling and busy North Pole on the night before the night before Christmas. There is also the companion The Night After Christmas, although we don’t have this book yet.
Pig the Elf by Aaron Blabey
Amazon // Booktopia – The world’s greediest Pug stays up all night to get his presents.
Excuse Me, Santa! by Dave Hughes and Holly Ife
Amazon // Booktopia – A sweet, funny book about Martha May with marvellous manners and a Santa who eats too much plum pudding.
When Santa was a Baby by Linda Bailey
Amazon // Booktopia – Santa’s parents think their little one is absolutely wonderful, even though he has a booming voice instead of a baby’s gurgle, loves to stand in front of the refrigerator, gives his birthday presents away, trains his hamsters to pull a matchbox sleigh…and has an unusual interest in chimneys. A adorably funny portrait of an oddball kid who fulfills his destiny – and two very proud parents.
Pink Santa by Tanya Hennessy
Amazon // Booktopia – ‘Tis the night before Christmas and all is calm in Santa’s workshop. The presents are wrapped and the sleigh is polished. All that’s left to do is wash Santa’s iconic red-and-white suit …What could possibly go wrong? This book is a celebration of embracing change and being yourself.
Santa Claus Heard a Fart by Olaf Falafel
Amazon – Complete with instructions on how to make the different fart noises, a kid’s favourite.
Yule Not Open This Book by Andy Lee
Amazon // Booktopia – My kids love having this book series read to them and not following directions.
Bluey Christmas Swim
Amazon // Booktopia – It’s Christmas Day and it’s the perfect weather for a family swim! Bartlebee is Bluey’s new toy – how will he cope with his first Heeler Christmas?
Santa Post by Emma Yarlett
Amazon // Booktopia – Santa receives letters of Christmas wishes from children all over the world. But this year there’s one that just doesn’t make sense. What does this child want for Christmas? With help from his friends, Santa is determined to find out!
The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Amazon // Booktopia – Featuring traditional fairytale characters, my kids adore opening the envelopes to read the post in this festive story. It’s a throwback to my childhood!
The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywalt
Amazon // Booktopia – More letters and interactive pieces that my kids love, in this funny story of the Crayons navigating Christmas.
Paddington’s Christmas Post, based on stories by Michael Bond
Amazon // Booktopia – Based on the original stories, this book follows Paddington as he does his best to help the Brown family get ready for a very special Christmas.
Tips for Starting Your Own Book Advent Calendar
- Start with what you have. You don’t need 24 new books — just gather the Christmas and seasonal titles already on your shelf.
- Mix in library loans. Borrowing a few adds variety without the expense.
- Don’t worry about “perfect.” Even 12 days of books can be just as special.
- Rewrap and reuse. Kids love the unwrapping, even if they’ve read the story before. Gathering the books together, revealing a ‘new’ book each night, adds magic to a family routine.
Making Memories That Last
There’s no one “right” way to do a Christmas book advent calendar. Whether you have three books, 24 or even more, it’s the time spent together that matters.
This simple tradition has become part of our December routine – a way to add to the magic and excitement of the season without a large committement of time, energy or money. It encourages connection in the middle of a busy month, slowing down to enjoy some childhood Christmas wonder together.
Do you have a favourite Christmas book? Maybe you’re going to introduce me to my new favourite.
