Top 10 Christian Christmas Books by Age

As grandparents, we have the special privilege of sharing the joy and wonder of Christmas with our grandkids, keeping Christ at the center. There’s a world of holiday stories out there, but finding ones that point to Jesus can make all the difference in our grandkids’ understanding of what Christmas truly means.

Here’s a list of ten wonderful books, divided by age group, that celebrate the birth of Christ and the heart of the season.

Quick Tip for Grandparents: Before diving into Christmas traditions with your grandkids, connect with their parents about how they’re teaching Christmas at home. By knowing what they emphasize about Jesus, family traditions, or even a blend with Santa, you can celebrate together, reinforcing your grandkids’ understanding of Christ in a way that supports their family’s values.

For Babies and Toddlers (Ages 0-3)

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren

• This beautifully illustrated board book gently explains to young children that God gave us Jesus as the true gift of Christmas. Through simple language and delightful illustrations, this story helps toddlers understand that Christmas is about Jesus, not just presents and decorations.
  
  

Who Is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate and Ashley Wolff

• In this charming story, animals prepare their stable for a special guest. The repetitive language is perfect for little ones, and the story builds anticipation as they discover that Jesus is coming. It’s a gentle way to talk about the birth of Christ with the youngest kids.

Grandparent Tip: Sit with your grandchild on your lap, and point out each animal or star as you read. It’s a warm way to talk about each detail of Jesus’s birth.

For Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)

Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell

• This sweet book tells the Nativity story from the perspective of the animals in the stable, each making room for the newborn King. The gentle storytelling and beautiful illustrations make it easy for young children to engage with the story of Jesus’ birth.
  
  

The Christmas Baby by Marion Dane Bauer

• With simple, poetic language and vibrant illustrations, this book retells the story of the Nativity in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand. It highlights the joy and celebration surrounding Jesus’s birth, helping kids understand why Christmas is such a joyful time.

Grandparent Tip: After reading, share what you remember about learning the Christmas story as a child. Talking about your experiences helps connect the meaning of Christmas across generations.

For Elementary Kids (Ages 6-9)

The Christmas Story by Patricia A. Pingry

• This classic retelling of the Nativity story is great for young readers. The language is simple, and the story stays close to the Gospel narrative, helping kids learn about the events of Jesus’s birth in an age-appropriate way.
  
  

The Littlest Watchman: Watching and Waiting for the Very First Christmas by Scott James

• This unique story focuses on a young boy named Benjamin, who waits for the promised Savior. It explores the anticipation of Christ’s arrival in a way that resonates with children, teaching them about the hope and joy of Christmas.
  
  

The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado

• In this heartwarming story, a little lamb named Joshua feels left out because he can’t keep up with the other sheep. But God has a special purpose for him in the stable on the night of Jesus’s birth. It’s a beautiful story about God’s love and purpose for each of us, especially at Christmas.

Grandparent Tip: Share how Jesus’s birth brought love and peace to the world. Encourage your grandkids to think about ways they can show God’s love during the season, like by helping others or sharing kindness.

For Tweens (Ages 10-12)

Jotham’s Journey: A Storybook for Advent by Arnold Ytreeide

• This book is an Advent classic, featuring a story that unfolds over the days leading up to Christmas. It’s a page-turner, full of adventure and suspense, as Jotham searches for his family and ultimately finds himself in Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’s birth.

Bartholomew’s Passage by Arnold Ytreeide

• Another installment in Ytreeide’s Advent series, this book follows the journey of a boy named Bartholomew, who encounters hardship but finds hope in the promise of Jesus. The chapters are short, making it ideal for nightly Advent readings, and it brings the Nativity story to life for older children.

Grandparent Tip: Use these Advent stories as a daily tradition. Call your grandkids to discuss each chapter, building anticipation for Christmas and a deeper understanding of Jesus’s coming.

For Teens and Young Adults

The Case for Christmas: A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger by Lee Strobel

• Written for a slightly older audience, this book examines the historical evidence for the birth of Christ. Through compelling investigative journalism, it explores who Jesus is, why He came, and what His birth means for us. It’s a thought-provoking read for teens or young adults who want to understand the deeper meaning of Christmas.

Grandparent Tip: Read along with your grandchild, and have discussions about each chapter. It’s an opportunity to dig into the “why” behind Christmas and share personal stories of faith.

Closing Thoughts for Grandparents

Bringing the story of Jesus’s birth to life during the holiday season is one of the most powerful gifts we can give our grandkids. When they’re young, it’s about introducing them to Jesus in a simple, joyful way. As they grow, it becomes a chance to share the deeper meaning of His life and the hope He brings.

Each of these books can help you nurture their faith and understanding of Christmas, whether you’re reading with them in person or mailing a story to open together over video chat.

A Prayer for the Season

“Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son and the joy of celebrating His birth. Help us as grandparents to keep the story of Jesus at the heart of our Christmas traditions and to pass on Your love and peace to our grandchildren. May this season be filled with meaningful moments and lasting memories as we celebrate the real reason for Christmas. Amen.”

This holiday season, let’s take every opportunity to share the love, joy, and message of Jesus with our grandkids. Whether through stories, traditions, or simply sharing time together, may our focus on Christ bring us all closer to Him.