‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than by diving into a collection of heartwarming, whimsical, and timeless tales? Our list of the top 10 books for Holiday Reading for Teens will transport you to magical worlds and warm your heart with the true spirit of the season. It doesn’t get much better than sharing the magic and joy of Christmas, and a good book shared with your favorite people!
Let’s Share the Magic of a Great Read Aloud!
Not sure how to get your teen on-board? I’m sure you’ve heard by now of the tradition of gift wrapping a book a day during the Christmas season. Why not make up a basket full of wrapped books to read and enjoy together this holiday season? Or have your teens host a Christmas Party and have everyone bring a wrapped book as a gift exchange! You’re never too old for a good read aloud, and as our kids get bigger, their lives get busier. Sharing a good book together is a great excuse to spend some quality time and enjoy the season! So, grab your favorite blanket, bake up some Christmas Sticky Buns or whip up some Chocolate Pumpkin Shakes and let’s get reading!
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
This hilarious and heartwarming tale follows the Herdman’s, the worst kids in town, as they unexpectedly take part in the church Christmas pageant. In fact, you might have even read it before. But it’s such a quick and easy read, and chock full of hilarity that it’s well worth reading again – and definitely reading out loud! It’s a story that teaches the true meaning of Christmas in an unforgettable way.
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien’s enchanting collection of letters, illustrated by the author himself, provides a magical glimpse into the North Pole and the adventures of Father Christmas and his friends, making it a perfect read for the holiday season. We recently discovered this beautiful book, quaintly handwritten by Tolkien to his kids, and loved it so much that we’ve purchased it as a gift for others. It is touching and beautiful because it captures the beauty and love of family -and isn’t that a big part of what Christmas is all about?
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A classic holiday tale that explores the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from a miserly old man to a compassionate soul. Dickens’ timeless story is a must-read for any teen during the Christmas season. And, of course, watching the Muppet’s Christmas Carol after you’ve read the book is a must on the holiday tradition list! “Thank-you for making me a part of this!”
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
This enchanting and whimsical story follows the adventures of a young boy named Nikolas as he embarks on a journey to the North Pole. It’s a delightful modern fairy tale for all ages, engaging and fun! Full of cranky aunts, exploding troll heads and reindeer that fly this would make a fun and zany read aloud! It’s been described as Lemony Snicket meets Klaus, so you know it’s going to be quirky and relatable, and you’ll discover the history behind, “Ho, Ho, Ho,” to boot!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
You are never ever too old for Dr. Suess. Dr. Seuss’s iconic tale of the Grinch’s heartwarming transformation from a Christmas-hating creature to a joyful celebrator of the holiday is a must-read for teens during the season. Look, we’re never too old for the zany rhyme schemes and tropes of Dr. Suess. Another read that brings easy hilarity to your holiday merrymaking.
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
Definitely a less known work of the infamous Capote, but one you won’t wince through. It’s an autobiographical account of a 6-year-old boy and a sixty-ish woman told during the great depression. If you’ve wanted to introduce your kids to the amazing writings of Capote without the creep factor, this is a wonderful work to start with! This is a short story, an easy read aloud, and one you might want to make part of your yearly read aloud traditions.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
While not exclusively a Christmas story, C.S. Lewis’s magical world of Narnia with its eternal winter and eventual thaw make it a compelling read for teens during the holiday season. You’re never too old to dive into the magical world of Narnia- why not make it a family read aloud this year. Grab some Turkish Delight, or better yet bravely try to cook up a batch yourselves! You could also watch a couple of the movie version and compare and contrast the book to the movies. If you haven’t delved into the wonderful world of Narnia, do yourself a favor and treat yourself this season.
The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen
A poignant and touching story about a poor young girl’s experiences on a cold New Year’s Eve, this classic tale teaches valuable lessons about compassion and empathy. Hans Christian Anderson is a masterful story teller and this classic is one every teen should be familiar with!
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
O. Henry’s timeless short story about a young couple’s selfless acts of love and sacrifice during Christmas is a heartwarming and thought-provoking read for teens. Another sweet and touching book that talks about sacrificial love and the true meaning of Christmas.
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
A humorous and satirical take on the chaos and commercialization of the holiday season, this novel explores the idea of what happens when a family decides to skip Christmas altogether. Who knew that John Grisham wrote a Christmas novel? For those who think Christmas is too childish, this book might be just the thing! This would make a great family read aloud for kids – and teens- of all ages. Fun and delightful with a surprise and touching ending! (I LOVED it!)
And there you have it, a delightful yuletide journey through the world of Christmas books for teens! Some beloved old favorites and hopefully, some new picks these that are the perfect companions for teens seeking holiday cheer, adventure, and inspiration. Whether you’re in search of timeless classics or modern adventures, these Christmas
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Lisa Nehring and her husband, Dr. David Nehring, a Clinical Psychologist, and Biblical Scholar speak together on a wide variety of topics, including education, classical education, vision, mission, parenting, marriage, and more.
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