Is anyone else noticing the lack of a theme or any consistency at all with my Twelve Days of Christmas blog post titles? If I were smart like Heather, I would come up with things that actually come in the number of the blog post title. Maybe next year I’ll plan ahead a little better. ; )
If you’ve ever visited this blog before, you know it’s mostly about books. A couple of weeks ago I read about the Blog Advent Tour 2008 on Semicolon blog, and I decided that it would be fun to participate. In the spirit of the the tour, I thought I’d share one of my favorite traditions here at the house of Hope. 
When my eldest daughter was born (and actually before that since I was an elementary librarian before her birth), I started collecting Christmas books for our Christmas book basket. My intention was to bring these books out only at Christmas, wrap them all individually, and let my girls open one a day until Christmas or until we run out. Although some days in our busy-ness we forget (since there is no shortage of books in the Hope house to begin with), most days the girls really enjoy the anticipation and the fun of opening presents early. Not all of the books are high-quality literature, of course; we have our share of twaddle in our Christmas book basket, but there are plenty of noteworthy titles in there, as well. Here are some of our favorites:
Really, who can resist Jan Brett’s beautiful artwork? Truly, every page is a feast for the eyes and the imagination. This anthology of picture books contains The Mitten, The Wild Christmas Reindeer, Trouble with Trolls, The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Hat, Christmas Trolls, and The Night Before Christmas. This is a must-have!
With simple pictures, rhymes, repitition, and a board-book format, this one is perfect for toddlers. The answer to the question is, of course, Baby Jesus.
Who could resist a story about Kind Ox, Old Dog, Stray Cat, Small Mouse, Tired Donkey, and a special Little One? This story, with its soft illustrations, is the sweetest of all.
Written in the format of “This is the House That Jack Built,” this rhyming story unfolds the Nativity story beautifully and peacefully.
Our Christmas book basket is a much anticipated (at least by me) tradition in our home. If you’re interested in reading about others’ traditions or Christmas activities, be sure to check out the Twelve Days of Christmas and the Advent Blog Tour!
Filed under: Bloggy Randomness, Bookish Thoughts, Picture Books |
Hope Is the Word 
Thank you so much for posting about your Christmas Book Basket, and for participating in the Advent Tour this year. Hope to see you back next year as well!
I adore Christmas books. My oldest carries around his favourite with him wherever he goes. He’s 3 (and his favourite is a lift-the-flap Night Before Christmas)
These are some of my favorite Christmas books. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for joining in! I will have to check some of those books out for the ‘little ones’ that I know. Opening a book everyday for twelve days is an awesome idea!
We love Who is Coming to Our House at our house. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Those books look great. My kids are teenagers, but I’ll love it when I can read all kinds of books to my grandchildren someday.
The Christmas Book Basket is such a wonderful idea. Those books look very sweet and adorable. And it is never too early to begin reading. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful post. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Louise
I’ve browsed your Christmas postings and they certainly evoke the spirit of the season. All the best
No one can resist Jan Brett’s artwork – certainly not me. One of my favorite illustrators. And ‘Room For a Little One’ makes me feel a bit emotional, just looking at the cover! Wonderful stop on the Advent Tour.
I am running a little behind on the Advent Tour. Playing catch up.
Thanks for sharing the books. I must try and find those at the library. My children loved to read Christmas books. Puts us all in a festive mood.
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