Ten Books for the Holiday Season
December is a time for families to come together and celebrate the winter celebrations. During wintertime, teachers use this time to bring holiday cheer into their classrooms, whether it is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more. One way they can do this is through decorating, crafts, recipes, and other activities.
Another way to bring in the holidays is through reading books, and Education World has you covered with all types of books to read to the class. This article highlights ten books that cover all of he holidays as well as books that focus just on wintertime and the Winter Solstice.
- Wonderful Gifts of Winter by Dandi Mackall: In this book, Amazon says: "Freshly fallen snowflakes, sledding, snow angels, and of course Christmas all take their rightful place in The Wonderful Gifts of Winter, the second book of a new seasonal four-book series by Dandi Daley Mackall."
- Christmas Around the World by Mary D. Lankford: In Christmas Around the World, students can learn how different countries celebrate Christmas with "ethiopian fringed umbrellas; star-shaped Filipino parol lanterns;candlelit Swedish St. Lucia crowns-Mary Lankford bringstogether Christmas traditions from twelve different lands,like decorations on a splendid tree".
- The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson: In this book, Amazon says this book, "Presents facts and folklore about the shortest day of the year, a day that has been filled with magic since ancient times."
- Lights of Winter: Winter Celebrations Around the World by Heather Conrad: In this book, Amazon says: "Lights of Winter is a children's picture book about winter celebrations around the world: Solstice, Yule, Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, Teng Chieh, Diwali, Soyal, Las Posadas, Zagmuk, Saturnalia."
- Winter Wonderland by Jill Esbaum: In Winter Wonderland, Amazon says: "With this beautifully photographed book in the home or classroom library, children will return time and again to see, feel, and learn about the magic of winter. An excellent choice for teachers wishing to celebrate the season, as well as for grandparents who seek a meaningful gift for their little ones."
- Light the Lights! A Story About Celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas by Margaret Moorman: Amazon says: "Every December, Emma and her family celebrate two special holidays. First comes Hanukkah, with dreidel games and lighting the menorah. Then comes Christmas, with carols, bright lights on the tree, and presents for everyone!"
- My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz: In My First Kwanzaa, Amazon says this book is "a simple way to get acquainted with Kwanzaa."
- My Two Holidays: A Hanukkah and Christmas Story by Danielle Novack: Amazon says: "When Sam's classmates take turns talking about which holiday they celebrate, Sam becomes very nervous. Some people celebrate Christmas and some people celebrate Hanukkah. But Sam celebrates both!"
- Hanukkah! by Roni Schotter: In Hannukah!, Amazon says readers can, "say 'Happy Hanukkah!' with this joyful story of one family's holiday celebration, from spinning dreidels to cooking yummy latkes to lighting the menorah together."
- Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford: Amazon says: "Kwanzaa is Kayla’s favorite time of year. But this year, it looks as if a heavy snowstorm will keep her big brother, Khari, from getting home in time for the festivities! Will Khari miss the celebration completely? Or will Kayla and her brother somehow find a way to be together for Kwanzaa? A perfect introduction to Kwanzaa, this book will teach children all about the traditions and practices that make it a special winter holiday."
Article by Kassondra Granata, Education World Contributor