children's Christmas books

Since Ryder was born, I've had my eye out for good quality Christmas books to create a "collection".  I wanted us to have a variety to read during the joyous Christmas season.  Most of these are just fun books to read that have nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas--but we have a few of those as well!  This is not our complete list but I wanted to share some of our favorites with you!

Miracle in a Shoe Box//This goes along with Operation Christmas Child and I wish I would have had it out to read to Ryder before we did our show boxes, but he still enjoyed reading it.  I've had this since my brother and I were little.  Great to help kids understand Operation Christmas Child a little bit better, even though we/they will never truly "get it".

The Elf on the Shelf//The classic book that comes with all Scout Elves!  We read this at our North Pole Breakfast

Can't Wait Till Christmas//I just bought this because of the author, and it was a signed copy! ;)

The Very First Christmas//This is one of Ryder's favorites, because it's a recordable book and we had Papaw record it for us a few years ago.  He says, "This book is dedicated to Kati and her son Ryder, read by your Papaw" and Ryder just thinks that is the coolest thing.  It's not my favorite book of The Christmas Story, but I bought it for the recordable purpose.  

Charlie and the Christmas Kitty//This is written by The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond.

Merry Christmas Curious George//We LOVE CG so we had to have this! I think I found this at a local Goodwill!  SCORE!

The Gingerbread Pirates//TJ Maxx score, but haven't read it yet!  I just thought R would like it!

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer//A classic!  Goes along with the movie, a bit long but we like it! 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas//Another classic that goes along with the movie.  A bit long for one setting, but Ryder enjoys it.

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift//This is new to us this year and we will be starting it today.  It's a beautiful illustrated and written book by Ann Voskamp.  I'm doing my own Advent with She Reads Truth, but I wanted something I could do with Ryder and this is what I decided on.  I'll have more to report after Christmas on how it went! =)

Jolly Old Santa Claus//Your regular ole' Santa book--nothing more!  ;)  But we can't forget about him in our book collection!

The Pine Tree Parable//This is another one from my book collection from when I was little.  Great story and lesson in the book.  A great reminder to remember the less fortunate during this exciting time.  

I don't think our collection will ever stop growing.  I try and buy hardbacks so that they will withstand all the years ahead of them.  I hope Ryder will bring his kids back to my house one day and be able to read these same books to them that hold so many memories for him from when he was a kid!  =)

What books do I need to add to our collection?  What books did you read as a kid that are must reads for your kids during the Christmas season?   We still have time to order a few from Amazon! ;)