Books that inspire the spirit of the season...

This is the time of the year when the book box in our living room overflows with all the holiday and winter books that I have collected over the years. The boys sit quietly looking at them independently and bedtime is less of a battle when we remind them to go pick a few before heading up. I can't wait for the tree to add to the ambiance of reading holiday stories. I thought I would share a few of my old favorites. Of course there are so many to enjoy but these are the ones that I always look forward to...

1. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

The story of believing! I have yet to see the movie and am okay with that. The book is magical all by itself. May you always hear the ring of the bell.

2. Snowballs by Lois Ehlert

Lois always does a fantastic job with her books. The pictures are so fun.

3. How Murray Saved Christmas by Mike Reiss

This book is entertaining for adults too. I chuckle at the story and love reading a book with a good rhythm.

"Twas the night before Christmas and at the North Pole,
Santa was rockin' and ready to roll.
His seat belt was buckled, his reindeer were fed,
And five billion toys were stuffed into his sled.
There were dolls that said "Mama" and dolls that said "goo,"
Dolls that made music and dolls that made poo.
There were dolls that grew tall at the push of a button,
And a doll, best of all, that didn't do nuttin'."

4. Twas the Night Before Christmas

Charley had this one memorized by the age of three. It is tradition.

5. My Penguin Osbert by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

I love this story. Someday when I am in the classroom again I will use it to teach creative writing and writing with details. The little boy in this book asks for extravagant items but doesn't always describe them clearly in his letters to Santa...and the adventure follows.

What are your favorite holiday stories?