Christmas Countdown

25 Christmas Books Countdown

If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling in December, wondering how to slow things down and actually savor the holiday season with your family, you’re not alone. Between school concerts, baking marathons, last-minute shopping, and the general chaos of Christmas prep, it’s easy to let the month fly by without really pausing to enjoy the magic. That’s where the 25 Christmas Books Countdown comes in.

This tradition has been a lifesaver for my family. It’s simple, cozy, and best of all it guarantees a few minutes each day where we stop everything, cuddle up, and share a story together. No phones, no TV, no multitasking. Just us, a Christmas book, and usually some hot chocolate. And let me tell you, those little moments end up being the ones you remember most.

So, what exactly is the Christmas Books Countdown, how do you set it up, and what books should you include? Let’s break it down in the easiest, most family-friendly way possible.

family reading a book by the Christmas tree

What is the 25 Christmas Books Countdown?

The 25 Christmas Books Countdown is basically an advent calendar but with books instead of chocolates. The idea is simple:

Gather 25 Christmas or winter-themed books.
Wrap each one like a little present.
Starting December 1st, unwrap one book each evening and read it together.
Keep going until Christmas Day.

It’s that straightforward! But don’t let the simplicity fool you this little tradition packs a huge punch in terms of creating lasting memories. Kids love the excitement of unwrapping a “present” every night, and parents love that it’s screen-free, meaningful family time during an otherwise busy season.

And here’s a little secret: you don’t have to buy 25 brand-new books. Use what you already have, check out titles from the library, or thrift a few to build your collection over time. In fact, some families start with just 12 books and build up from there.

Why Families Love This Tradition

I’ll be honest when I first heard about the 25 Christmas Books Countdown, I thought, “That sounds like one more thing to add to my already overflowing December to-do list.” But once we tried it, I realized it was actually the opposite.

This tradition forces you to pause. It gives your kids something to look forward to every single evening. It builds anticipation for Christmas in the sweetest, most old-fashioned way. And it’s flexible you can make it fit your family’s rhythm. If bedtime routines are chaotic, do it earlier in the day. If you’re traveling, toss a few books in your bag and keep it going on the road.

And honestly? The joy on your kids’ faces as they rip into the wrapping paper even though it’s “just a book” is worth every bit of effort.

How to Set Up Your 25 Christmas Books Countdown

Step 1: Gather Your Books

Pull out every Christmas or winter-themed book you already own. Picture books, chapter books, even short story collections all count. Don’t stress if you don’t have 25 libraries, secondhand shops, or even borrowing from friends can fill in the gaps.

Step 2: Wrap Them Up

This is where the magic really comes in. Wrapping each book makes it feel like a nightly present, and it adds so much excitement. You don’t need fancy paper brown craft paper, newspaper, or even leftover wrapping scraps will do. Some families number the books 1 through 25, while others let kids choose at random. Either way works.

Step 3: Make It Cozy

Choose a consistent time to read together. For us, it’s right before bed with pajamas on and mugs of hot chocolate nearby. Maybe for your family it’s after dinner by the Christmas tree. The key is consistency it becomes a ritual everyone looks forward to.

Step 4: Save Something Special for Christmas Eve

Many families like to make the last book extra special. Think The Night Before Christmas, The Polar Express, or the nativity story from the Bible. Ending on a meaningful note adds that extra sprinkle of Christmas magic.

25 Christmas Book Ideas for Your Countdown

Need some inspiration? Here are some tried-and-true favorites, a mix of classics and newer gems, that work beautifully for the countdown.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
The Nutcracker (many beautiful picture book versions available)
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
The Donkey’s Christmas Song by Nancy Tafuri
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
A Christmas Carol (abridged picture book version for kids)
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff
The Twelve Days of Christmas (any illustrated version works beautifully)
The Nativity Story (Bible or illustrated children’s edition)

Pro tip: Mix in a few short, silly books with the longer, more traditional ones. Some nights you’ll only have a few minutes, and a quick, lighthearted read is perfect.

Tips for Making It Stress-Free

Reuse Books Every Year – You don’t need a fresh batch each December. Kids actually love revisiting old favorites, and traditions feel stronger when the same books reappear.
Skip Wrapping if You Need To – No judgment here. A basket of Christmas books to choose from each night works just as well.
Add Snacks or Activities – Pair a cookie-baking night with If You Give a Mouse to the Movies, or sip cocoa while reading The Polar Express. These little touches make the experience even more memorable.
Adjust the Number – If 25 feels overwhelming, do 12 books leading up to Christmas, or even just one special book each Sunday in December. The magic is in the consistency, not the number.

Why This Tradition Matters

Remember Christmas isn’t about the gifts, the perfectly decorated tree, or the Instagram-worthy cookie platters. It’s about getting together to soak in the season.

The 25 Christmas Books Countdown does exactly that. It weaves together excitement, tradition, and togetherness in a way that doesn’t cost a fortune or require endless planning.

So if you’ve been looking for a way to make the Christmas season feel less like a sprint and more like a cozy stroll, the 25 Christmas Books Countdown is it. It’s simple, it’s meaningful, and it’s a tradition your kids will likely pass on to their own families someday.