Christmas is truly a time to rejoice and be glad. But if you're not sure how to share the joy of our Savior's birth, it can put a bit of a damper on your holiday spirit. 

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a present that was sure to fit, didn't need batteries and wouldn't fall apart in the wash? There is such a gift, and it's a book. 

Whether you're looking for Christmas books for kids or adults, we have you covered with the following guide, which also includes exceptional choices just for Catholics.

Best Christmas Books for Kids

The First Christmas by Thomas D. Williams

Do the kids love the poem, "'Twas the Night before Christmas"? This book is a wonderful holiday alternative and features a lovely poem about the nativity story that your family will want to revisit year after year. The illustrations by celebrated artist Frank Fraser are also absolutely glorious. There's no doubt that the kids will want to spend time pouring over the colorful and detailed images of the Holy family, king, shepherds, townsfolk, animals, and angels. The book is excellent for all ages (though kids under five will need you to read it to them). 

Ten Christmas Sheep - A Counting Story By Jan Godfrey

Animals and the Christmas story are always a winning combination for kids. In this beautifully illustrated Catholic book, then fluffy sheep guide the reader through the nativity story. Children who are learning their numbers will especially love this book since it encourages them to count along. And since it's a board book, even the youngest children will love to feast their eyes (and their mouths) upon it. For children ages 0-5.

The Night the Saints Saved Christmas by Gracie Jagla

Everyone knows "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," but isn't it time for some true heroes to save the blessed day? In this fun, rhyming story, saints band together to fill in for a sick Saint Nick. They deliver presents, teach us why we exchange them and remind us about the true meaning of Christmas. Best for kids 2-7.

The Spider Who Saved Christmas by Raymond Arroyo 

This one is a great read-aloud book for the kids in your life who love hot chocolate and cuddle time. The story centers around a little spider who comes across Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus, and who plays a pivotal role in the Christmas story. An ancient legend retold that reveals the origin of Christmas tinsel, this is a beautiful faith-filled tale that reminds us hope can be found even in the darkest places. The book is best for ages 4 - 9.

Amazing Angels Stained Glass Color Book by Marty Noble

Angels are a wondrous part of the real Christmas story. And, this activity book allows the kids in your life to be part of the celebration. The book contains a collection of beautiful angels. Since the angels are printed on translucent paper, they'll look like your church's stained glass windows when your little artist finishes coloring them in. Best for kids 2-8. 

Margaret's Night in St. Peter's (A Christmas Story) by Jon M. Sweeney

This is a fun and educational book for independent readers, especially those who enjoy the crazy antics of cats. The star of this short chapter book is Margaret, the pope's cat. The pope takes her on a tour of St. Peter's church, but when he's called away, Margaret is left to wander on her own and gets lost. Trying to find her way, she meets children, tourists, and saints —all while discovering the wonders of the world's largest church. For children 6-10.

Joseph's Donkey by Matt Haig

This book for the elementary-school set, touches on so many important lessons, teaching loyalty, goodness, hard work, devotion, kindness to animals and more. Full of beautiful illustrations, this wonderful story shares the life of the good donkey, who spent a life in service to the Holy Family. Familiar stories of the Bible unfold, all seen through the eyes of Joseph's stalwart animal companion. For kids 6 - 8. 

Best Christmas Books for Adults

The Christmas Vatican Cookbook by David Geisser and Tom Kelly

A cookbook is always a delectable choice for the foodie in your life, and this beauty is no exception. It includes over 100 original recipes for Advent and Christmas served at the Vatican for over a thousand years. The book also details the rich history of Christmas at the Vatican and around the world. 

The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas by William J. Bennett

While it's easy to forget, jolly old Santa was inspired by a real man. This book dives into the historical facts of the real Saint Nicholas's life and explores how his personage achieved legendary status, becoming the basis of the modern Santa Claus. Deeply researched, this heartwarming tale is an excellent choice for the history buff in your life. 

Christmas Around the Fire by Ryan N.S. Topping

This wonderful and moving collection includes stories from legendary novelists and poets like Leo Tolstoy, Willa Cather, Charles Dickens, and more. It's an invite to turn step away from screens and gather around with family to enjoy quality time and quality stories.

Drinking with Saint Nick: Christmas Cocktails for Saints and Sinners by Michael P. Foley 

If you know someone who likes to toast to the holiday season while also honoring the saints, this book is for them. The book contains dozens of festive cocktail recipes for Advent through Candlemas —so you can pick and choose among drink suggestions according to the calendar. Plus, there's a spirited history of Saint Nicholas and other saints and clever instructions on how to honor them during the holiday season. 

A Small Miracle by Peter Collington

Without words, this beautiful little story has worked itself into the holiday traditions of many families. Meticulously crafted panels narrate the story of an elderly woman in a rickety little traveler's wagon. Though hungry and freezing, she finds herself at a church, where she stops someone from desecrating a Nativity set, then learns what miracles really are. A wonderful lesson in remembering to help others, this book is an ageless addition to your Christmas stories.

Best Christmas Books for Catholics

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

Start a family tradition of gathering together each day of Advent with this richly illustrated book. Featuring vivid folk-style art, downloadable ornaments, Scripture readings that go along with moving scenes from the Bible and more, you'll love celebrating the best love story of all time with your family. A great family heirloom to delight and enrich.

Christmas Around the Fire edited by Ryan N.S. Topping 

This impressive book is for people who like a good story, preferably told aloud while surrounded by friends and family. This tome contains stories of faith and frivolity, something for everyone and every mood. Included in the pages are works from Saints Bernard of Clairvaux, John Paul II, GK Chesterton, Charles Dickens, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Pope Francis by John Cleary 

In this collection of daily devotions for Advent and Christmas, Catholics can find inspiration in the words and teachings of Pope Francis. Each entry includes words from Pope Francis pulled from his encyclicals, homilies, and addresses, as well as a related scripture text, a prayer, and a call to action. 

Celebrating A Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide To The Customs And Feast Days of Advent & Christmas By Fr. William Saunders 

You can think of this gorgeously illustrated book as a how-to guide for celebrating the Catholic holidays and so much more. It provides information on the historical roots of holiday traditions while also providing suggestions on enriching the holidays through spiritual reflections, devotions, and faith-based practices. This is a great gift for anyone, especially for parents with small children and people new to the Catholic faith. 

Make and share new stories this Christmas

Advent is upon us, and Christmas is right around the corner. If you're searching for a perfect present to share the joy of Christmas, a book is an excellent choice. If you think one of the above books would make a great gift or if you're interested in other stories that celebrate this glorious season, check out our stock of Christmas books.