Yuletide Blessings: Christmas Stories that Warm the Heart

by Nan Corbitt Allen

This little attractive book is so rich with stories! It would be a welcome gift, but get one for yourself as well. It is divided into six sections, from “The Read Christmas Story,” “Myths and Legends,” “Stories Behind the Carols,” “Tales of Yore,” and “Classic Holiday Shows” to space for you to record a Christmas story of your own. There’s even a bibliography.

Characters of Christmas

by Daniel Darling

With all of human history funneled toward the birth of Christ, this book takes you through each character affected by that birth–Mary and Joseph, yes, but also the angels, the inkeeper, the wise men. Imagine what it was like for each person named in the accounts of the entrance of God himself on the human scene. Of the One whose birth can change your trajectory.

Also included are the stories of four women included in the ancestry of Christ– the forgotten, the exploited. The slim but important book also has notes on each chapter.

Daniel Darling has also written these books: The Characters of Easter and The Characters of Creation.

Experiencing Christmas

by Lee Warren

A thoughtful way for a family to keep mind that Christmas is more than giving and getting gifts. Each day has a theme verse, with a related time of family devotion. In a section called “Going Deeper” for families with older children, the author gives the Old Testament history behind the verse.

Each day includes two suggested prayers, also depending on the ages of the children. Some include the verses to Christmas hymns and songs. In the section called Living the Experience, there are discussion questions, and suggestions for family activities.

Find it here.