December 24 – Christmas Eve

Happy Christmas Eve!

There is no one book that better celebrates Christmas Eve than Clement C. Moore’s poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. This story has been retold for hundreds of years, since it’s first publication in 1823, and is one of the most collected books in Christmas literature.

Moore’s Night Before Christmas has been translated in languages for children all around the world; here are three copies illustrated by Charles Santore.

Bookshelves are stocked with this traditional tale. Here’s a preview of one which will be published in 2015. The cover art is vintage. I can’t wait to see the inside!

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas written by Clement C. Moore and illustrated by David A. Cutting (2015)

Another Christmas Eve favorite of mine, since the time when my children were younger, is The Polar Express written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg (1985)

The first gift of Christmas is given to a boy (the narrator) who rides the Polar Express to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. He asks for a bell from one of Santa’s reindeer. He is surprised to learn that only he and his sister can hear the jingle of the bell over the years, and that eventually only he can still hear it’s magical sound.

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Let’s look at a few newer ones too.

Find out more about the brand new edition of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer HERE.

Christmas Eve with Mrs. Claus written by MP Hueston and illustrated by Teri Weidner (2013)

Readers lift the flaps on every page to help Mrs. Claus find ingredients she needs to make her Christmas Eve treats, flying biscuits for the reindeer, gingerbread cookies for Santa’s helpers, a healthy snack for Santa, and a popcorn garland for the tree.

There Was No Snow on Christmas Eve written by Pam Munoz and illustrated by Dennis Nolan (2005)

Readers are reminded that the very first Christmas Eve was spent in the desert air instead of the wintery nip associated with Santa and his elves. The first Christmas Eve was a warm and balmy serene night. Instead of woolen hats and gloves, sandals and robes were worn to protect Mary and Joseph from the heat of the season. There was sand and palm trees instead of snow and pine trees on that first Christmas Eve. And the only gift was the gift of the babe born that night.