I've posted a list of winter/Christmas/holiday favorite reads every year that I've kept this blog. This is my fourth time to write one of these posts! (We have a lot of winter books. Ahem.) Last year's post. 2007 here. And 2006 here.

Before I jump in with this year's list, I want to remind you of a few not-to-be-missed favorites from previous years. The Tomten, Christmas in Noisy Village, The Mitten, The Hat, Big Susan, Winter, and Winter (this is the one that my children are reading in these pictures. Elisabeth was telling a really delightful story about the children of Starwood Village and the way they celebrated one year. So cute). These seven books are truly not to be missed.

So this year, here is what I have to share:

B is for Bethlehem. This was given to Elisabeth by our long-time babysitters years ago. The illustrations are intricate and beautiful.

Ding Dong Merrily on High. By the author of The Nativity, another favorite of ours. Exquisite pop-up scenes (some moving). Too delicate for the littlest ones. A true treasure to behold.

Winter Lullaby. Years ago, this was my very first Chinaberry purchase. It has become one of our family's very favorite children's books. We read it all autumn and all winter.

The Story of the Snow Children. The title makes me laugh a little, because growing up, my siblings and I were the Snow children. (It's our last name.) Anyway, the book is really sweet and the little girl's red coat and bonnet are very design-inspiring. (Amy blogged here about using the bonnet as inspiration for one she made her daughter.)

The Christmas Angels. Oh my gosh, I just love these sweet old-fashioned illustrations and these sweet little angels! It is so cute.

Snow. Such simple text and funny illustrations -- this is a favorite of James, especially.

The Donkey's Christmas Song. This is a beautiful, beautiful book. It's so nice to have special books like this in board book format so that even our littlest reader can enjoy them.

Who is Coming to Our House? This was also a gift from our beloved babysitters. They've been pretty great at picking out the books! This is another favorite of James's. It's a sweet nativity board book, from the animals' perspective. We have several nativity board books and this is by far the best one from a narrative point of view. (B is for Bethlehem has amazing illustrations but no narrative.)

All for the Newborn Baby. This is a lovely lullaby with gorgeous illustrations. It draws on tales from around the world about how the natural world honored baby Jesus.

OK, I'll stop here and try to save a few for next year so that I can continue this annual tradition! I hope you enjoy what you see here and find something that will become a new family favorite in your homes!

Just writing this post has gotten me a little bit into the spirit ... decorations will begin to make their way out next week. I can't wait!

uncommon grace