One of my absolute favorite things to do before Christmas is to cuddle up on the couch with my children and read Christmas stories. A Visit from Saint Nicholas, A Christmas Carol–we love them all!
When we became Orthodox over ten years ago, it was only natural that I sought out Orthodox books to add to our Christmas collection. Some of these books became my children’s all-time favorites, and today I wanted to share them with you!
8 Children’s Books for the Nativity Fast
1.St. Nicholas and The Nine Gold Coins by Jim Forest
This beautifully illustrated book shares a story of the beloved saint. My children are also fascinated by the facts about Saint Nicholas at the end of the book.
2. The Miracle of St. Nicholas by Gloria Whelan
This is a lovely story about a church called St. Nicholas in Russia that was closed under communism and reopened on Christmas Eve thanks to the faith and work of a young boy. I tear up every time I read it aloud to my kids!
3. The Birth of Christ in Icons by Marina Paliaki
This board book uses icons to tell the story of Christ’s birth from The Annunciation to The Presentation at the Temple. My children especially enjoyed this book when they were younger. I believe that babies and young children are drawn to icons and the spiritual truths contained in them. Mine certainly loved kissing the Theotokos in The Birth of Christ in Icons!
4. Lucia, Saint of Light by Katherine Bolger Hyde
A lovely retelling of the life of a popular saint. If your daughter is at all like mine, she will walk around dressed up like Saint Lucia for weeks after reading this book!
5. The Saint Nicholas Day Snow by Charlotte Riggle
A compelling story that brings back all of your child’s favorite characters from Catherine’s Pascha. We gave this to our godson for his birthday this year!
6. Heaven Meets Earth: Celebrating Pascha and the Twelve Feasts by John Kosmas Skinas
A beautiful book that explains each of the twelve great feasts of the Church–including the Nativity. With icons, hymns, Scriptures, and quotes from the Fathers, and traditions explained, your family will use this resource for years to come.
7. Welcoming the Christ Child by Elissa Bjeletich
Our family has been reading this book together during the Nativity Fast this year, and my kids eagerly ask for it each night. The book contains one story of the history of salvation–beginning with the Creation and ending with the Nativity–for each of the 40 days of the Fast. We also purchased the ornaments that go along with the book, which may be our kids’ favorite part.
What are your family’s favorite books for the Nativity?
(This article contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog.)
