Tree of Cranes by Allen Say: a Japanese mother surprises her young son by teaching him about Christmas.
Good King Wenceslas by John M. Neale & Tim Ladwig: Esther wanted me to read this one every night. It is the lyrics of the classic song set to illustrations. She preferred the sung version.
Apple Tree Christmas by Trinka Hakes Noble: A story of a young artist and the winter she realized how well her father knew and loved her.
My Prairie Christmas by Brett Harvey & Deborah Kogan Ray: a pioneer family's first Christmas on the prairie, away from their family in Maine. Reminiscent of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck and Mark Buehner: The story of a 15 year old boy and how he first realized his father loved him and tried to give him a gift to express his love back.
Winter's Gift by Jane Monroe Donovan: a widower's first Christmas alone and a miracle of love brought by caring for a wild horse.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston & Barbara Cooney: A little girl and her mother do their best to prepare for Christmas while the father is away fighting in WWI.
An Early American Christmas by Tomie dePaola: a German family brings many new Christmas traditions to a New England town.
Christmas Tree Memories by Aliki: a family gathers around the tree on Christmas Eve discussing the memories sparked by each of their Christmas ornaments.
