A Christ-Centered Countdown to Christmas

December can feel busy and overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Creating an Advent book tradition is a beautiful way to slow down and keep Jesus at the center of your family’s Christmas season.

Each night leading up to Christmas, gather together to unwrap and read one special story that points to hope, joy, and the miracle of Christ’s birth. Whether you purchase your books from Amazon, find them secondhand at Goodwill, or borrow them from your local library, these stories will fill your home with peace, wonder, and faith.

Below you’ll find 24 recommended faith-based board books and picture books for children ages 0–9, creative ideas for presenting them, and tips on how to make this nightly tradition meaningful and memorable.

24 Advent Books for Kids (Ages 0–9)

These titles focus on the true meaning of Christmas — the birth of Jesus, the joy of giving, and God’s love made known through His Son.

You can find all 24 books plus more ideas conveniently listed in my Amazon Storefront.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you shop through my links. Thank you so much for supporting my blog + family!

Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale (3–7) — A gentle Nativity story emphasizing kindness and welcome.
Who Is Coming to Our House? (2–5) — Sweet rhyming story about animals preparing for baby Jesus.
The Crippled Lamb (3–7) — A touching story of belonging and God’s purpose for every child.
The Christmas Promise (3–7) — Teaches that God always keeps His promises through Jesus.
The Donkey’s Christmas Song (4–8) — A reminder that everyone has a gift to offer the Savior.
The Friendly Beasts (3–6) — Classic songbook story about animals at the manger.
The Legend of the Christmas Tree (3–6) — Explains the Christian symbolism behind this beloved tradition.
The Story of Christmas by Tomie dePaola (3–8) — A simple retelling of the biblical story with reverence and warmth.
The Stable Where Jesus Was Born (3–7) — Gentle introduction to the Nativity for little ones.
The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving (4–8) — Teaches generosity and the spirit of giving like Jesus.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (6–9) — A story of loss, redemption, and the healing power of love.
The Legend of St. Nicholas (4–8) — Shares the origins of Santa through a lens of Christian giving.
The Light of Christmas (4–8) — Illustrates the beauty of serving others with a willing heart.
The First Christmas Night (3–7) — Beautifully written rhyming retelling of the Nativity.
The Tiny Star (3–8) — A lovely reminder that even the smallest among us have purpose.
God Gave Us Christmas (3–7) — Explains in childlike wonder how God gave us His greatest gift.
The Candymaker’s Gift (5–9) — The story behind the candy cane and its Christian symbolism.
The Legend of the Christmas Stocking (4–8) — A tale of faith, giving, and remembering Christ at Christmas.
Mortimer’s Christmas Manger (3–7) — A mouse learns the true story of Christmas and faith.
The Little Drummer Boy (3–7) — Classic story about using your gifts for Jesus.
Jesus’ Christmas Party (3–8) — A lighthearted, joyful look at the Nativity story.
The Christmas Wish (4–8) — Beautiful illustrations paired with a message of hope and kindness.
The Very First Christmas (5–9) — Bible-based retelling of Christ’s birth.
The Christmas Story: From the Gospels of Matthew and Luke (6–9) — A reverent read-aloud straight from Scripture.

There’s no wrong way to create your Advent countdown! Here are some meaningful ideas your family can try:

1. Wrap and Number Each Book

Wrap each story in festive paper and number them 1–24. Place them in a basket or under the tree. Each night, let your child open that day’s book before bedtime.

2. Christmas Book Basket

Skip the wrapping and fill a cozy basket with all 24 books. Add fairy lights, a small Nativity figurine, or evergreen branches for a simple, faith-filled display.

3. Advent Bags or Stockings

Place books inside 24 small holiday bags or stockings and hang them on a wall or mantle. Label each bag with a number or verse to open nightly.

4. Incorporate Scripture

Before reading each story, open your Bible to a related verse. For example:

Luke 2:10–11 with “Room for a Little One”
John 3:16 with “God Gave Us Christmas”
Isaiah 9:6 with “The First Christmas Night”

This helps children connect every story back to God’s Word.

5. Add Reflection Questions

After reading, ask:

“What did this story teach us about Jesus?”
“How can we show love or kindness like the characters did?”

These simple questions plant seeds of faith and reflection.

Finding Your Advent Books

Building your Advent collection doesn’t have to be expensive! Here are some easy ways to find books:

Amazon Storefront:
I’ve gathered all 24 titles in one easy list on my Amazon Storefront. You can purchase them new or used, often at great prices.
Local Bookstores:
Many small Christian bookstores stock Advent and Nativity books during the holidays. Shopping local supports small business and faith-based publishers.
Goodwill or Thrift Stores:
You’ll be amazed at how many beautiful Christmas books can be found gently used!
Your Local Library:
Borrow a mix of titles and create a “temporary” Advent collection. It’s completely free, and you can swap out books each year for variety.
Book Swaps with Friends:
Trade favorite Christmas stories with other families in your church or homeschool group.

Reading through an Advent book each night is more than just a fun countdown — it’s a way to prepare your hearts for the coming of Christ.

These stories remind us that Christmas isn’t about the gifts under the tree but about the gift of Jesus Himself. Whether your books come from Amazon, the library, or Goodwill, what matters most is gathering together, opening God’s Word, and celebrating Emmanuel — God with us.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” — Luke 2:11

✨ If you’d like to start your own Advent book tradition, you can find all 24 Christ-centered titles in my curated [Amazon Storefront collection here.