The Christmas season brings stories that are rich in love, humility and gifts of the heart. I’ve gathered some outstanding books for all ages that emulate the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas Jars Reunion, by Jason F. Wright, continues where the “Christmas Jars” left off with Hope, and her life after being reunited with her biological mother two years before. As she becomes intertwined with love interests, her life seems complicated and she’s at odds of which path to take. The opening chapters place you in Chuck’s old-fashioned “Chicken-n-Biscuits” diner where Chuck’s passing is not mourned, but celebrated. The author has an uncanny ability to portray humor even in such difficult situations. But his greatest talent is placing on the written page the emotions of the heart, and the cherished moments felt, when giving a year’s collection of change away in a glass jar. This wonderful book has characters that come alive and through their acts of kindness, you’ll likely find yourself immersed with the same attitude! Give this book, along with a jar, this Christmas!

Penny’s Christmas Jar Miracle, by Jason F. Wright, and illustrated by Ben Sowards, is a picture book that continues the story of saving money throughout the year and then unexpectedly placing a jar at someone’s door at Christmas. Young Penny decides to have her family save for the entire neighborhood instead of just one person. But there is a twist of fate waiting when an elderly neighbor, who supported Penny throughout the year by buying many hot chocolates from her, becomes very ill. This tender story will pull at your heart and tear-ducts as the lesson taught is very powerful!

The Christmas Sweater, by Glenn Beck, and illustrated by Brandon Dorman, is the picture book adapted from the longer version of the book. The essence of receiving and giving gifts is culminated succinctly in this simple portrayal at Christmas. A young boy departs on a dream-like journey one night with his grandpa and discovers that the gift of a homemade sweater turns from disappointment to desire because of who made it. Children will quickly and easily understand what Christmas is all about from this beautiful book!

Christmas for a Dollar, by Gale Sears, and illustrated by Ben Sowards, is based on a true account of a family during the Great Depression as the Christmas season draws near. The difficulties of the times, as well as the passing of mother, and father’s meager wages going to pay doctor’s bills for one of his children’s polio, sets the tone of the story.  When dad comes up with a plan to bring cheer, happiness and love into the Christmas spirit, his children are thrilled. He places a dollar in change in a tin can and tells the children to pick out a name from the family in his hat. He tells them that they are to do something, or make something, special for that member and the change is to help “if you need a little money.” The acts of kindness, sacrifice and love prevail throughout this story and will surely make a lasting impression of the Christmas Spirit!

Christmas on Mill Street, by Joseph Walker, is a fiction book about fourth grader, Sam, who has recently moved from Arizona to Utah and has no experience with snow. He wants to be part of the “boys” in the neighborhood by attempting the harrowing feat of sledding down the very steep and twisting Mill Street – and surviving. This hilarious historical fiction takes place in 1962 and would be a perfect read aloud for the entire family (with only 133 pages).

The concluding books are fun Christmas stories that will be great reading during this season and all but the first and last books are picture books.  Disney has recently published Christmas Storybook Collection, which has 18 Christmas tales that originate from their movies such as “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” and “Monsters, Inc. Christmas Laughs”.  Merry Christmas, Splat, by Rob Scotton, is a delightful book about a nonsensical cat who doesn’t think he’s been good enough to receive a visit from Santa.  I Love Christmas, by Anna Walker, is a simple rhyming tale of why a young child loves this special holiday. Auntie Claus: Home for the Holidays, by Elise Primavera, is an adventure whenever magical Auntie Claus is involved. Young Sophie is in the nutcracker in New York City so Auntie decides to bring the North Pole to the big city and excitement and trouble ensue. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, based on E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story, and brilliantly illustrated by Gail deMarcken, will whisk you away to a land of toy soldiers, mice and kings. A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, and illustrated by Brett Helquist, retells this classic tale with power and simplicity. The new movie by the same title, has a movie storybook that is also very well done. The Christmas Magic, by Lauren Thompson, and beautifully illustrated by Jon J. Muth, tells of all that Santa prepares prior to leaving his home in order to visit youngsters that night, making it a perfect book to read before little ones go to bed on Christmas Eve.  Four Friends at Christmas, by Tomie dePaola, is a wonderful celebration of the season as the best friends of Mister Frog wake him up out of hibernation in order to celebrate. And for ages nine and up, The Christmas Genie, by Dan Gutman, and illustrated by Dan Santat, has a meteor slamming into a fifth grade classroom and a genie appears who grants them any wish for Christmas as long as they can all decide on the wish within an hour. This book is highly entertaining and hilarious!