One of my favourite Christmas traditions has always been snuggling up with my girls to read a festive story. Growing up, my Dad would read Santa Claus Has a Busy Night to me and my brother every Christmas Eve, and I still remember the way his voice brought the magic of the season to life. Now, I carry on that tradition with my girls, and there’s something so special about seeing their little faces light up as we turn each page. Whether it’s a classic tale or a newer one with interactive elements, Christmas books have this incredible way of capturing the wonder of the season and creating moments we all treasure.
For me, these stories aren’t just about Christmas—they’re about connection, imagination, and starting little traditions that our children might pass down one day. Plus, with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, taking a moment to sit together with a good book feels like the perfect way to slow down and soak it all in.
My top favourite is called ‘Santa Claus had a Busy Night‘ – it’s an old ladybird book my Dad used to read to me every Christmas eve and I’ve carried on this tradition with my girls. I clearly remembering reading it to Connie when she was just 3 weeks old, bouncing on my birthing ball because this was the best way to comfort her and get her off to sleep!! The story is a traditional, heart-warming tale of how Santa gets ready on Christmas Eve and delivers all the presents to children around the world. I remember being fascinated by the page where Santa goes from hot countries to cold countries – this concept is one that not all children may initially grasp so it’s a good talking point about how Christmas isn’t cold for everyone. It also addresses how some children may not be staying at their own homes or have a chimney and finally it finishes with a lovely message of how it’s important to be grateful for what you have received.
After discovering there’s a problem with the rockets on Santa’s sleigh, Mrs Claus and Santa set about auditioning all the animals in the North Pole to see if they can help pull Santa’s sleigh. They finally discover that reindeers can fly and that they are the perfect animal to pull Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve and save Christmas. This endearing, modern tale with wonderful illustrations also features an informative page at the end which explains how all of Santas reindeer must be females as males shed their antlers in the winter. Buy this book here.
This book is part of a series of books by Tom Flether which is a hilarious Christmas addition to your bookshelf! It’s full of funny, interactive activities for children to do as the story unfolds, like shaking the book, telling jokes and singing a Christmas song. Fantastic for engaging children in reading and checking your officially on the nice list! Buy this book here.
An award winning book, which takes you on the adventures of the Jolly Postman as he delivers letters to all his fairy tale classic friends such as the Little Red Riding Hood, The Gingerbread Man and Humpty Dumpty. Inside the book there are a whole host of letters with activities, puzzles and games, making it an enjoyable, interactive book to read together and also inspire other activities such a letter writing and postman role-play games. Buy this book here.
For our younger readers this book is part of the ‘Tale of Acorn Wood’ series by Julia Donaldson. Filled with gorgeous flaps for our children to open this wintery tale is a brilliant one to read this Christmas. Buy this book here.
If you’re looking to spark your child’s imagination and build their confidence this Christmas and beyond, why not join one of our interactive, sensory storytelling and drama classes? Designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (from newborns up to age 5), our sessions in Essex provide the perfect opportunity to shape your child’s creativity, communication skills, and love for learning—all while having plenty of festive fun!
Book your spot here and watch your little one’s confidence grow through the magic of storytelling and play. We can’t wait to welcome you at our next class!
Katherine Barber9 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son has loved this class. It's so thoughtfully designed and is a great way to keep them loving stories, whilst also introducing sign language. Sarah is incredible and we are so thankful we joined this class Abby9 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Been coming with my daughter since she was a few months old and it's our favourite baby class by far. Her little face lights up when she sees Sarah, who is really friendly and interactive and she has gained so much confidence in this class. She is now obsessed with story time and I would recommend this class to any mamas :) Vanessa Abankwah9 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gabby absolutely loves Little Story Shapers, and a big part of that is thanks to Teacher Sarah! She has a wonderful way of making each class engaging, creative, and fun. Sarah is patient, encouraging, and truly brings out the best in the kids’ imaginations. Her passion for storytelling shines through, and it’s clear she genuinely cares about her students. We’re so grateful to have found this class! Grace Chan9 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My LO absolutely love Little Story Shapers time. This is the only kid group that I stick along with. Thank you Sarah for the lovely classes. rachel few9 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were recommended Little Story Shapers by a friend and have loved every single session. Sarah is incredible with the children and brings every story to life through song and opportunities for play. It has been lovely to watch my son grow in confidence, enjoy class routines and explore a wide range of books all whilst having fun with friends. We look forward to our Wednesdays every week - thank you Sarah ! Val Goszka9 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been attending 2 different classes of LSS with three of my grandchildren for about a year now. They all love it, and so do I. Lots of learning through play and storytelling. Both Sarah and Elaine are wonderful at leading the classes and everybody is very friendly - mums, dad, and grandparents. Every week is a different book, with great music, songs and props. Jemma Fowler9 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started Little Story Shapers with my little girl when she was around 4 & a half months (now 14 months). As a first time mum, full of anxiety, I was very nervous to attend but I instantly felt more at ease the moment the first class started! We have attended both the Springfield & Beaulieu sessions & Sarah, Cat & Elaine are all very warm & welcoming ladies. The balance of a relaxed approach but also incredibly well planned sessions is so beneficial for both of us! We look forward to attending every week to see her little friends & catch up with the other mummies. Little Story Shapers will always be a special part of my motherhood journey 🥰 Grace Hull9 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Little Story Shapers enough! I found Sarah's classes through searching for more reading-based baby classes, but what Sarah delivers is so much more! Sign language, sensory play, drama, world building all while bringing books to life and instilling a love of reading. My little girl loves the classes (as do I - they're actually really fun for the parents), and even though I am going back to work I have organised things so that I can continue bringing her as I just think they're so beneficial. Thank you, Sarah! Samantha Button9 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We look forward to this class every week! The mix of sensory play and reading along with a story book really set this apart from other classes. I love the mixture of modern books, and childhood classics! Alice Purchese9 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Florence has absolutely loved this class, it has been fantastic to watch her confidence grow each week crawling around and exploring all the toys and props. Thank you to everyone for being so friendly, it’s always hard joining a new class but everyone has been so warm and welcoming, it’s a lovely atmosphere.