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!
Charlie & Amy Morrison14 July 2024 Little Story Shapers is our favourite class! My daughter and I have loved attending each week since she was 6 months old. Sarah is brilliantly engaging when reading the wonderful stories and the props and toys are always lots of fun for the babies. We highly recommend! Bethan Edmondson12 July 2024 We love this class - so fun and the kids have a great time! Katie12 July 2024 We absolutely love story shapers, Sarah creates such a fun and relaxed atmosphere whilst we get transported into the story. we have already signed up for next term (our 4th term already 😊) Kayleigh Jenner11 July 2024 Little Story Shapers is a lovely little class. My daughter has really come out of her shell since we have been going and Sarah is amazing with the kids. I highly recommend xx Melon Felon11 July 2024 Sarah has such a great energy and is brilliant at engaging with the children. You can tell a lot of thought and effort goes into the classes and they always feel really well planned and organised to pack in lots of fun activities that the children love without feeling rushed. We've been going to the confident walkers class since my daughter was around 18 months and she loves them. Sharon Mui10 July 2024 Our little one has been going to Little Story Shapers since he was 5 weeks old. It is so rewarding to see how he has progressed in the class throughout the last 4.5 months! There are activities & sensory stimulations that are appropriate for the different ages in the group (we are in the explorer group which includes babies 0-12 months), and the use of storybook, music and sign languages, as well as sensory activities (e.g. touch, light, motor) is really engaging. Our little one really loves it there and he would smiles whenever we sing the hello/intro song from the class at home! Would highly recommend x Mikeala Gore10 July 2024 Little story shapers is such a lovely class with a unique twist. Sarah is so great with the children and I found most weeks my son crawling over to sit right next to her to listen and play. The range of different sensory toys and songs is great and really liked the relaxed feel to the classes. I would definitely recommend! Amy Bryant10 July 2024 My little one has enjoyed little story shapers! Sarah is lovely & is brilliant with the children. Thanks so much Sarah x Sarah Westwood10 July 2024 Story Shapers is such a lovely class to come to. Sarah is brilliant with the little ones, and will happily be hands on with my twins so one doesn’t miss out on the experience. We’ve really enjoyed coming to this class! Thank you Sarah! Donna Veasey10 July 2024 My boys have loved Sarah’s classes and their love of books has only grown. We read every night although no patch on Sarah. Sadly due to childcare we won’t be back in September but this has been the class they’ve been to the longest. Sarah is really accommodating for twins and helps parents when they have their hands full. I will always recommend Sarah’s classes.