The Tall Book of Christmas

The Tall Book of Christmas, by Gertrude Elliott Espenscheid and Dorothy Hall Smith, is one of the best collection of Christmas stories. As a child, this book was a must read during the Christmas season. As a mom, I read stories to my children from this book and read the Story of Christ's birth on Christmas eve, every year.

Christmas Tree in Savannah, Georgia

This is a wonderful collection of stories, poems, and songs. A favorite story is that of the Christmas Rose and Granny Mittens. The Christmas Rose tells of a young girl who was saddened by the fact she had no gift for Jesus. From her tears grew a beautiful rose. The story of Granny mittens (like so many in the book) is light hearted. It tells of an elderly woman who ends up knitting edible mittens. The mittens are a hit and the story ends up being a happy ending.

Other stories include that of a bear who helps guide Santa's sleigh, a group of children in a kingdom without Christmas, Christmas Around the World, and The Night Before Christmas. There is so much in the book including songs such as, I Saw Three Ships and Wassail. Kids and grown-ups alike will love it, and it is fun to read all year long.

The Tall Book of Christmas will definitely fill one with the spirit of the holidays.