An Advent Book & Movie Tradition

During advent we wrap up loads of advent books that we've collected over the years. Each evening we have one of our children open a book to read as a family. Then we choose a favorite story for the week and pair it with our Friday Family Movie night to watch a related film.

 

  • The Polar Express

    by Chris Van Allsburg

    Read then watch the Feature Film bearing the same name.

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  • Miracle on 34th Street

    by Valentine Davies

    Enjoy either version of this classic film (1947 or 1994).

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  • The Donkey's Dream

    by Barbara Helen Berger

    After reading, enjoy watching "The Star" with your family to follow along with the Holy Family through the eyes of the donkey.

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  • The Greatest Gift

    by Philip Van Doren Stern

    This delightful short story is the basis for Frank Capra's classic Christmas movie. It's a Wonderful Life. I hope your family enjoys both forms of this evocative tale.

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  • A Charlie Brown Christmas

    by Charles M. Schulz

    After reading this beloved Christmas book to your kiddos, you can enjoy one of the shortest films on this list with the 30 minute A Charlie Brown Christmas, originally released in 1965.

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  • The Little Drummer Boy

    by Ezra Jacks Keats

    After enjoying the book (and hopefully singing the song!) enjoy the 1968 Claymation Christmas Movie The Little Drummer Boy.

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  • The Christmas Carol

    by Charles Dickens

    After enjoying this Illustrated Classic with your Kiddos, you can have your pick of over 100 adaptations of the story in film including: Marley's Ghost (a 1901 short silent British Film), the 1908 A Christmas Carol staring Thomas Ricketts as Scrooge, Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (the first animated version), A Christmas Carol: The Musical, The 1970 version Scrooge, and many other versions until the Latest version featuring Jim Carrey.

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  • White Christmas

    by Jody Rosen

    This book is for older readers and parents alike, chronicles the story and culture behind the making of one of America's greatest Christmas Carol. A compelling read to go with the classic 1942 song and 1954 American musical White Christmas.

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  • Frosty the Snowman

    by Diane Muldrow

    Enjoy this loveable tale with your children, then enjoy the 1969 claymation Christmas Classic bearing the same title as this book.

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  • The Elf

    As told to David Berenbaum by Buddy Hobbs.

    Read this fun book that parallels the feature film Elf staring Will Ferrell

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  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas

    by Dr. Seuss

    After reading this classic Children's book, enjoy the 2000 film following the same story line

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  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

    by Robert L. May

    After reading about this lead Reindeer, enjoy the 1964 claymation movie.

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  • The Nutcracker

    by New York City Ballet

    This classical story is an 1892 two-act classical ballet by Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky. Enjoy the book, the ballet, and the 1993 or 2018 film.

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  • The Snowman

    by Raymond Briggs

    After enjoying this wordless and beautifully illustrated children's book enjoy the 1982 British animated film and symphonic poem.

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