Are there books you always read in the run up to Christmas?

"How Far To Bethlehem?" by Norah Lofts. It's a wonderful take on the nativity story from the points of view of various characters.

Nelliemoser, the Dylan Thomas sounds lovely. Thank you.

The Dylan Thomas is a lovely book Wheniwasyourage and really comes alive when he reads it.
A few years ago there was a TV play about a school nativity. The children were all played by adults, I remember Josie Lawrence and Stephen Tomkinson were in it. I thought it was very good and I've always been surprised that it hasn't been repeated.

A story called 'A String of Blue Beads' in booklet form by The Reader's Digest.
Also family tradition of reading aloud 'The Night before Christmas' and watching 'It's a Wonderful World'. All get you in that warm, benevolent feeling. Let's hope it spreads across the whole of the year!!

Just found my copy of A Child's Christmas in Wales - illustrated by Edward Ardizzone! Absolute bliss! I can't think of anyone today who can use language like Dylan Thomas, it just begs to be read aloud.

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper, a family tradition, and The League Against Christmas by Michael Curtin because it's clever and funny.

Very pleased I managed to find a used, but in good condition Lanterns Across the Snow.

I've just got hold of a copy of The Dark is Rising Aurelia and I'm really enjoying it. I seem to have missed it somehow when my children were young.

I'm glad you are enjoying it Deedaa , I've a copy of the Tolkien Father Christmas letters (in envelopes) that gets brought out on Christmas Eve, and always brings back happy memories.

There is something really magical about the best Christmas books isn't there? You don't seem to get it at other times of the year. I can remember curling up under the Christmas tree (Complete with candles) when I was very young and reading a Christmas Carol. Of course there was a lot that I didn't understand and quite a lot that was frightening - but I can still remember the atmosphere and the smell of pine needles.