This post is sponsored by Quarto but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
There’s something about the holidays that always takes me back to my childhood: the smell of fresh-baked cookies floating throughout the house, hot cocoa in our tiny hands, and cozy evenings spent reading by the glow of the Christmas tree. My brother and I would curl up in matching pajamas, as we listened to magical stories that felt like they belonged in our family. Those phone-free nights—VHS movies, board games, and bedtime stories—weren’t just traditions. They were little rituals that made the season feel so special.
Now, in a world full of screens and jam-packed schedules, parents are craving those nostalgic moments with their kids, too. We’re tired of the holiday overwhelm, and thankfully, recreating that old-school, magical holiday feeling doesn’t require much. That’s why we’ve curated a cozy, ’90s-inspired family holiday reading list featuring beautifully illustrated Christmas books that transport kids and parents back to simpler times. These stories are perfect for sparking conversation, imagination, and connection while creating the kind of warm memories this time of year always brings.
The ’90s gave us some of the most heartwarming family holiday traditions. Baking gingerbread cookies with frosting-stained aprons, singing along to Christmas carols on cassette tapes, and gathering for a story before bed. No smartphones, and just fewer distractions all around. Moments like these were simple, but they left a lasting impression: laughter, comfort, and the feeling that the holidays paused the hustle of everyday life.
It makes sense that parents are looking for ways to bring back that sense of intentional togetherness this year in particular, and reading with your children is one of the easiest ways to do that.
Turning storytime into a ritual doesn’t have to be complicated:
These small moments are more than just reading—they’re a chance to pause, connect, and create sweet memories that can last a lifetime.
Nothing brings that nostalgic holiday magic to life quite like a well-loved Christmas book. From musical storybooks to interactive craft guides, this collection is perfect for kids of all ages. Here’s our curated family holiday reading list:
As magical as it is imaginative, this book is great for sparking fun bedtime conversations about Santa’s world. With classic illustrations and heartwarming themes of kindness and generosity, it’s a perfect addition to your cozy nights.
Bring the classic holiday ballet to life with musical buttons, a retelling of The Nutcracker story, and sensory engagement that kids love. A nod to a timeless childhood favorite, it’s a fun way to introduce little ones to Tchaikovsky’s timeless tale.
Ever wondered how Santa became Santa? This playful take on his childhood adventures is full of imaginative details and curious fun.
Perfect for hands-on, screen-free activities, this treasury invites families to bake, craft, and gift in true ’90s-style holiday spirit.
This interactive musical book is ideal for younger kids, evoking the joy of Christmas carols, singalongs, and musical storybooks that so many of us remember from our childhoods.
Explore global holiday traditions with this lift-the-flap book, connecting kids to diverse cultures and inclusive celebrations. It’s a very thoughtful way to expand curiosity and values alongside festive fun.
Bring ’90s classroom-style crafts home with DIY projects that pair perfectly with storytime. From homemade ornaments to family activities, it’s full of ways to express creativity.
A silly twist on holiday storytelling, this one will your little ones giggling. It adds a fun, unexpected balance to your collection—perfect for kids who enjoy a little whimsy alongside classic holiday magic.
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This post is sponsored by Quarto but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
