Celebrate the holidays in color with these favorite African-American Christmas books!
So many of my favorite memories growing up are from Christmas time.
The women in my family have always been enthusiastic about the holiday season.
From the decorations to the food, they left nothing undone when it was time to celebrate.
Everything I learned about Christmas is from them.
I love being able to share the traditions I had as a child with my own children. I’m also creating my own traditions.
For example, my children love to read, so I keep an eye out for multicultural books about the holidays.
There are a million preschool books about Christmas.
Finding books that feature African Americans specifically isn’t always easy, though.
Where are the Black Christmas books?
It’s just like trying to find a Black Santa Claus or Nutcracker.
It can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
When I see one, I snatch it up because, unfortunately, I may not see another.
In looking for African American Christmas books, I realize that I might need to write one.
I mean, I am an author, so that’s not so farfetched.
Until then, though, I rounded up ten really sweet Christmas books featuring Black characters and joyful, spirited stories.
Which book is your favorite?
African American Christmas Books
Looking for African-American books to help you celebrate the holidays? You'll want to add these to your bookshelf!
Carla and the Christmas Cornbread
Our favorite chef, Carla Hall, has written a sweet holiday tale about a little girl who has to make things right after taking a bite of Santa's cookie. A new release, this is sure to be a Christmas favorite from this point on!
The Real Santa
A sweet story about a little boy who stays up to see what the REAL Santa looks like. A new release this Christmas, you'll read it over and over again!
I Got the Christmas Spirit
From sleigh bells ringing and carolers singing, the sweet little girl in this book is engaging in the holidays and you'll want to follow along!
The Day Santa Got Sick
What happens when Santa Claus gets sick? It's up to a little girl and Mrs. Claus to figure things out!
The Night Before Christmas: An African American Retelling
The classic holiday poem is updated with an African American family and is sure to spread the same amount of joy as the original!
Amazing Peace
Iconic writer Maya Angelou's beautiful Christmas poem celebrates peace in the holiday season.
The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll
Will Nella share the gift she's been longing for with her baby sister? Find out in this heartwarming story set during the Great Depression.
The Little Match Girl
Hans Christian Anderson's classic story is transformed into a beautiful version that reflects what's going on today in our society.
Silent Night
This beautifully illustrated version of the beloved Christmas song is perfect to remind the family about the reason for the season.
Mim's Christmas Jam
When Pap can't get home from Christmas, the kids in the family have to figure out a way to make sure the spirit of the holidays makes its way to Pap.
Grace at Christmas
Grace isn't thrilled to share the holiday with visiting family, but thankfully Nana helps her tap into her generous spirit and make Christmas special for her visitors!
Does Santa Look Like Me?
Representation matters, even when it comes to Santa! AJ is disappointed that Santa doesn't reflect who he is. Fortunately, this book affirms AJ, and other Black kids!
Representation Matters
There’s something really special about seeing yourself represented in books.
Watching my children point out characters and say things like, “That looks like Daddy!” warms my heart.
We need more diverse holiday books, but for now, this is a start.
Looking for books about Jesus and Christmas? Here’s a list to help you!
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