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!
New for the 2022 holiday season, this empowering book sees Mrs. Claus giving advice to an elf in need. Very sweet, and a nice addition to your Christmas bookshelf.
This clever book reimagines a Christmas favorite to celebrate soul food. You'll really get a kick out of the clever language!
An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa, this lovely book is an instant classic. The rhyming is just delightful, and the bright photos are really fun.
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!
Okay, the illustrations in this book might be some of my favorite ever. This story set in NYC is a great new addition to your Christmas bookshelf.
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!
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!
This jazzy retelling of a Christmas favorite is sure to delight the entire family.
What happens when Santa Claus gets sick? It's up to a little girl and Mrs. Claus to figure things out!
The classic holiday poem is updated with an African American family and is sure to spread the same amount of joy as the original!
Iconic writer Maya Angelou's beautiful Christmas poem celebrates peace in the holiday season.
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.
Hans Christian Anderson's classic story is transformed into a beautiful version that reflects what's going on today in our society.
This beautifully illustrated version of the beloved Christmas song is perfect to remind the family about the reason for the season.
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 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!
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!
Linda
Sunday 13th of November 2022
Under the Christmas Tree, by Nikki Grimes and Kadir Nelson
The Night Before Christmas in Africa, by Jesse Foster, Hannah Foster, Carroll Foster, illustrated by Jean Christodoulou
Every Other Christmas, by Katie Otey
Twas the Night Before Christmas: An African-American Version, by Melodye Benson Rosales
brandijeter
Tuesday 27th of December 2022
Thank you, Linda! Great suggestions that I'll add to the list!
Linda
Sunday 13th of November 2022
Under the Christmas Tree Hardcover, by Nikki Grimes and Kadir Nelson
Night Before Christmas in Africa, The, by Jesse Foster, Hannah Foster, Carroll Foster, illustrated by Jean Christodoulou
Every Other Christmas, by Katie Otey
Twas the Night Before Christmas: An African-American Version, by Melodye Benson Rosale
Ciara Hill
Monday 13th of December 2021
Book Recommendation- "Soulful Holidays" (Picture Book)- An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa!
brandijeter
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
Thank you so much for the recommendation! I'll add it to the list!
Mindy Brouse
Tuesday 30th of November 2021
Really?! Or are you messing with me? Because I"d be thrilled. I host a podcast (Bookend Homeschoolers) and we are doing a Christmas read aloud episode and I am frustrated by the lack of POC chapter books. Lots of beautiful picture books, but I hate that my list for chapter books will be so white. I hope you do write it. I'll be first in line to purchase.
brandijeter
Tuesday 30th of November 2021
No, I'm serious! I'm going to check out your podcast and connect with you!
Mindy Brouse
Saturday 27th of November 2021
Ok. Please write one. I’m looking for Christmas chapter books by POC authors…. None. :(
brandijeter
Sunday 28th of November 2021
You know what, Mindy. I have an idea for one. Let me get on this!