Celebrate Winter Holidays Around the World with Inclusive Holiday Stories!

The holiday season is a time for gathering, sharing traditions, and celebrating what makes each culture and family unique. Winter brings a variety of holidays—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and many others—each with its own meaningful rituals and stories. One of the best ways to experience the richness of these traditions is through books, which can introduce children to new customs and help them celebrate their own.

Here’s a selection of inclusive, beautifully illustrated children’s books that offer a window into holiday traditions from different cultures. From winter solstice festivals to acts of kindness during Hanukkah, these stories highlight the warmth, gratitude, and togetherness that make the season so special.

The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Carson Ellis

Celebrate the Winter Solstice

"The Shortest Day" by Susan Cooper, with illustrations by Carson Ellis, captures the wonder and magic of the winter solstice. Originally written as a poem, this book brings readers back to ancient celebrations of the solstice, the shortest day of the year. With stunning, atmospheric illustrations, it explores the joy and gratitude that people feel as they welcome the return of the sun’s light. This timeless story is an ideal read for families interested in learning about one of humanity’s oldest winter traditions and for those seeking a moment of reflection during the busy holiday season.

Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon and Richard Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel

Celebrate Hanukkah and Acts of Kindness

In "Oskar and the Eight Blessings," young Oskar, a Jewish refugee, arrives in New York City in 1938 on the seventh night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve. Alone in a bustling new city, Oskar sets off to find his Aunt Esther, guided by his father’s reminder to look for kindness in the world. Along the way, he encounters many acts of kindness from people who help him find his way. The story captures the spirit of both Hanukkah and Christmas through themes of compassion and resilience, showing how the light of kindness can brighten even the darkest days. This story is a heartfelt reminder of the power of community, empathy, and love.

The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, illustrated by Ellen Beier

Celebrate Christmas on the Sioux Reservation

"The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood" offers a glimpse into Christmas traditions on the Sioux reservation through the eyes of young Virginia. Based on author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve’s own childhood, this story reflects the unique challenges and joys of a holiday season marked by generosity and gratitude. Virginia hopes for a warm coat as the winter chill sets in, but when the parish arrives with donations, another girl receives the coat she had wanted. Virginia’s journey teaches readers about patience, humility, and the true spirit of giving. The book’s themes resonate across cultures, showing how even modest celebrations can be filled with warmth and meaning.

Additional Holiday Book Recommendations

If you’re looking for even more inclusive holiday stories, here are a few additional titles that celebrate different traditions and cultures around the world:

• Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto – A Christmas story centered on family, togetherness, and the Mexican tradition of making tamales.

• Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington – A heartwarming story about a young rabbit’s search for the perfect Kwanzaa gift that represents the spirit of community.

• Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis – A tale of unity, family, and generosity that introduces young readers to Kwanzaa's seven principles.

  
  

Why Inclusive Holiday Stories Matter

Reading about winter holidays from various cultures broadens children’s understanding of the world and fosters empathy. When kids see holiday traditions that reflect their own lives, it strengthens their cultural pride. And for those learning about different traditions, it helps them appreciate the ways that different cultures celebrate love, light, and hope.

These books are not only great reads but are also conversation starters about kindness, family, and gratitude. We invite you to add one (or all!) of these beautiful, inclusive stories to your holiday reading list and experience the joy of learning about winter traditions from around the world.

Happy reading and happy holidays!