December is a perfect time to bond and create memories with your students. A great way to do that is to share some Christmas read alouds.
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My students and I became very intrigued about the history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree last year as the lighting of the tree was approaching. We did some research and created a tree timeline of its history.
This year, I decided it would be a great introduction to the lesson to share one of the following Christmas read alouds focused around the Rockefeller Center Tree.
The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree
This book starts off during the Great Depression era. It introduces the first Christmas tree to ever be erected in Rockefeller Center. It is based on the true story of the Rockefeller Tree and how they use the lumber to build for families in need thru Habitat for Humanity.
This book lends itself perfectly as a Christmas ELA activity when reviewing plot.
I like to use it for a model lesson with students. After reading the book, we take notes, and then create a Candy Cane Plot Map.
The Christmas Owl: Based on the True Story of a Little Owl Named Rockefeller
This charming book is based on a little owl found nestled in the 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The most charming thing about this book is that it is cowritten by Ellen Kalish, the caretaker of the real owl found in the tree.
Everybody’s Tree
This book follows the life of a little boy and a tree as the boy grows to become a father and later a grandfather. Towards the end of the trees life, at almost 80 years old, it is selected to be the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for all to enjoy hence becoming Everybody’s Tree.
The Christmas Tree Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Came to New York City
The Christmas Tree Tugboat tells the real life story of a how a tree traveled up the Hudson River into New York Harbor on a tugboat. It is coauthored by George Matteson, the captain of the tugboat.
There are some other beautifully written books centered around Christmas trees. Here are a few of our favorites.
A Wish to be a Christmas Tree
This book is truly a touching tale. It is written in a type of poetic verse. An old tree has always longed to be chosen as a Christmas tree. However, it is never chosen because it is simply too large. The trees in the forest empathize and decide to decorate him as a Christmas tree to repay him for all that he does for him.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree
The story is set during World War I. It tells the story of a local tradition in which a family choses a Christmas tree for the village. It is Ruthie’s family’s turn to chose the tree, but her father is away at the war. This beautiful tale will have you teary-eyed as it ends.
When sharing read alouds, it is important to share multicultural books. Here is a list of some of our favorite multicultural Christmas books.
The Legend of the Poinsettia
This Mexican legend tells the legend of how the poinsettia came to be. The main character is a little girl. Her mother is asked to make a new blanket for the baby Jesus in their procession. Her mother agrees, but then she becomes too sick to finish it.
The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll
This heartwarming picture book tells the story of a family during the Great Depression. All Nella is hoping for this year is a Baby Betty doll. Her wish comes true but not without some challenges. Is this truly “All she’s ever wanted?”
This book is a perfect addition to a unit on theme.
Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem
Maya Angelou’s moving Christmas poem, which she first read at the 2005 White House tree-lighting ceremony, comes alive in this beautifully illustrated children’s book. This book tells the story of a family celebrating the holidays with their community which includes rich and poor, black and white, Christian, Muslim, and Jew.
The Christmas Coat: Memories of my Sioux Childhood
Virginia tells the story of a childhood memory that took place one frigid South Dakota winter. Her coat was too small, and as Christmas approaches, all the children on the Sioux reservation look forward to receiving boxes full of clothing sent by congregations in the East. Virginia sees a beautiful fur coat that she longs to own, but one of her classmates claims it first. Virginia later receives a very unexpected gift.
I hope this list of the best Christmas read alouds for upper elementary gives you some great suggestions. Make sure to check out some great December team building activities you can also implement in your classroom this month.
