Noelle Newson’s best Christmas stories

In the meantime, we wanted to share Noelle Newson’s best Christmas stories. Noelle runs the bookstore on Lacus Island, and she loves stories! To help your little ones continue reading over Christmas, Noelle has listed her best Christmas stories for you to enjoy! And plenty of them will get you in the festive spirit.

Noelle also has fun Christmas printables that your little ones may enjoy. They can practice their literacy skills by writing their very own Christmas stories. Our activity packs are full of various learning exercises that will offer hours of fun.

What makes the best Christmas stories?

So, before we dive into Noelle’s list, perhaps we should look at what makes a good story. Many of the best Christmas stories have some of these elements. Those features include:

• Vivid imagery/immersive setting
• Themes with meaning, such as a moral lesson
• Developed characters and arcs that are believable and memorable
• Suspense
• Stakes/tension/conflict
• Clear motifs
• Wrap up any loose ends.

Believe it or not, there are some ‘rules’ in storytelling. A lot of the time, these factors find themselves within stories naturally. But the ones that don’t often have clear issues that leave the story feeling uninteresting, unsatisfying or don’t make sense!

Now, let’s see Noelle’s best Christmas stories!

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

A classic story which has been more notably made popular for its movie adaption. However, the book is just as fun as Jim Carey’s rendition. Dr Seuss tells the story of how the Grinch hates festive cheer and wants to ruin Christmas. The fantastically illustrated story sees the Grinch stealing the town’s presents. Yet, by the end he realises that Christmas is never about gifts. It is about the bond we share as families and communities and spreading the Christmas spirit. The Grinch relents on his mission and decides to join the town for the feast. So, the story also has a focus on forgiveness and acceptance. The touching tale has become one of the most recognisable and best Christmas stories.

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Christmas Library by Eric Carle

The original story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar has eaten its way through the hearts of millions of children. This favourite also has a Christmas version, which sees the Caterpillar exploring a home on Christmas Eve.

The library collection is full of Christmas themed learning fun for your kids. It includes Christmas shapes, words, colours and counting! There is no better way to learn than with the world’s favourite caterpillar.

3. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol remains one of the best Christmas stories of all time. The characters are engaging and deeply developed. What is always interesting, is a story about someone you’d regard as a villain. Scrooge goes on a moral and life changing journey of redemption and change. His development serves as a reminder to us of what is most important during Christmas and life in general.

Scrooge develops from a cold-hearted and miserable man, into one that is generous and strives to be better. Stories of positive change are always deeply important in motivating us all to be better. And they are especially beneficial for children and their own development.

Using the spirits of Christmas past, present and future allows Scrooge to see the error of his ways. It is a creative method of motivating a character to change. And it gives a slightly darker tone than that of other Christmas stories. The moral of the story makes A Christmas Carol one of the best Christmas stories and a favourite of Noelle’s.

4. The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher

Ever wondered what a Christmas dinosaur would be like? Pretty awesome if you ask us. Tom Fletcher’s Christmas story sees a boy that loves dinosaurs meet the Christmasaurus on Christmas Eve. The two go on an epic and magical adventure together. The running themes within this story are friendship and family, along with everything Christmassy!

The book is beautifully illustrated by Shane Devries to breathe life into this supposed-to-be-extinct creature, as well as their adventure. It is a magical read for adults and children alike! Easily making it one of Noelle’s best Christmas stories.

5. A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore

More commonly known as ‘The Night Before Christmas’, this poem is one of the most famous and best Christmas stories.

Although it is in the structure of a poem, it still stands as one of the best Christmas stories. This poem has a steady and seamless rhyme scheme to keep you and your kids engaged. The motif of all things festive like nutcrackers, reindeer and snow are enough to make even the Grinch feel festive.

We hope you enjoy Noelle’s best Christmas stories! There are plenty more Christmas stories/books out there to enjoy. But these are particularly special and will be adored by your little ones.

Need ideas for activities?

Finding activities to do with kids can sometimes be a challenge. If you are looking for ideas, we have more at Santa Academy. Our app launches November 2022! You can download several activities from our activity packs. We have several to choose from, inspired by our different factions. You can learn how to care for pets and practice PE with Reindeer Recruit. Learn how plastic damages the environment and how different cultures celebrate Christmas with Fairy Fellow. Make slime and candy with Elf Ed!

Keep up with Santa Academy

You can find new stories every day on the Lacus Herald! Your little one can stay up to date with all their favourite characters, as well as the latest news. At Santa Academy, your little one can join Reindeer Recruit, Fairy Fellow or enrol into Elf Ed! Lacus Island features 70+ characters, 50+ buildings, 19 unique shops and its own TV and radio stations.

Lacus Herald

Many children have missed out on their learning due to the pandemic. We know how crucial it is to help kids catch up. That was one of the reasons for launching our learning resources. Our resources aim to keep kids reading and give families something they can enjoy together.

We know our resources have been a great help to those home-schooling children. So, we are not stopping there! On the Lacus Herald, we will be publishing stories and news updates daily, written by our Author, Jill. Your kids can catch up with their favourite characters and continue their learning in a fun environment. Designed to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Find more fun, festive tips and ideas, such as:

• Easy Christmas crafts for kids
• Christmas printables
• Things to do near you for Christmas
• Christmas activity book ideas
• Christmas art ideas
• Christmas party ideas for kids
• Tips for helping kids to read
• Christmas baking for kids
• Christmas countdown ideas for your family
• Christmas writing ideas
• And many more!