Just within the past few months, Michael has been all about getting a bedtime story read to him.  Because of that, this year's countdown has been more exciting than it has been the last two years.  You can read about last year's countdown here, Twenty-four Days of Christmas Books.  I had completely forgot to take a picture of all the books before my mom wrapped them for me.  Most of the books used last year are being used again this year.  I will post a weekly update of what was picked out and read.

December 24th's, Christmas Eve, book was The Christmas Sweater.  A wonderful story that says that homemade presents are the best because they are filled with so much love.  A lesson that all children should be taught not just during Christmas, but all year round.
Since it was Christmas Eve and the final book, we just handed it to Michael to unwrap.  Hope you all enjoyed following our Christmas countdown as much as we loved doing.  Hopefully this gives you some ideas on how to do your own Christmas stories countdown with your own children.  This year went over a lot better than last, so we will definitely be doing this next year with some new books that Michael got this Christmas as well as some of the ones used this year.

December 23rd's book was Woody's White Christmas.  Great story for any kid who loves Toy Story.  Woody wants a white Christmas and at the end he gets it.

December 22nd's book was Biscuit's Pet & Play Christmas.  A book more for a younger toddler.  That day was a rather long day for us since we were at Jon's parents' house and then traveled back to our house.  Michael was just ready to pick his book, read it, and go to bed - and so was Mommy and Daddy.

December 21st's book was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  We were actually at Jon's parents' house for that night for their Christmas celebration so, we had Michael pick out the book before we left our house that morning.  An all-time classic Christmas story and a must in any Christmas book countdown or collection.

December 20th's book was Raggedy Ann and Andy Help Santa Claus.  This was actually Jon's book growing up.  Cute story about Santa leaving another girl's gift at their house and how they helped get it back to Santa for him to deliver it to the right house.

December 19th's book was Clifford's First Christmas.  It's about Clifford as a puppy during Christmas.  Every little kid needs a book or two about Clifford!

December 18th's book was Can You Make Santa Giggle?.  Santa doesn't giggle anymore, need to put some fresh batteries in him.  Cute book for babies and toddlers.

There's something new to touch each time you turn the page.  Michael still loves books like this.

December 17th's book was Elmo's 12 Days of Christmas.  It's Elmo's version with monsters.  Might use it again next year since it's not too babyish.

Michael decided that he wanted Mommy to read the book.  We had fun counting the monsters and he pointed out the different color monsters.

December 16th's book was Elmo's Christmas Hugs.  Cute story about Elmo doing all the stuff you do during Christmas - wrapping gifts, making cookies, and whatnot.  Definitely a book for little kids, might be the last year using this book with Michael.  You use the arms and make it look like Elmo is actually wrapping presents.

December 15th's book was How The Grinch Stole Christmas!.  A must have book in any Christmas book countdown or collection.  Nowadays, who hasn't been read or watched this story on TV?  Michael's first experience with the Grinch was watching the TV version when he was six months old.  He screamed and cried when he saw the Grinch.

December 14th's book was Mortimer's Christmas Manger.  A cute story about Mortimer the mouse who's looking for a warmer place to stay instead of the whole in the wall.  He ends up learning about the Christmas story and that the place he found was actually baby Jesus' manager.

Michael sat by Daddy for most of the story.

December 13th's book was The Gingerbread Pirates.  Cute story about gingerbread cookies that are decorated like pirates coming to life and trying not to be eaten by Santa.

Michael has started to hand the book to Daddy after unwrapping it and then asking for his sippy cup.

December 12th's book was Christmas Is Finally Here!.  I love anything Veggie Tales.  They have such a great way of telling stories from the Bible to kids.  Michael loved that there was a button on the book that he could push.  It was the Veggie Tale gang singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

December 11th's book was Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus.  Love this story.  Teaching kids that everyone has the "Santa" spirit inside them.  This was the first year reading this story to Michael.  I think it might have been a little over his head.

December 10th's book was The Dinosaurs' Night Before Christmas.  A great book for that little kid who loves dinosaurs.  It's The Night Before Christmas, but with a dinosaur twist.

Michael did really well with this book.  He sat down by Daddy and was even pointing at things in the pictures.

December 9th's book was The Night Before Christmas.  We actually have several versions of this story in the mix of books.  This is another book that is a prerecorded reading by my Dad.  Michael got this last Christmas from my Dad, not knowing that he had already gotten one the year before from my Mom.  It's ok though, different music to it and different illustrations.

Michael did really well with this one.  Again, sippy cup with milk in hand.  He actually decided to look at the pictures while we listened to my Dad "read" the story.