There’s something truly magical about decorating your home for the holidays, especially when you weave in the wonder of Christmas stories. From timeless tales of Santa and snowmen to beautifully illustrated picture books, Christmas books can double as enchanting décor pieces that add warmth and whimsy to any room—whether it’s your child’s nursery, bedroom, or a cozy family nook.

In this guide, we’ll share creative, easy, and aesthetic ways to decorate shelves with Christmas books so you can build a festive “library corner” that’s as beautiful as it is inviting.

🎄 1. Choose a Color Palette for Your Holiday Display

Start by curating books that match your overall holiday color scheme. Classic red, green, and gold always feel cozy and traditional, but you can also create a winter wonderland look using whites, silvers, and soft blues.

Pro tip: Stack books with spines that complement your existing décor—think alternating colors or arranging them from light to dark for a gradient effect.

📚 2. Mix Books with Christmas Decor

To give your shelves depth and personality, layer your Christmas books with small seasonal touches:

• Mini bottle brush trees

• Wooden nutcrackers or reindeer figurines

• String lights or fairy lights for a cozy glow

• A strand of garland draped across the shelf

• A few pinecones or cinnamon sticks for a natural, festive scent

Combining storybooks with these textures creates a warm, storybook-like atmosphere that feels straight out of a holiday movie.

🧸 3. Rotate Favorite Holiday Stories at Eye Level

For nurseries or playrooms, keep a few favorite Christmas books—like The Polar Express or How the Grinch Stole Christmas!—within your child’s reach. Not only does this encourage reading, but it also helps little ones engage with the holiday spirit on their own.

Try this: Use a front-facing bookshelf or picture ledge to display covers like art. Children’s Christmas books often have beautiful illustrations that look stunning on display.

✨ 4. Add Personal Touches

Include small sentimental details like:

• A framed photo of your child with Santa

• A handmade ornament from school

• A holiday countdown calendar tucked beside the books

• Personalized bookplates or name tags on each book

These touches make your shelves feel unique and full of love—perfect for the family-centered magic of Christmas.

🌟 5. Extend the Festive Feel Beyond the Playroom

Don’t limit your Christmas book display to kids’ spaces! Add a mini festive bookshelf in:

• The living room, paired with cozy throws and candles

• The hallway, as a cheerful welcome nook

• The guest room, for a sweet seasonal surprise

Books bring charm and warmth wherever they go, and a well-decorated shelf instantly makes your home feel joyful and thoughtful.

🎁 Final Thoughts

Decorating with Christmas books is an easy, meaningful way to celebrate the season. Each story holds memories, imagination, and heart—so why not make them part of your décor? Whether you’re styling a nursery shelf or creating a cozy corner in your living room, a festive book display is sure to make your home feel merry, bright, and beautifully bookish.

Our Favorite Books

1. Green is For Christmas
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Peekaboo Christmas
3. How To Catch An Elf
4. You're My Little Christmas Cookie
5. How To Catch a Snowman
6. The Christmas Princess
7. The Nutcracker
8. The Grumpy Reindeer