Christmas in the Country by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Diane Goode, is a warm and charming picture book that captures the simple joys of an old-fashioned Christmas. With its country setting, loving grandparents, and gentle holiday traditions, it is the kind of book that makes a lovely addition to cozy Christmas reading.

This story is especially appealing for homeschool families who appreciate wholesome books about family life, faith, and the beauty of simple celebrations. Cynthia Rylant’s writing is rich with warmth and memory, and Diane Goode’s cheerful illustrations bring the season to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and inviting.

Book Snapshot

• Author: Cynthia Rylant
• Illustrator: Diane Goode
• Ages: 4–8
• Themes: Christmas, family, grandparents, country life, church, tradition, simple living
• Best For: Christmas read-alouds, family tradition studies, cozy seasonal homeschooling

About the Book

Christmas in the Country tells of a girl’s Christmas experiences while living with her grandparents in a small white house in the country. Through her eyes, readers see the many small ways she anticipates and celebrates Christmas each year.

Their celebrations are simple and full of meaning. Her grandfather cuts down a tree from the woods, and she and her grandmother decorate it with ornaments stored in a closet that smells of mothballs, including many ornaments she has made herself. They attend the small Baptist church on Christmas Eve and again on Christmas morning. Gifts are modest, such as candy, nuts, and a tangerine at church, along with a doll, a coloring book, and other simple gifts at home.

The story is full of tenderness and quiet joy. Cynthia Rylant’s lovely writing and Diane Goode’s illustrations make this a memorable Christmas book that celebrates family love and the beauty of simple traditions.

Why This Book Works for Homeschooling

Christmas in the Country works well for homeschooling because it gently opens the door to discussions about tradition, family life, church, and the meaning of Christmas. It works especially well for:

• Family Traditions – talking about simple ways families celebrate Christmas together
• Faith – noting the place of church and the Christmas story in family celebration
• History – comparing older holiday customs with the way families celebrate today
• Language Arts – enjoying rich descriptive writing, narration, and seasonal writing
• Handicrafts – reflecting on handmade ornaments and homemade traditions

Picture Book Activities

Use these simple ideas to turn your read-aloud into an easy Christmas mini unit study. Choose one or two that fit your family and season.

• Home Economics: What are mothballs, and why did people use them? If you have never seen them, look them up and talk about why families stored seasonal items carefully in the past.
• Writing: Use the Cozy Christmas Writing Pages to write your own Christmas story, make Christmas lists, or do narration.
• Music: The girl in the story sings a Christmas carol with the other children on Christmas Eve. Which carol do you think she might have sung? Look up the lyrics to a favorite carol and use the Nativity Writing Pages to copy them. If your children play an instrument, try playing the carol together.
• Math: On Christmas morning, the girl goes to church with her grandparents, where the preacher reminds everyone what Christmas is about. Practice counting with nativity-themed puzzles featuring the Manger, the Angels, the Shepherd, and Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.
• Memory Game: Play the free Woodland Christmas Animals memory game for a fun seasonal activity.
• Handicrafts: Make a few simple handmade ornaments and talk about why homemade decorations often become especially meaningful family keepsakes.

Discussion Questions

1. What details in the story make this family’s Christmas feel warm and special?
2. How are the family’s Christmas traditions like your own, and how are they different?
3. Why do you think simple gifts and traditions can still feel very meaningful?
4. What role does church play in the family’s Christmas celebration?
5. What is your favorite Christmas tradition in your own family?

Final Recommendation

If you enjoy Christmas books that are gentle, wholesome, and full of family warmth, Christmas in the Country is a wonderful choice. It is a lovely book for celebrating simple traditions, reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas, and adding a bit of cozy beauty to your holiday homeschool reading each year.