We put electric candles in our windows each fall and keep them there through Christmas, New Year’s, and the winter. I love the warmth and hospitality they send out each night when we light them, so I was especially delighted to discover An Early American Christmas by Tomie dePaola.

This lovely Christmas picture book tells the story of a German family who brings their old-world Christmas traditions to a New England town. It can be a little hard to find, but it is well worth tracking down if you enjoy cozy holiday books with history, homemaking, and faith woven together.

Book Snapshot

• Author and Illustrator: Tomie dePaola
• Ages: 4–8
• Themes: Christmas traditions, hospitality, early American life, family, faith, old-world customs
• Best For: Christmas read-alouds, holiday unit studies, cozy seasonal reading

About the Book

A German family moves to a New England town where no one celebrates Christmas. If you are not familiar with early American and church history, this was once common in some parts of New England. The family quietly goes about preparing for Christmas in the ways they have always known.

They gather food, make bayberry candles to place in the windows, bake cookies, carve a new figure for the creche, and decorate their home. On Christmas Eve, they light the candles and begin to sing. The story gently builds to the question: What will the rest of the town do?

Tomie dePaola captures the warmth of family traditions and the beauty of simple preparations. This is a wonderful book for slowing down and thinking about the meaning of Christmas, both historically and spiritually.

Why This Book Works for Homeschooling

An Early American Christmas offers natural opportunities for meaningful holiday learning without requiring a lot of preparation. It works especially well for:

• History – exploring early American Christmas customs and New England life
• Geography – learning about the New England states and regional history
• Home Economics – discussing candles, food preservation, baking, and homemaking traditions
• Faith – connecting Christmas celebrations with the birth of Christ
• Art and Music – enjoying traditional decorations, hymns, and handwork

Picture Book Activities

Use these simple ideas to turn your read-aloud into a simple Christmas picture book study. Choose one or two ideas that fit your family best.

• Geography: Label the New England states on a free U.S. map printable. You can also locate New London, New Hampshire, which is mentioned in the dedication.
• Home Economics: What are bayberries and how are bayberry candles made? Watch a video or read about the process and then see if you can find a bayberry candle locally so your children can smell one for themselves.
• Home Economics: Learn about root cellars and how families in New England stored food through the winter. Find an article or video that shows how root cellars worked.
• History: Continue learning about Christmas traditions with the Christmas Fun Fact Cards or practice writing with the Christmas Copywork.
• Art: Make simple old-fashioned decorations such as white paper ornaments, gold-painted walnuts, popcorn garlands, or dried apple rings for the tree.
• Cooking: Make soft pretzels from scratch and enjoy a simple hands-on connection to old-world European food traditions.
• Bible: Read aloud the account of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2 and talk about how the family in the story prepares their home to celebrate Christmas.
• Homemaking: The family puts candles in the windows to light the way for the Christ Child. Place electric candles in one or more of your own windows and enjoy the beauty and welcome they bring to your home.
• Music: What is the name of the Christmas hymn on the last page? Look it up and sing all the verses together. If you would like a writing extension, copy the words onto the Nativity Writing Pages or Cozy Christmas Writing Pages.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the town did not celebrate Christmas at first?
2. Which tradition in the book would you most like to try in your own home?
3. How did the family prepare for Christmas in simple, meaningful ways?
4. What does this story teach us about sharing beauty and faith with others?

Final Recommendation

If you enjoy Christmas picture books that combine history, homemaking, tradition, and faith, An Early American Christmas is a lovely one to add to your holiday reading. It is especially appealing for families who appreciate old-fashioned celebrations and the quiet beauty of a Christ-centered home.