Contributed by Tim Brugger, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Deciding on the best children’s Christmas books of all-time was no easy chore.

Starting with A Visit From St. Nicholas in 1823, Christmas books continue to fly off shelves; at least the good ones do. And so, after careful consideration of both old and new stories, here are the greatest Christmas books in the history of mankind.

10. The Polar Express – Chris Van Allsburg

Any movie this cool had to be a great book, and it is. Somehow, never knowing the name of the main character doesn’t seem to matter, and in fact adds to the mystique this book conjures. It certainly didn’t seem to slow down its rapid rise to the all-time Christmas stories list. With Jumanji and The Polar Express under his belt, Mr. Allsburg has set his own bar pretty high.

9. Nightmare Before Christmas – Tim Burton

Incredible imagery, as you might imagine from Tim Burton, puts this book over the top. The sheer oddity that is the Nightmare Before Christmas warrants a close look simply because it’s so unique, but then when you add in the illustrations, this story is perfect for the family that enjoys something slightly left of center around the Holidays.

8. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey – Susan Wojciechowski

Just over 16 years old, this book evokes all the feelings many of us run screaming from around the Holidays. Hopes, wishes and the power of faith are the foundations of this great book. The Brits made it a movie a few years ago starring Tom Berenger. So, for those of you who still remember how to use crib notes, there you are.

7. A Christmas Memory – Truman Capote

So, you may ask yourself, what in the wide, wide world of sports is Truman Capote doing on a list of best children’s Christmas books? A fair question, particularly if you have not had the pleasure of reading A Christmas Memory. Capote, in his unique style, relates a tale about a young boy (presumably him) enjoying the Holidays, life in Alabama and a special friend.

6. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree – Robert Barry

If you, or anyone you know have, at any point in your Christmas tree-hunting life, secured the perfect piece of timber only to find it’s too tall for the room, you will appreciate Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree. What makes the story so good is how Mr. Willowby deals with his unfortunate problem, and ends up using his misfortune to share the meaning of the Holidays.

5. Auntie Clause – Elise Primavera

The only difficulty in putting this book on the list is that it is so new (2010). But, good is good, so here it is. Having a great aunt related to Santa takes cool to a whole new level, but proving it is going to be a bigger challenge than first expected. I mean, anyone with a name like Claus is pretty good at keeping secrets.

4. Letters from Father Christmas – J.R.R. Tolkien

Notably absent from JRR Tolken’s Holiday book are orcs, dark wizards and other assorted nasties. There are however, writing polar bears and the occasional elf to ensure there is no mistaking the author. This is a clever, insightful story that answers a lot of questions about the day-to-day happenings up at the North Pole.

3. The Little Drummer Boy – Ezra Jack Keats

The song is enough to put this one high on the list, but the story is great too. The Little Drummer Boy is so unlike other children’s Christmas books, each year is like a new breath of fresh air. And man, can those Mormon Tabernacle Choir rock the house!

2. A Visit From St. Nicholas (Twas the Night Before Christmas) – Clement Clarke Moore

Any book or story that still lights the spirit of Christmas in so many nearly 190 years after it was first published, has to be a great book. Originally published on December 23rd, 1823, one of the book’s greatest accomplishments was helping pick Santa out of lineup, of sorts. It was A Visit From St. Nicholas that many credit for initially describing the portly fellow in red we all know and love. Not bad for an evenings work.

1. How the Grinch stole Christmas – Dr. Seuss

This selection was an absolute no-brainer. First, you have an entire story told in rhyme, and it works! Next a small dog with a faux antler, then little Cindy Lou Who down in Whoville, an exploding heart (but in a good way), hip tunes and even a mosh pit toward the end of the story featuring the entire citizenry of Whoville. Now that’s a definitive recipe for the ultimate classic children’s Christmas book.