If you teach your children to love books at an early age you're doing them a lifelong favor. And there's no better place to start than at Christmas. Not only do books make great holiday gifts, but there are hundreds of wonderful children's books that deal with Christmas themes. So, what are you waiting for? Get going.

Where to start? With our list of the best Christmas books for kids, of course. Making a best-of list is always tricky. The process is subjective to begin with. And you're always going to offend someone by leaving off their personal favorite. Believe us, we know we're going to leave off lots of great books. Okay, enough apologizing. Onto our list, which is presented in no particular order and designed to appeal to various age groups of children:

How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss - You can't have a list of great children's books and not include a Dr. Seuss work. You just can't. Enough said.

No Peeking!, Charles Reasoner - What's inside all those gleaming presents under the tree? Every kid is dying to know ... but they have to wait until Christmas morning. Don't make your little one wait until Christmas morning to read this wonderful book!

A is for Angel: A Christmas Alphabet and Activity Book, Debbie Trafton O'Neal - Just like it sounds, this book uses the alphabet to teach children about the spirit and meaning of celebrating Christmas.

Why the Chimes Rang: A Christmas Classic, Raymond Macdonald Alden - A classic indeed. The original is nearly 100 years old, but this version has been updated with modern artistry to make the book fresh for a whole new generation of young readers.

The Night Before Christmas, Clement C. Moore - Can you complete this line: "'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring..." Yeah, we thought so. Based upon the classic poem we all know and love, this book is a winner.

The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg - Despite the fanfare, many found the movie to be disappointing. The same won't be said for the book. This tale is becoming a modern classic. Let your little one take the ride.

The Littlest Christmas Tree, Janie Jasin - Think back to when you were a child and looked up to older kids and adults. Didn't you yearn to grow up fast, to be big? Now, wouldn't you do just about anything to be a child again, if only for one more day? In this book, a small seedling wants desperately to grow up into a large Christmas tree. But it learns to be patient. It's a great lesson for your child - and a great trip into yesteryear for you!

The Christmas Hero, Golden Books - We all know and love the classic, animated Rudolph that runs on network television each holiday season. This book, which doubles as a coloring book, recreates that tale and stays true to the cartoon kids have watched for generations. Read it to your little one as she colors the pages.

The Legend of the Candy Cane, Lori Walburg - Do you know anything about the fascinating history of the candy cane? We didn't either, until we read this book. We won't spoil anything for you, so let us just say this: anytime you look at or eat a candy can again you'll be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

Twelve Days of Christmas, Alison Inches - This Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy book plays upon a perennial favorite. Your kids will love it!