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E.T.A. Hoffmann's Nutcracker, narrated by Derek Jacobi; with excerpts from Tchaikovsky's ballet, arranged for brass septet and performed by Septura (= seven members of the brass sections of Britain's leading orchestras):

One of my Christmas gifts for my mom this year: it got here just in time and since she opened the package not realizing it was addressed to me, we already listened to it this morning.  Christmas couldn't have gotten off to a more charming start!

Excerpts from all parts of the recording (both narration and music) here: https://naxos.lnk.to/8574157ID

Nothing like John Julius Norwich's version of The Twelve Days of Christmas to get into the proper holiday spirit.

Music by Adam Saunders (RTE Concert Orchestra, dir. by Gavin Sutherland); narrated by Joanna Lumley and John Julius Norwich.

Enjoy!

Another good Christmas book for children. 

Oliver Jeffers is my favorite children book writer and illustrator. Another good one from him that fit really well for reading out loud. The story is colorful and funny. 

Book themes for Festivus: Read anything comedic; a parody, satire, etc. Books with hilariously dysfunctional families (must be funny dysfunctional, not tragic dysfunctional). Anything that makes you laugh (or hope it does).

On Christmas, can there possibly a better choice?