Christmas Counting Book: Free Printable Numbers 1 to 20 (PDF)
A free 22-page counting workbook with Christmas pictures. Numbers 1 to 10 each have a page to count and color the pictures, trace the number and the number word, and write it alone. Numbers 11 to 20 use ten-frames, and counting games, a dot-to-dot star and a certificate finish the book. Download the PDF in US Letter or A4 and print it at home or in class.
Download the Christmas Counting Book
- 22 pages for ages 3–5
- Free for home and classroom use, with no sign-up or email address
- Two PDF files: US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) and A4
- Prints in black and white or in color
Print at 100% (Actual size). Choose US Letter in the United States and Canada, and A4 almost everywhere else. How to print a workbook
Who this workbook is for
Counting is one of the first math skills, and it sticks best when children can touch and color what they count. This book is for ages 3 to 5. Three-year-olds can count and color the pictures and trace the big numbers, and four- and five-year-olds can write the numbers alone, read the number words and play the counting games.
Every number page follows the same pattern, so children quickly know what to do without help. Families celebrate in many ways, so the pictures are common Christmas and winter pictures that children meet in shops and books in the United States, and the practice itself is the same for every child. For more number practice all year round, try the number tracing worksheets and our Counting Activity Book.
What is inside the Christmas Counting Book
The workbook has 22 pages. Every page is numbered in the bottom corner, so you can print one section at a time.
| Pages | Section | Number of pages |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Cover, a page for parents and teachers, and the contents | 3 |
| 4–13 | Numbers 1 to 10 (one page for each number) | 10 |
| 14–15 | Numbers 11 to 20 with ten-frames | 2 |
| 16–20 | Counting games | 5 |
| 21 | Dot-to-dot star | 1 |
| 22 | Certificate of achievement | 1 |
Numbers 1 to 10 (pages 4–13)
Each number has its own page. At the top, a big numeral shows how to form the number, with numbered start points, direction arrows and a short saying such as “line down, then a big circle”. Beside it is a box with that many Christmas pictures to count and color: 1 star, 2 bells, 3 gifts, 4 stockings, 5 candy canes, 6 ornaments, 7 snowflakes, 8 candles, 9 gingerbread men and 10 trees. Below are rows to trace the number and write it alone, and two rows to trace the number word (one, two, three and so on up to ten).
Numbers 11 to 20 (pages 14–15)
The teen numbers are the hardest part of counting, so these two pages show each number twice: as a numeral to trace and as two ten-frames. The first frame is always full with ten stars, and the second shows how many more, so children see that 13 is ten and three more.
Counting games (pages 16–21)
Two “count and circle” pages (16 and 17) ask your child to count a group of pictures and circle the right number. Page 18 is “count and write”, page 19 matches groups of pictures to numbers with a line, and page 20 has twelve missing-number puzzles. The answers to these five pages are printed upside down at the bottom of the page. Page 21 is a dot-to-dot star: draw a line from 1 to 10 in order, then back to 1, and color the star.
Sample pages
A few pages from the finished workbook. The PDF is sharp enough to print at full size.
Skills your child practices
- Counting objects from 1 to 10, one number for each picture
- Forming the numbers 1 to 20
- Reading and tracing the number words one to ten
- Seeing the numbers 11 to 20 as ten and some more
- Matching groups of objects to numbers
- Putting numbers in order and finding the missing number
How to use this workbook
Print and start with 1
Choose US Letter or A4 and print at 100% (Actual size). Start with number 1 and move up one number at a time. Type a page range such as 4-8 to print only those pages.
Touch and count
Let your child touch each picture with a finger and say one number for each picture. Counting out loud keeps the numbers in order.
Color what you count
Coloring each picture after counting it helps children keep track of which ones are done. Any colors are fine, and a purple candy cane is a great candy cane.
Say the saying, then write
Say the short saying for the number as you trace it, then write it alone on the empty line. Wobbly numbers are normal at this age.
Count a countdown
Do one number a day to count down to the holiday, and count real things around the house, such as lights, gifts or cookies.
See also: Want a plan for using this workbook? Read our Christmas learning plan for preschoolers: ten minutes a day over four weeks.
Free worksheet generators to go with this workbook
These free tools make the same kinds of number pages. Use them to print extra practice.
Number Tracing
Any range from 0 to 1000, with number words.
Number Tracing 1-10
One big number per line, 1 to 10, with a stroke guide.
Number Tracing 1-20
Two pages: 1–10 then 11–20.
Counting
Count pictures, then write or circle the number.
Dot to Dot
Connect numbers or skip counts to reveal a picture.
Number Words
Trace one, two, three and beyond.
Guides for parents and teachers
How to Teach a Child to Write Numbers 1 to 10
How to teach a child to write numbers 1 to 10: how to form each digit, a simple practice plan and tips for numbers written backwards.
Handwriting Readiness Checklist: Is Your Child Ready to Write?
A simple handwriting readiness checklist for ages 3 to 6: ten signs your child is ready to start writing, and what to do if they are not there yet.
Handwriting Practice at Home: How Long and How Often
Handwriting practice at home: how long and how often for ages 3 to 6, a 10-minute routine, setup tips and the signs that it is time to stop.
More free printable workbooks
Christmas ABC Tracing Book
Trace capital and small letters A to Z with a Christmas picture for every letter, from angel to zzz.
Christmas Tracing and Coloring Book
Color 18 Christmas pictures, from the tree to the snowman, trace each word and write it alone, then review with matching games.
Number Tracing and Counting Book
Trace, count and color every number from 1 to 20, then practice number words and skip counting.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Christmas counting book free?
Yes. Download it, print as many copies as you need for your own children or students and use it at home or in class. Please do not sell the file or put it on another website. No sign-up or email address is needed.
Which numbers are in the Christmas counting book?
Numbers 1 to 10 each have their own page, and numbers 11 to 20 have two pages with ten-frames. The counting pictures are 1 star, 2 bells, 3 gifts, 4 stockings, 5 candy canes, 6 ornaments, 7 snowflakes, 8 candles, 9 gingerbread men and 10 trees.
What age is the Christmas counting book for?
It is written for ages 3 to 5. Three-year-olds can count and color the pictures and trace the big numbers, and four- and five-year-olds can write the numbers alone and play the counting games.
Can children who do not celebrate Christmas use it?
Yes. The counting practice is the same for every child. The pictures are common Christmas and winter pictures that children see in shops and books in the United States, and you can talk about them as winter pictures or traditions.
Is there a test or answer key?
There is no test. The answers to the five counting games on pages 16 to 20 are printed upside down at the bottom of each page, and every other page is practice.