Black Friday starts the big rush to Christmas. Buying gifts, cooking, parties and extra social events all add to the frenzy of the season. Somewhere in there we want to focus on Jesus and want our children to know the real meaning. Use books in a special way to help slow minds and spirits and capture the inner spirit of Christmas.

See what books you already have that relate to Christmas and gather them up. Add a few library books, and perhaps buy a few new ones. Wrap each book and place them in a basket or special spot. Each day let your children choose one book for the day. As they unwrap it, think about how you want the words to help unwrap the rush and reveal the reason for the season.

Read the book and take time to chat about the story. Talk about how it relates to Jesus, generosity, and love. Ask what they liked best. Check out the artwork too and the decorations or symbols of Christmas in the pictures.

Take some photos of your children choosing a book, opening it, and reading the book. That helps celebrate books and the stories you read. It will also create memories to cherish.