Five Reasons to Read during Christmas Week
Just a few days before Christmas many families are putting the finishing touches on decorations, wrapping countless gifts, and preparing for guests. Each of those activities obviously can invite the cultivation of traditions. Everyone enjoys displaying and seeing their favorite decorations. Even young children can add bows to gifts. And the anticipation of guests is always a time of joy. But the Christmas season, particularly the week of Christmas, can get too busy with good activities of preparation.
Plan time to read with your child this week.
Why read this week?
- Reading offers downtime from the sometimes hectic schedules of the Christmas season. Being on the go can be fun, but everyone needs a time to sit quietly and soak in the wonder of this season.
- Reading encourages time for parent and child to share time and their ideas.
- Reading offers its own Christmas traditions. Crystal Bowman posted about some book traditions for young children. Perhaps you have started Twelve Days of Reading for Older Kids with your preteen.
- Reading encourages exploration, adventure, and growth.
- Reading is another way to share the story of Jesus’ birth. Read the true story of Christmas from a children’s Bible (or a traditional Bible for older kids). Take time to talk about the reason for this blessed season. Then, enjoy acting out the Nativity with your children.
What Christmas reading tradition does your family enjoy?
Many blessings to you and your family at this most wonderful time of year –
Carol
Excellent post, Carol. I can’t say we have any Christmas reading traditions here, but we do have a family of readers.
Cheryl, We are a family of readers, too. A family member shared this morning about her reflections of reading the Christmas account anew. It never gets old. I also look forward to curling up with a good book for a little downtime between Christmas and New Years. Enjoying a good novel during that week has become one of my traditions.
I enjoyed your post Carol. I grew up in a family of readers, so whenever we had free time at whatever time of the year you would find us curled up with a book.
Since becoming an adult, I like to sit down in the evening on the sofa with a book and have Christmas music playing in the background. I turn off the main lights and just have the lights from the Christmas tree to make a glow, and a small lamp on by me so I can see to read.