How to incorporate reading into the festive season

Incorporating reading into the festive season can make Christmas even more magical while keeping children engaged with literacy. Here are some creative ideas to bring the joy of reading into your family’s celebrations:

1. Create a Christmas Book Advent Calendar

Wrap 24 books (they don’t have to be new!) and let your child open one each day leading up to Christmas. Choose a mix of festive stories, classics, and their favourites to build excitement for reading every day.

2. Read Christmas Stories Aloud Together

Make reading a cosy family tradition by gathering around the tree or fireplace to read holiday classics. Books like The Polar Express or A Christmas Carol create shared memories and spark holiday spirit.

3. Visit the Library for Festive Reads

Take a family trip to the library to pick out Christmas-themed books. Many libraries also host festive storytelling sessions or holiday-themed events for children.

4. Start a Christmas Eve Book Tradition

Give each family member a new book as a gift to open on Christmas Eve. Pair it with hot chocolate and pyjamas for a relaxing evening of reading before the big day.

5. Write and Read Letters to Santa

Encourage your child to write a letter to Santa and then read it aloud together. This promotes reading, writing, and creativity while tying it into Christmas traditions.

6. Use Reading in Festive Activities

• Recipe Reading: Let your child read the instructions while helping you bake Christmas cookies.

• Christmas Carol Books: Use songbooks to follow along as you sing carols together.

• Gift Tags and Cards: Involve your child in reading and writing Christmas cards or gift tags.

7. Play Christmas-Themed Literacy Games

Create scavenger hunts using written clues, play word games with festive vocabulary, or challenge your child to create their own Christmas story.

8. Watch a Movie Adaptation of a Book

Read a festive book together and then watch its film adaptation, such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Compare the differences and discuss which version they liked better.

9. Explore Multicultural Christmas Stories

Introduce books about how Christmas is celebrated around the world. This encourages curiosity and cultural understanding while fostering a love of reading.

10. Make Your Own Christmas Book

Help your child write and illustrate their own Christmas story. This can be a fun, creative way to involve them in storytelling and make a personalised keepsake.

11. Give Books as Gifts

Wrap up books as thoughtful, personalised presents. Adding a handwritten note about why you chose the book makes it extra special.

12. Use Audiobooks for Relaxation

Listen to Christmas audiobooks during car journeys, while decorating the tree, or before bedtime to immerse the family in festive stories.

13. Host a Festive Storytime with Friends

Organise a Christmas reading session where children take turns reading a festive story or act out a holiday tale together.

By incorporating these ideas, you can make reading an enjoyable and integral part of your family’s Christmas celebrations, fostering a love of books and creating lasting memories.