Give the Gift of Reading this Christmas
We’re just about to embark on the school holidays, a time to say goodbye to early mornings and muddy rugby boots, and hello to more opportunities to relax, recharge, and, of course, read.
At YOMU, we’re thrilled to welcome Kalli Papadopoulos, a passionate advocate for the power of reading, to share her first piece with us. In this heartfelt article, she explores how books can bring connection, magic, and joy to your Christmas celebrations.
We think you’re going to love it……….
Reading this Christmas, with your children, will create magical moments of togetherness and lasting family memories.
Picture this: being surrounded by love, warmth, and books, sharing stories by the glow of the Christmas tree. These simple moments, discussing characters, sharing laughter, and diving into enchanting tales, are what make the holiday season truly special. It's not the gifts under the tree but the presence of loved ones that children will cherish long into adulthood, carrying those memories forward when they have their own families.
As you gather around with a book in hand, every page you turn and every story you read together strengthens your bond. The characters come alive as you empathise with their joys and challenges, bringing shared moments of discovery and connection that will outlast the season.
This year, give your children the gift of a “Merry Bookmas!” with these creative and engaging ideas to inspire a love for reading:
Make It Fun
Turn storytime into a festive family event. Gather everyone around with cozy blankets and hot chocolate, and add props to bring the stories to life. Use a jingle bell while reading The Polar Express or wear scarves to imagine frosty winter adventures. Making reading interactive sparks excitement and transforms it into a cherished tradition.
Visit the Library
Libraries are treasure troves of festive books waiting to be discovered. Take a family trip to your local library to browse their collection of Christmas-themed stories. Many libraries also host seasonal events, such as storytime sessions or craft activities inspired by books. These experiences show children that books are a gateway to endless possibilities and joy.
Let Children Choose Their Christmas Reads
Empowering children to select their own books can ignite their enthusiasm for reading. When they pick stories that align with their interests, they’re more likely to engage with the characters and immerse themselves in the magic of the tale. Whether it’s a classic like A Christmas Carol or a modern favourite, giving them the choice makes all the difference.
Create a Daily Reading Tradition
Set aside dedicated time each day during the festive season to read together. Whether it’s a bedtime story or a chapter a day from a longer book, this routine builds anticipation and creates a sense of continuity. Watching the story unfold day by day adds excitement and becomes a tradition your family looks forward to each year.
Talk About the Story
After finishing a book or a chapter, don’t just move on, instead take time to chat about it. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Which character did you relate to the most, and why?” These discussions deepen understanding and help children connect emotionally with the stories.
This Christmas, embrace the joy of reading as a family. By sharing stories, you’ll not only create magical moments but also instil a love for books that will last a lifetime.
Make reading part of your holiday celebrations, and you’ll find that it’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give and on the will become a tradition for this generation, and the next.
Kalli
For more informatiion about Kalli and how she could help you, go to here website.
