Bring Reading to the Holiday Season
Bring Reading to the Holiday Season
By Jenna Klemm, M.Ed., Founder of Rockstar Leaders
The holiday season is full of excitement — gatherings, decorations, and traditions that fill our homes with warmth. It’s also a wonderful time to slow down and nurture a love of reading. When we weave literacy into our celebrations, we give children the gift of connection, imagination, and calm in the midst of all the bustle.
Reading Builds Connection
Stories bring people together. Reading aloud during the holidays — whether it’s a classic winter tale before bed or a picture book by the fire — creates shared moments that children remember long after the decorations are packed away.
You can make it a family tradition to:
Read one holiday or winter-themed book each night leading up to a celebration.
Start a “book gift” tradition where every child opens one new (or gently loved) book each year.
Invite grandparents or relatives to record themselves reading a story for your child — a beautiful keepsake for years to come.
Even ten minutes of reading together can create a calm pause in a busy day.
Literacy in Everyday Moments
Holiday activities are filled with opportunities for real-world literacy practice. Kids can:
Write wish lists or thank-you notes.
Help read recipes and measure ingredients while baking.
Read signs, cards, or directions while decorating or traveling.
These small moments build vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence — often without kids even realizing they’re practicing reading skills.
Making Reading Mindful
The holidays can be joyful, but they can also feel overwhelming. Reading offers a quiet space to slow down and recharge. Try setting up a cozy reading corner with blankets, soft lighting, and a basket of favorite books. Encourage kids to take “reading breaks” when they need a moment of calm.
You might even start a mindfulness habit by pairing a few deep breaths before reading together. This helps children settle their minds and focus — skills that carry far beyond the holidays.
A Season for Stories and Growth
At Rockstar Leaders, we believe learning isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, curiosity, and connection. By making reading part of your family’s holiday rhythm, you’re helping your child build lifelong habits of focus, imagination, and joy.
Here’s to a season filled with stories, laughter, and time together — the kind of moments that help children shine bright, inside and out.
