With the first snow of the year already swirling in, the idea of curling up by a fire with a good book might fill you with a sense of cozy longing. For those of us with young kids, that peaceful imagery might seem impossible to achieve in real life (at least before bedtime), but rather than abandon the idea altogether, why not make it fit your family? This winter season, pick and choose from these easy ideas to create a special night, weekend, or week of reading time together.
When to Read
My hope is that you’ll carve out a special time of reading without it becoming overwhelming. Picking a focal date or event can help guide your plans, but don’t feel locked in to the most popular concepts. Seeing someone on Instagram individually wrap 25 books to count down to Christmas may send you into a panic, and that’s OK. Maybe the 12 days of Christmas is more your speed.
Or consider a Christmas Eve tradition. The concept of Jólabókaflóð seems to make the internet rounds every year, the Icelandic “Christmas book flood” that has popularized the idea of gifting books on Christmas Eve and spending the evening reading. You could also use the days and nights associated with Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice, New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. There are the two-ish weeks of school winter break, or narrow it down to the final weekend or night leading up to the start of the new semester. There’s never a bad time to read with your kids!
What to Read
This doesn’t have to be another line item in your budget. Scoop up whatever snowy titles or holiday favorites are already on your shelves and set them aside for your special reading session. If your child is signed up for the Imagination Library, a wintry story may have been delivered straight to your mailbox. T
he Manhattan Public Library has a section in the children’s room dedicated to holidays of all types, and their staff would be happy to help you find general seasonal titles as well. Neighborhood Buy Nothing social media pages are another great place to find new-to-you books.
If you want to do some budget friendly book shopping, check out the Dusty Bookshelf in Aggieville or the Rosie’s Corner books-for-sale section of the Manhattan Public Library. I was just browsing Rosie’s Corner the other day, and they have a highlighted section of titles celebrating snow, winter and upcoming holidays from both religious and secular perspectives.
Make Reading Special
If you’re already in the habit of reading with your kids regularly, considering adding a little sparkle to your chosen winter storytime. This might mean putting on pajamas early and snuggling into a blanket nest that’s in a different spot than your usual bedtime stories. Wrap up the selected book, or turn on easy mode and put it in a gift bag or special basket, with the intention that these are only for family reading time.
If you’re doing multiple days, stick them all in a bag together and take turns choosing one without looking. Light a fire or turn on a YouTube fireplace video. Turn off the overhead lights and read with a flashlight or twinkle lights. Cut up some paper and have everyone color a bookmark. Spend an afternoon baking some treats to eat while you read, or pick up your favorite packaged snack. Sip a cozy mug of hot chocolate or cider – mini marshmallows and sprinkles, anyone?
With all of this, the important thing is making a family connection versus pursuing a Pinterest-perfect snapshot. Let’s be real, with kids in the equation you might have one fantastic night of family storytime followed by a total disaster. Maybe you’re already maxed out for this season, and that’s perfectly valid.
The great thing about this concept is that you can put it in your back pocket for whenever it works for your family. Use special family storytimes to highlight Valentine’s Day, Easter, or somebody’s birthday. Do a single night, or make it a fun countdown. It doesn’t have to be fancy or cost anything. All you need is you, your family and a good book.
Extra Fun at the Winter Reading Program
As you beat back the winter doldrums with a family storytime, make sure to log those minutes for the Manhattan Public Library winter reading program! This year’s program, Winter Tales & Woodland Trails, runs Dec. 1 through Jan. 31.
