Start a Reading Routine This Holiday Season

Why the Holiday Hustle is the Perfect Time to Build a Reading Routine at Home

The holidays can feel chaotic. But hidden in all that chaos is a secret opportunity. Between the travel, the downtime, and those cozy nights in, something shifts. The rigid schedules of the school year soften. And in that softness lies the perfect chance to build a reading routine that can last all year.

When life slows down, kids become more receptive. The constant rush from school to activities pauses. There's more time for togetherness. This isn't just a feeling—it's a neurological sweet spot. During calmer, happier moments, the brain is more open to forming new habits. The pressure is off, making it the ideal time to introduce a positive new rhythm.

The Magic of Repetition When Life Slows Down

There's a reason holiday traditions stick with us so powerfully. It's the science of rhythm and repetition. When the frantic pace of everyday life slows down, small, consistent actions have room to take root.

Think of it like this: trying to start a new reading routine during the busy school year is like planting a seed in a storm. The rhythm of reading for just a few minutes each day becomes a comforting anchor in a sea of change, making it much more likely to stick long after the decorations are put away.

What a "No-Pressure" Reading Routine Actually Looks Like

Forget grand plans and perfect reading nooks. A sustainable routine is built on tiny, effortless habits. The goal is connection, not perfection.

Here are a few simple ideas that fit right into the holiday season:

• The 20-Minute Wind-Down: After a day of excitement, swap 20 minutes of screen time for a book before bed. It’s a calm way to transition from a busy day.
• The Car Basket: Heading on a road trip to see family? Keep a basket of books in the backseat. It’s an easy, screen-free way to pass the time.
• The Hot Chocolate Read-Aloud: Make a new tradition. Once a week, gather with mugs of hot chocolate and read a chapter book aloud together. It’s pure, cozy connection.
• The Storytelling Game: Make up a story together during dinner prep or while waiting in line. One person starts, and each person adds a sentence. It builds creativity and is genuinely fun.

Why Starting Now Makes January So Much Easier

Building a reading habit during the holidays isn't just about December. It's a gift to your future self. When January arrives with its dark, cold days and back-to-school rigor, the routine is already there.

That 20-minute wind-down becomes a familiar comfort. The read-aloud tradition is something to look forward to. You won't have to fight to establish a new habit amidst the New Year's chaos; you'll simply be continuing a rhythm of connection your family already enjoys.

This holiday season, let books be part of your family's story. It’s not another item on your to-do list, but a chance to create calm and connection. And if you're looking for a way to kickstart that home library, programs like Book Blast make it easy to get exciting, new books into your children's hands at no cost. A few great books and a few quiet moments are the only ingredients you need.

Sources:

1. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg - The science of how habits form.
2. American Academy of Pediatrics - The importance of reading aloud and routines for child development.