There aren’t many sleeps left until the Big Day. Schools are about to break up for the holidays, and the excitement is building.
Overwrought and needing to calm down – and that’s just the adults! – one way to bring a little calm to Christmas is to enjoy the magic of reading.
In fact, Christmas and books go together perfectly, like Santa and Rudolf, sprouts and gravy, or mince pies and brandy butter!
So, while you get ready for Christmas, when you’ll be enjoying a few days of peace and goodwill with your loved ones, take a moment here to discover why we think books are an essential part of the season of good cheer.
- Books make the perfect gift.
Books are so much more than just paper and print with a fancy cover. They are gateways to other worlds, teachers of new ideas, and companions in solitude. Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an insightful biography, a book can touch the heart in ways few other gifts can.
And, if you know someone really well, it should be pretty easy to pick the perfect gift for them, whether that’s a new novel, non-fiction or the ubiquitous annual.
- Taking pleasure in holiday reading.
If most of the time we are all rush, rush, rush, Christmas really is an occasion to put your feet up and relax, and what better way than with a good book.
Reading offers a rare opportunity to slow down and find a moment’s peace amid the hustle and bustle. Picture yourself curled up by the fire, a mug of hot cocoa in hand (or even something a little stronger), immersed in a good book.
You could go seasonal with your reading, and the best seasonal book of all has to be Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
- Create a new reading tradition.
Christmas is all about traditions – turkey (or goose), Christmas pudding, carols and mistletoe. Why not create a tradition of your own, one that revolves around books and reading?
You could try having the family read aloud and taking turns – who doesn’t like hearing a story read to them?
How about a book swap among your friends and family? Or a Christmas book club, where you chat about a book you have read?
Why not start an annual tradition of sharing a book-related advent calendar? Instead of chocolates, wrap up 24 books – they can be from a charity shop, so you’re helping a good cause at the same time.
Books to spark the holiday spirit
If you’re looking for holiday reading inspiration, here are a few of our recommendations:
- The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater: A celebration of winter and Christmas traditions, complete with recipes and stories.
- Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle: A trio of interconnected holiday romances perfect for a snowy day.
- Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien: A collection of letters Tolkien wrote to his children, filled with whimsical stories and illustrations.
- Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie: A classic murder mystery with a festive twist.
- And for children, try How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss – it’s a wonderful story with beautiful illustrations, too.
So why not share the gift of reading this Christmas? Whether you give books as presents, create a book-related Christmas tradition, or just spend time with your loved ones, with your noses buried in a good book.
From the team here at Happydesigner, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas and if, in the New Year, you’re inspired to write a children’s book and are looking for exceptional illustrations, then please get in touch.
Right, we’re off to the bookshelf to pick a good read and sit down with a cup of tea.
Written by Jo Smyth (www.wordworker.co.uk)
