No matter what you are celebrating this year, one way to make your December extra special is to add a new tradition. A tradition is essentially just a practice or intention that is enjoyed enough to be continually done over time. You might already have family traditions this time of year such as baking cookies to take to your neighbors or hosting a pizza and movie night on the first snow of the season. However, if I may, I would like to suggest a new category of tradition – bookish traditions! Whether you and your loved ones are big readers or not, I have some ideas for ways to incorporate books into your holiday season you may not have thought of before.
Book Swap
I can remember holidays growing up watching as my mom, aunts, and grandma all gathered around the kitchen table each with a box of paperback books they had read that year. In turn, each showcased their favorites and then they decided which books went home with who. If your family or friend group are all just as book-crazed as you are, exchanging used books is a great way to connect while also saving money. If you don’t own many titles because you prefer to use the library rather than buy books (first of all – YAY that’s awesome) you could each bring a list of books you have read this year and write down titles your people recommend. If there is a book on your list you don’t see in our catalog, don’t fret, ask a librarian to help you request a copy through SRCS, our inter-library loan system that spans the whole state of Indiana.
Audiobook + Activity
One of the most relaxing things I can think of is doing something relatively mindless while listening to an audiobook. For example, you could gather your people for a puzzle day and clear off the dining room table to make a huge puzzle as a family while listening to an audiobook. Another option is to put on an audiobook while baking cookies or knitting! If you have little ones, try putting on an audiobook while they work on a coloring book. A few family-friendly options I would recommend for fifth grade and up are:
- The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (and the rest of the series as well)
- Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
- As always, check out the Libby and Hoopla apps for more options in addition to the library’s physical audiobook collection.
Pass the Book Read Aloud
If you are celebrating a religious holiday such as Christmas or Hanukkah, consider doing a group read-aloud the night before your celebration. Simply gather your people, sit in a circle, and take turns passing the book after each person reads a page. Adults can help little ones by allowing the child to hold the book and turn the page but reading over their shoulder. A few good book options would be:
We have many different versions of this classic tale, each with its own artistic spin on the illustrations.
Every night the excitement of Chanukah builds as new items and ways to celebrate are incorporated into the story. This is a fun book to read or sing together.
This adorable story follows Anna who will be celebrating both her usual Hanukkah and her first Christmas this year with her new dad and stepbrother. Watch as they blend cultures and families by preparing a new treat for Santa this year.
Reading Resolutions
I am a big fan of New Year’s resolutions – just not the typical kind. For years I would set lofty goals and within a few weeks feel the guilt and disappointment of another year unsuccessful. Then one year I decided from here on out I would only make resolutions that when accomplished add joy and when not, don’t matter. For example, a recent new year’s resolution of mine was to wear more earrings. Every time I put on earrings that year I smiled and patted myself on the back. I recommend doing this with reading goals! Instead of something practical like “read more in 2022” or “finish 12 books this year”, try something sillier like “hug every book after I am done reading it” or “before even starting a book, always make a prediction about the ending” you could even do “if I am not enjoying a book, I will stop reading it without guilt”. The goal is to add something to your life this year that might make you smile.
Little Free Library Hunt
Giving back to the community is a hallmark of the winter season. Put some good out into the world by donating some of your old books to local Little Free Libraries. If you have not heard of a Little Free Library, it is not the same as your local public library. It is actually a private organization that promotes book exchanges between neighbors by registering small outdoor areas as designated “Little Free Libraries”. You can look at this map to plot out a route of where you want to drop your books off. Of course along the way you might pick up some new goodies as well! Even better, if you go at night you can all dress up in pajamas, bring hot chocolate, and look at Christmas lights as you drive through neighborhoods.
Make Holiday Bookmarks
Lastly, who doesn’t love a holiday craft? Especially when you make something cute and functional — like a bookmark! Bookmarks are incredibly easy to make, no matter what type you go with (paper, string, felt, fabric, etc.) you really can’t mess it up. There are endless possibilities and the internet is ripe with inspiration if you do a simple Google search. This is a cheap, easy, craft the whole family will enjoy year after year.
Hopefully, this list gave you some new ideas for holiday traditions. Please know I am wishing you and your family a merry December full of bookish delight!
