Creative Ways to Keep Kids Reading Over the Holidays
Ah, the holidays! A time for twinkling lights, cozy nights, and way too much sugar. While the break is perfect for family fun, it can also mean a major reading slump for kids. But fear not! With a little creativity (and maybe a cup of hot cocoa), you can keep your little bookworms engaged and turning pages all season long.
Here are some fun and festive ways to keep kids reading over the holidays—without them even realizing they’re learning!
1. Holiday-Themed Printable Reading Worksheets
One of the easiest ways to encourage kids to read (without hearing groans) is by using holiday-themed printable reading worksheets. These activities bring reading to life by incorporating seasonal fun into learning.
Why They Work:
- They make reading feel like play! Worksheets filled with Santa stories, winter mysteries, or holiday word searches keep kids engaged.
- They reinforce key reading skills like comprehension, vocabulary, and phonics in a fun way.
- They help structure reading time—perfect for those days when schedules are packed with holiday chaos.
Ideas to Try:
- Christmas Story Comprehension Worksheets – Read short holiday-themed stories and answer questions.
- Winter Word Hunts – Find festive words hidden in a word search.
- Write Your Own Holiday Tale – Guided worksheets can help kids craft their own Christmas or New Year’s story.
- Mad Libs with a Holiday Twist – A hilarious way to work on parts of speech while creating silly seasonal stories!
Printables can be a lifesaver during long car rides, post-gift unwrapping lulls, or while you sneakily sip coffee in peace.
2. Create a Holiday Reading Countdown
Turn reading into an advent-style countdown! Each day, let kids unwrap a book or a reading challenge. It keeps the excitement going and makes reading feel like part of the holiday magic.
Ideas for a Reading Countdown:
- Wrap 12 or 25 books-one for each night leading up to Christmas!
- Create a “Holiday Reading Bucket List” with books about winter, traditions, or different cultures.
- Write down daily reading challenges (e.g., “Read by the Christmas tree” or “Read a story with a snowman in it”).
3. Host a Holiday-Themed Story Time & Cocoa Night
There’s nothing cozier than hot chocolate and a good book. Make reading a family event by gathering around with some warm drinks and festive stories.
- Make it a read-aloud night! Take turns reading chapters from a holiday book.
- Add some drama! Encourage kids to use different voices for characters.
- Pair books with snacks. Reading “The Polar Express”? Serve hot cocoa!
4. Encourage Holiday-Themed Creative Writing
If your child loves to create, let them write their own holiday stories! This strengthens their reading, comprehension, and writing skills all in one.
Try These Prompts:
- “Santa’s sleigh broke down—how will he deliver presents?”
- “A snowman came to life and led you on an adventure. What happens next?”
- “Write a letter from an elf explaining why they deserve a holiday bonus!”
Make it even more fun by turning their story into a book—draw pictures, staple the pages together, and create a homemade holiday keepsake.
5. Act Out a Holiday Story
Turn reading into a mini play! Kids love drama (in the best way), so let them act out their favorite holiday books.
- Read a scene together, then act it out.
- Use stuffed animals, dolls, or even sock puppets to put on a show.
- Record it and send it to family members as a holiday surprise!
This is a fantastic way to develop fluency, comprehension, and confidence in reading—all while having a blast.
6. Start a Holiday Book Swap
Gift-giving is a huge part of the holidays, so why not swap books instead of (or along with) toys?
- Have kids wrap a favorite book and swap with a friend or sibling.
- Organize a family book exchange—each person picks a book for another!
- Visit the library and let kids pick out “new” holiday books to read.
It’s a great way to make books feel special and exciting-just like a present!
7. Keep Reading Social with a Holiday Book Club
If your child loves to read with friends, start a holiday book club!
- Pick a short holiday book (or a few picture books for younger kids).
- Plan a virtual or in-person book discussion with hot cocoa and cookies.
- Let kids do a creative activity based on the book, like drawing a favorite scene.
It keeps kids engaged and helps with comprehension-win-win!
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