It may not come as a surprise that one of my favourite places to shop is a book shop. My kids have become used to receiving books for Christmas, and I have a great time choosing books for them.
I have also found that giving my kids books is my biggest secret to keeping my sanity on Christmas day.
The first book I choose is one for their Christmas stocking. I discovered early on in my parenting journey that giving the kids books will give me some quiet time. The rule in our house is the kids can get up early to open their stockings, but can’t wake me up until a particular time. Including a book gives the kids something to do while they wait until they can jump on me!
Most years, I give them a book in their Christmas parcel too. This book is often put aside in favour of any new toys… at least for a while. I have also started giving my nephews books for Christmas too.
There is always a time on Christmas afternoon when the kids are tired and cranky. This is partly due to an early morning, and also to do with the excitement of the day. It’s at this point I remind them of their new books and they can sit down and continue to read the book they started that morning or start any books they have received in their Christmas parcel. When they are with their cousins, they enjoy sharing books together, giving all the adults a little bit of peace and quiet so we can have a nap!
My family know me so well that they give me books too!
Books is my Christmas day secret, and it’s one that kids (and parents) of all ages can enjoy. Including a book in a Christmas parcel can give you some rest time on Christmas day, and can be enjoyed for days, months, or even years after Christmas has passed.
