Christmas Reading for Magical Moments or Month-Long Reflection
All the lights were low. The twinkling bulbs on the Christmas tree and the lingering glow of the fireplace emitted scarcely enough light to read by. Still, a new mother, I eagerly began a tradition with my first baby on her first Christmas Eve when I opened my Bible to Luke, chapter 2. For many years to follow, I read the story of the birth of Christ from the Bible to my children.
Once they were old enough to sit on their own, I gave them children’s nativity figures to handle as I read. Eventually, I added children’s books that retold the story in far fewer words. And the day came when I let them read the story to me. But always, no matter what books we added, or who read the words, or how many times we had to stop and start, we read the story of the birth of Christ straight from the Bible. I wanted my kids to see where the story of Jesus came from, to know that it was real—and miraculous. I wanted them to see the Book in my hands and the faith in my heart.
Like remnants of dreams suspended in my mind, incomplete and detached from identifying markers of time, I have fuzzy little memories of my own mother reading the same words in front of the exquisite mother-of-pearl nativity set she arranged every year atop of angel hair and white twinkle lights. It was breathtaking, quite possibly the most beautiful thing my mother ever owned and the only possession of hers I really want to keep. I can still hear her voice reading these words from the giant keepsake King James she laid open in front of it.
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus. . .”
“. . . And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”
Barely above a whisper, Mom read, “. . . I bring you good tidings of great joy. . . For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
and my favorite line of all. . .
“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
Not until I began reading this story to my own children did I understand how magnificent this often overlooked line truly is. Having shared my last Christmas with my mother seven years ago and my first Christmas as a mother twenty years ago, I am most certainly an avid keeper of “all these things” in my heart.
How will you infuse the holidays with your love of books?
Here is a handful of inspiration for adults and children alike. Some are heart-warming to share together and others are best relished quietly with a warm cup and a cozy blanket. Some make for perfectly magical moments, while others are best practiced all month long in mindful reflection. I wonder if any of them will make it into your heart and home.
Magical Moments
Creating traditions like the one I shared can be spiritual and moving, but there are also plenty of light-hearted ways to indulge bookish moments of Christmas delight. If you are planning a classroom Christmas party, workplace luncheon, or family gathering, consider incorporating a book exchange. It’s a meaningful alternative to white elephant games or traditional gift exchanges that neither breaks the bank nor adds to post-holiday clutter.
A fun idea for children: read a different Christmas story each night leading up to Christmas. Or for middle grade students, perhaps one or two chapters from a Christmas book is more their speed. One of my all-time favorites as a child was The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.
A more grown-up way to create magical moments and engage your love of books this season is to meet up for coffee or host a hot-chocolate bar—or any other sort of ‘spirited’ bar—with your book club or besties to talk about a Christmas novel you read together. I have noticed in the groups I follow that there are more and more novels in this genre every year.
Month-Long Reflection
One practice I relish periodically is to read about the life of Jesus all month long. Did you know the Book of Luke has 24 chapters? If you read one chapter each day beginning December 1, then by Christmas Eve you will have read His entire life story according to the Gospel of Luke.
A similar course of reflection will rise from the pages of an Advent book or devotional designed for daily reading during the Advent season of anticipation and preparation from December 1-24. There are scores of books available. I recommend searching online to see what resonates with you and your faith.
And finally, it’s always fun to stir imaginations and warm hearts with the classics. Usher in the comfort of familiar Christmas characters and places that have universally bound us for generations. Or pull a book from the shelf that you’ve always intended to read like A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker.
Inject the Holidays with Your Love Affair of Books
I hope you find an idea or two—or simply the inspiration—to inject the holidays with your love affair of books. If you are looking for a new book idea to gift (or read for yourself), check out my previous article chock full of links to indie books from my authors written for a range of ages and interests!
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If we haven’t met yet, I am Andria Flores: author, editor, and recovering perfectionist. For more articles like this one, connection with a supportive author network, and trusted publishing resources, subscribe to my newsletter today. When you do, I’ll send you my free Publishing Guide as a gift, and I won’t blow up your inbox every week. My 40+ page eBook is a step-by-step guide through the publishing process, including tips, tricks, and links that you can use along the way. Get yours here!
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