Books Under the Christmas Tree

The Christmas gifts I remember the most as a child are the books my siblings and I received. I still remember a red hardback riddle book that I read over and over until it fell apart. Another favorite was my first reference book, a kids question and answer book that covered just about any topic that might interest a kid. Q & A books are great to give to kids to stir their curiosity. I believe consistently getting books as Christmas gifts sent a message to me that reading was important.

I think the Icelandic people got it right. They have a celebration on Christmas Eve called Jolabokaflod. That roughly means "Christmas Book Flood" in English. Everyone in the family receives a brand new book and they sit by the fireplace sipping hot cocoa and reading their book. Doesn't that sound lovely and peaceful? It's no wonder that a 2013 study showed that 93 percent of Icelanders read at least one book a year and 50 percent read more than eight books a year. Sounds like Iceland is intentional about building a reading culture. Why not start a reading culture in your home by giving your children books for Christmas? It's a gift that can last forever.

DECEMBER READING CELEBRATION--Read a New Book Month

---