For many of us, the holidays bring back memories of reading special Christmas stories on the laps of our parents or grandparents while the tree shimmered with garland and the yarns of stockings awaited tiny treasures. At this time of year, we’re thinking even more about how special it is for families to have books that invite slowing down, cuddling up and enjoying a story together. So, readers of readers, we’re sharing some simple ways you can help spread the joy of reading this holiday season.

1. Host a Block or Office Book Drive

Asking neigbhours, coworkers or bookclub friends to gather up like-new books to make a donation together is a great way to spread cheer and share the gift of reading. Tell your crew you’re looking for like-new children’s books, set a date to collect and make a plan to donate books.

Book Bank is always looking for gently used (no torn/written on or yellowed pages)children’s books, which are in high demand this time of year as agencies look to include books in holiday hampers. Learn more about monthly donation days and other ways to donate books, and the impact of this initiative, which is supported by Calgary Reads Big Book Sale.

2. Add Festive Décor – and a Few Books– to a Little Free Library

Little Free Library elves can help make the season merry and bright by:

·     Dropping off books, especially holiday-themed books

·     Adding a sprig of mistletoe or snowflakes for some festive décor

3. Host a Holiday Readaloud

If your friends, family or neighbours get together to go sledding, skating or carolling this time of year, why not adda holiday readaloud to your tradition? Hearing the words of a book read aloudis proven to be calming and uplifting, made even more so by the touching moments of holiday stories. Folks can

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Here are some of the best stories to read aloud over the holidays:

Classic stories

A Christmas Carol

The Night Before Christmas

The 12 Days of Christmas

Contemporary stories:

The Polar Express

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas

How the Grinch StoleChristmas

Moostletoe

4. Give the Gift of Reading Role Models

If this is a time of year when you think about making end-of-year donations that offer charitable tax receipts, here are some organizations doing the important work of helping students to reach their potential:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area

Mentors spend one-on-one time reading to build bonds and reading confidence. Mentors take wee read training to develop their reading role model skills.

Learn more and donate

Carl Smith Stay in School Program, viaRotary Club of Calgary Downtown

The Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown (which also stewards the book sale) is a proud supporter of the Carl SmithStay-in-School program, empowering students facing financial and personal challenges to complete high school and pursue post-secondary education.

The program provides mentorship, financial assistance, and guidance to motivated students, helping them overcome barriers and achieve their academic goals. Donations help provide one-on-one tutoring, educational tablets and crucial scholarships to support their post-secondary education expenses. 

Learn more and donate

5. Take a Reading Break!

This might be the easiest one of all—and its impact is not to be underestimated. Demonstrating to children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, that reading is an enjoyable activity that brings calm helps inspire their own reading habits and self-regulation skills.Show those kiddos that reading deserves time in the day, especially during times of busyness.

6. Join in the 'jolabokaflod' book-giving fun

We just love the Icelandic tradition of gifting books on Christmas Eve. After all (and especially for Big Book Sale folks), a book is the gift that just keeps on giving! 'Jolabokaflod,' also known as the Christmas book flood, is a holiday tradition best enjoyed with hot chocolate and comfy socks!

Thank you for thinking about how to spread the joy of reading this holiday season! Join us on social media to keep the book do-goodery ideas coming!

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