While you're relaxing, let the kids each take a holiday shopping list and write down a few titles they'd like as gifts. Make it festive by using the back of old Christmas cards for the lists. Wrap a special book for each child and let them open it early. Coming from a family of school teachers, I never remember a Christmas when I didn't receive at least one book. Today I always suggest that parents give each child at least one book during the holidays.
Books are important and delightful and fun and heartwarming and though-provoking.
There are so many wonderful stories of wintertime and the holiday seasons. Today's picture books can be enjoyed by any age. You don't have to give holiday theme books during the holidays. If you really want children to understand that books are important, give them a book that doesn't tie to the season, one they can read any time of the year. Try What Works with Children edited by Marshall Duke, PhD and Sarah Duke M.M., This is a delightful book of essays from professionals who have spent 25 years working with children.