Newsletter – Happy Holidays from Book Bums – December 26, 2025

We sincerely hope you’re enjoying many splendid moments with your loved ones over the holidays and that you’ll remember them fondly for years to come.

I’m not sure about you, but I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions. I don’t even resolve to read a particular number of books as I’ve observed others do. But I recently read that one parent’s resolution is to read in front of his kids so they can see that reading is an activity to be enjoyed, relished even, and boy do I like that idea!

Rather than mindlessly scrolling as I wait for an appointment (with the telltale swiping up or sideways), I’m resolving to read a book more often. Maybe I’ll even revert to toting a book in my bag (saving Kindle for bedtime reading). In this way, kids will have no doubt about what I’m doing, and it might even spark conversation with others (soon-to-be friends) who’ve read the same book.

I often share that the number one thing to do to encourage your kids (or anyone) to read is to have tempting books close at hand. I’d love for your families to have lots of baskets, bins, and bookshelves that are bursting with books your family members might actually want to read.

Not just any ol’ books. The ones they see their friends reading or that have such enticing pictures they can hardly resist. Remember that non-fiction books are often the ones that usher resistant kids (I hate to say it, but especially boys) into reading.

Two of my grandsons happen to love birds. I purchased each a Wild Republic Audubon stuffed animal (an eagle for one and a robin for the other) that, with a squeeze, plays an authentic recording of the bird’s call. I paired those birds with kid-friendly books with beautiful images and fascinating facts telling all about their birds.

My granddaughter wants to learn how to macrame. I grew up in the 70s and have some mad macrame skills—AND a book with directions. Guess what we’ll be doing in the new year?

Even if you didn’t purchase any for the holidays, you can make a trip to the library to pick up books to pair with lots of the engaging gifts your children received.

Whether it’s for you or others who are watching and are inspired by you, grab some great new books to usher in a wonderful new year!

We’ll get back to the regular Book Bums newsletter next week. In the meantime, Happy Holidays to you and those incredible kids you adore, from all of us at Book Bums!

Sincerely,
Dr. Christy and our whole Book Bums team