The Joy of a Story

*Posted originally on strongandmindful

A good story seems to set the stage for snuggles after playing outside in the snow and allows a chance to reconnect together. And let’s be honest, I love the chance to sit still for a minute!

I remember when my oldest was itty bitty, and I actually felt stress behind reading to him (yep, over thinker!). I felt obligated to figure out what I should read to him. Like following a specific book list would actually make him a better reader. It took some time for me to discover what I needed to share doesn’t come from any list or review. Nor does it come from a particular book. For my kiddos to enJOY reading, they need to feel the JOY first from me. And that comes from within.

Three things I’ve learned:

1. I need to enJOY the book I am reading to my children. Whether it’s a board book or a chapter book, if it makes me cringe/bores me to sleep then I’ll be cringing/falling asleep trying to read it to them. Letting go of the books that ‘drove me crazy’ has been completely freeing and has left room to actually read and enJOY the books I love to pick up.

2. I need to feel some type of connection. Either to the book itself, or to my kiddo (who may love a certain subject). Motherhood has been a wonderful opportunity for me to learn all kinds of things I never thought I’d learn the details of – from the names of specific construction trucks, to sports facts, to wildlife and nature – because it’s something my child wants to connect to. Likewise, it’s been fun to get excited about old books I remember reading and share that love with them. It’s a beautiful connection.

3. It’s not about my list, or what I want them to read. It’s about them, their growth, and their interests. I struggled getting one of my children to have a interest or love in books until I realized that particular child LOVED facts. Any type of non-fiction was fun, but try to read a fairy tale, and he would run away (literally). I remember one time in particular trying to push a popular fiction story, only to stand there laughing at myself. If both my husband and I gravitate toward non-fiction books, why can’t he? In contrast, I’ve had other children who can snuggle up to a fairy tale story and use it as a way for creative play. Recognizing the beauty in both brings JOY.

Incorporating holiday books into the season is a family tradition I look forward to for each holiday. I typically pack the holiday books with whatever holiday decorations we have, and then pull them all out at once. We have some Halloween and Easter favorites that are so fun to pull out each year.

I love Christmas books because they often get me a little teary and allow a chance for me to slow down a little and really feel the meaning behind the season. It’s my hope that our kiddos will feel my connection and want to apply the meaning behind these stories. We often read a short story or snippet in the morning over breakfast, and then again at nighttime (I love reading by the Christmas tree).

This list of books is a collaboration of Christmas favorites from a handful of women (thanks to all those of you who sent titles!). As much as this isn’t a list of what everyone should read, it might spark a reminder or give an idea behind what brings you JOY in reading.

Christmas Book Favorites (in no particular order):

• The Tale of Three Trees
• Christmas Oranges
• The First Nativity
• The Last Straw
• The Christmas Journey – Four Classic Stories for the Season
• C is for Christmas
• The Little Shepard’s Christmas
• A Christ-Centered Christmas
• The Christmas Train
• Holy Gifts
• Words of Christmas
• The Friend Magazine
• The 25 Days of Christ
• A Small Miracle
• The Littlest Angel
• The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree
• The Fourth Wise Man
• The Third Gift
• The Little Match Girl
• The Life of Christ – in the New Testament, or Bible Stories

Have a favorite? Please add it to the comments section! Happy reading!