As the holiday season arrives, family time often revolves around screens. From watching favorite Christmas movies to capturing picture-perfect moments for social media, screens big or small tend to draw us in. But what if, this season, you tried something different? Imagine a holiday where memories are not captured through screens but crafted through shared experiences: laughing over a good book together, family storytelling, or simply connecting over an activity. By unplugging this holiday season, we create space for genuine, meaningful connections that allow us to be truly present with each other.
Ready to make it happen? Here are some screen-free ideas to bring more joy, reading, and connection to your family’s holiday season.
Start Small: Device-Free Moments
One of the simplest ways to begin a screen-free holiday is by setting up designated device-free moments. During these times, everyone puts their devices away and focuses on enjoying each other’s company. Start small just 30 minutes to an hour at first. These device-free moments work especially well during family meals or quiet times when everyone can enjoy a cozy reading session together. Gather in a comfortable spot, where each family member can pick up their own book or participate in a group read-aloud. You will be amazed at how these screen-free moments open new ways to bond, laugh, and share stories, all without a single device in sight.
Create Together: Hands-On Activities
With everyone unplugged, it is the perfect time to get into a hands-on activity that inspires creativity and brings everyone together. This holiday season, instead of watching stories on a screen, let your family be part of the story. Start with a holiday-themed reading night, where each person picks a favorite Christmas book, like The Secret of the Golden Clues: Peyton’s Christmas Adventure, or another seasonal favorite.
You can also bring in other activities like holiday crafts or baking recipes inspired by books. Think of it as combining reading time with creativity and hands-on fun, all while building family traditions.
Add a Twist: Plan a Holiday Reading Adventure
For a fun holiday twist, plan a “holiday reading adventure” where your family can explore different genres, holiday-themed stories, or even books you have enjoyed in the past. Let family members pick books that excite them, encouraging each person to share their favorite moments with the group.
If you want to add a bit of variety, try a holiday book swap, where each family member picks a book for someone else to read. It is a simple way to explore new stories together while keeping the focus on the magic of reading and creating shared memories that everyone can cherish.
Making Reading Fun: Tips for Parents
Keeping kids engaged without screens does not have to be challenging. In fact, with a few creative ideas, it can be tons of fun. Try setting up a family story time where everyone can take turns reading from their favorite books or acting out scenes. For a creative twist, start a holiday “reading journal” where kids can jot down thoughts on what they are reading, draw scenes, or create their own stories inspired by the books they love.
Screen-free time is also a wonderful opportunity to let kids rediscover imaginative play like creating DIY bookmarks as holiday gifts or making up their own holiday tales. With just a bit of encouragement, you will see how quickly they connect, focus, and create lasting holiday memories.
Take Screen-Free Living into the New Year
As the holidays wind down, consider carrying the magic of screen-free time and family reading into the New Year. In January, I will be hosting a screen-free challenge to help families reset and start the year with fresh habits, more time together, and plenty of good books. This challenge is the perfect way to turn the joy and connection of the holidays into a regular part of your routine, helping you discover new ways to be present, read together, and fully engage as a family.
Follow me on Instagram @authorpaulabanks for updates on the screen-free challenge, holiday reading tips, and more ideas to keep the joy of family connection alive throughout the year. I would love to see how your family creates lasting memories this holiday season!
Discover more about Paula Banks at https://peytonsjourney.com.
Article published in The Relatable Voice Magazine - December 2024.
Downolad the full magazine at:
Comments