Christmas Traditions: The Christmas Book Basket
One of my favorite Christmas traditions with our little family is our Christmas Book Basket. I started this tradition last year, when my daughter was barely a year old and even then it was a huge hit.
I just gather all the Christmas and winter-themed storybooks I can find, wrap them individually, and place them in a basket near the tree. Each night, my daughter gets to pick one book to unwrap and read with me and her daddy under the twinkling lights. It’s so much fun (and it’s helped her get better at opening presents!).
It’s a simple ritual, but it has already become one of our most cherished Christmas traditions. Here are some reasons why we started it and how you can start your own, too!
1. The Joy of Anticipation
There’s something about the wrapping and unwrapping that makes each night feel special. It’s a lot like an Advent calendar, but with books! You could make this more Christ-centered by choosing books that point your child to our Lord in the manger. Since my toddler will only be two this year, I’m still building a Christmas book collection. We don’t yet have enough Christ-centered books to build a book Advent calendar yet, but that’s something I’d love to do in the future!
For now, our Christmas and winter-themed books are perfect. Even the books we read a hundred times last year suddenly feel magical. The basket creates a sense of wonder, a nightly gift that points to anticipation and delight, echoing the hope of Advent itself.
2. Cozy Reading by the Tree
After the tree is lit and the cocoa is poured (or milk for my toddler!), we gather on the couch and read before bed. The soft glow of the lights, the familiar voices, the stories unfolding, it’s all a nightly reminder that Christmas is about togetherness and wonder. We’ve been fostering a love of books into our daughter since she was born, and it’s a blessing to see that love only grow as she grows!
3. Making Memories Through Repetition
As I mentioned, I’m still building our Christmas book collection. Throughout the year, I thrift them and each Christmas, we purchase a few new ones. My hope is for this nightly tradition to become a family memory maker, where the stories are tied to our Christmas seasons, year after year.
How to Start Your Own Book Basket
Gather all holiday/winter books you can find - I went through my daughter’s current stash of books and slowly thrifted the rest throughout the year
Wrap each book individually (paper, tissue, or reusable fabric) - This part is extra fun if you do it while watching The Office Christmas episodes and drinking a cocktail with your husband, like I did ;)
Place a basket in a visible, inviting spot - We like ours beside the armchair by our Christmas tree - it’s perfect for nightly holiday reading!
Let your child pick one each night - Make it extra special with cozy pajamas, hot chocolate or milk, and instrumental holiday music
Read together near a cozy corner, preferably with a Christmas tree or candles - Read slowly and intentionally - no skipping pages ;)
This is a tradition that doesn’t require Pinterest-level décor or hours of prep, just presence, rhythm, and a little anticipation.
A Final Thought
Our Christmas Book Basket is a nightly pause in the season’s rush, a gentle reminder that the best gifts are time together, stories shared, and the wonder of Christ’s coming. I hope this simple tradition inspires you to carve out a little nightly magic in your own home this Advent.
Happy stewarding, and Merry Christmas!
