Finding Time to Read During the Busy Holiday Season

The holidays can feel like a whirlwind of parties, gift-wrapping, and travel—leaving little room for the one thing that brings us real joy: reading. But trust me, with a few intentional tweaks, you can keep your reading life alive during the holidays without missing out on festive fun. Pull up a cup of cocoa and let me share the strategies that have saved my sanity (and my TBR list) every December.

Treat Reading as a Non-Negotiable Appointment

When every minute counts, it helps to pencil in your book time like any other commitment.

• Block it off on your calendar—morning cup of tea, lunchtime escape, or 15 minutes before bed.
• Protect that slot: Decline extra errands or scroll-free zones during your reading window.
• Ritualize: Light a candle or wrap yourself in your favorite blanket to signal “book time.”

My Experience: Last December, I scheduled 10 minutes of reading right after breakfast—and it became my anchor amid the chaos.

Create Micro-Moments for Pages

Holidays bring built-in pauses—make the most of them:

• Travel Time: On planes, trains, or rideshares, dive into an audiobook or pull out your e-reader.
• Waiting in Line: Instead of checking your phone, tuck in a paperback or open your audiobook app.
• Chore Companion: Pair dishes, laundry, or cooking with an engrossing audiobook.

Audiobook Advantage

Switching to audiobooks freed up my hands and heart—finding myself humming the narrator’s voice as I wrapped gifts felt like a holiday bonus.

Set Realistic Holiday Reading Goals

Don’t aim for your usual 20 books in December. Scale down:

• Mini-Challenge: Read one short story or 100 pages a week.
• Festive Focus: Choose holiday-themed novellas to match the season.
• Format Flexibility: A mix of audio, e-book, and print keeps things fresh.

Pro Tip: I pledged to finish one holiday novella per week—and actually exceeded my goal!

3 Holiday Reads Worth Your Limited Time

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

Della and Jim’s tender exchange of treasured possessions teaches that love is the greatest gift. I chose this classic for its bittersweet charm—perfect for readers who love sentimental short tales that warm the heart in under an hour.

Holly & Ivy by Nancy Mitford

Ivy’s journey from orphan to cherished hostess is a delightful romp through 1950s London Christmas prep. This novel made me laugh at its social satire and cry at its heartfelt moments—ideal for fans of cozy domestic dramas with wit.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation after spectral visits remains the gold standard of holiday redemption. I revisit this novella every year for its timeless message—great for readers who enjoy hauntingly uplifting stories of second chances.

Embrace Flexibility and Self-Compassion

• Buddy Up: Swap holiday reading recommendations with friends, or join our BYOB Club for a virtual festive check-in.
• Say No Gracefully: It’s OK to skip an event or gift-shopping trip to steal 20 more pages.
• Forgive Missed Goals: If you fall short, celebrate the moments you did read—no guilt required.

Do You Read During the Holidays?

With these holiday reading tips, you’ll carve out moments of calm and keep your love of books alive, even in December’s busiest weeks. What’s your top trick for squeezing in pages this season? Share below and let’s keep each other cozy and inspired!