Unwrapping the Magic: A Busy Mom's Guide to the Holiday Book Advent Calendar Tradition

'Tis the season for twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and the unmistakable scent of dried-out pine in the air. As a working mom, navigating the holiday season can feel like a juggling act—one where you're constantly trying to balance the demands of work, family, and, of course, the unwritten rule that every inch of your home must be draped in festive cheer.

In the midst of the holiday chaos as a new mom, I stumbled upon the idea of a book advent calendar—a fresh take on the more traditional chocolate countdown or the mischievous elf on a shelf (don't get me wrong, we still do the chocolate too)!

Little did I know that what seemed like a brilliant plan to cultivate a love for reading would turn into a logistical puzzle, a holiday homework of sorts. So, if you're considering embarking on this literary journey or are already knee-deep in wrapping paper and toddler enthusiasm, here are a few survival tips from one wing-it mom to another:

1. The Great Book Hunt: Sure, you can spend a fortune on brand-new books, but where's the fun in that? Year one, I donned my explorer hat and scoured the neighborhood for those charming 'Little Libraries' on street corners. Goodwill and garage sales also became my treasure troves, while friendly inquiries among friends and family yielded a few hand-me-down gems. For the finishing touch, a handful of new favorites rounded out our initial collection, ensuring a mix of old and new adventures.

2. Eco-Friendly Wrapping: Reduce, reuse, recycle—the holiday mantra for the eco-conscious parent. Staging books in batches allowed me to repurpose packaging, wrapping paper, bags, and tissues. Imperfect wrapping? Who cares! The back is where the magic happens, and no one's grading you on your gift-wrapping skills - especially not a toddler.

3. Strategize Your Showcase: Free choice can be both a blessing and a curse, especially as toddlers discover the joys of book unwrapping. Choose whether to showcase all 25 books at once or set out a few in advance for the kids to choose from. For added excitement, mix it up with small, chunky, and big books—perfect for those with a knack for self-restraint.

4. Pre-Seed with Joyful Reads: Not all books are created equal, and some are just more enjoyable to read aloud. Seed the first week with the cream of the literary crop, ensuring you have more time for multiple readings of those cherished tales. Save the touch-and-feel short stories for the end—it's a win-win for both you and your restless little one.

5. Embrace Diversity: Holidays are a time for celebration, and that includes embracing the rich tapestry of traditions from around the world. Mix up the book selection with tales of giving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and anything that spreads holiday spirit and cheer. It's a literary world tour right in your living room.

6. The Grand Finale: Keep the excitement alive by saving a special book for Christmas morning. Make it a 'book to keep,' something your kids have been eyeing or a popular title you're excited to add to the year-round collection. This year, our grand finale is 'Red Shoes, Best Shoes'—cue the delighted gasps from my son as our first self-published book comes to life.

7. Contain the Cheer: While the vision of books artfully propped up on the fireplace is Instagram-worthy, practicality comes first. Invest in a cute, festive basket to contain the opened books and maintain some semblance of order. It's the perfect compromise between holiday magic and maintaining your sanity and still gives you the opportunity to pull a few fun ones to showcase if you're feeling up to it.

8. Smart Storage Strategies: The joy of unwrapping a book a day is undeniable, but as the collection grows, so does the weight of holiday cheer. Consider the logistics of storage, especially if you plan on accumulating books over the years. Year two brought us the generous gift of a dozen more books, and suddenly our standard holiday box felt like it was bulging at the seams. Lesson learned: plan ahead. Dedicate a separate space for your expanding literary treasure trove. Avoid the annual struggle of rearranging your holiday decorations box like a game of festive Tetris. A designated book storage container can save your back and your sanity.

9. Agin Up and Passing Down. As your little readers grow, consider passing on the literary love. Share the joy with friends who might be starting a similar tradition or return the books to the 'Little Library' in your neighborhood. After all, what better way to spread the magic of reading than by creating a ripple effect of festive stories in your community? You'll also want to start keeping an eye out in all the places mentioned in #1, plus at school book fairs as your young readers become big kids.

10. Tread Carefully During Decorating: Exercise caution when retrieving holiday decorations, especially if little helpers are around. This year, in the excitement, I almost spilled the beans and showed my son all the books prematurely. Keep the surprise intact and maintain the magic for as long as you can - or at least until some kid with older siblings tells them that Santa isn't real at school!

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to holiday traditions. Whether you follow these tips to the letter or throw caution to the wind, the goal is to have fun. If the stress threatens to overshadow the joy, don't hesitate to ask for help or pivot to a different holiday reading adventure. After all, the real magic lies in creating cherished memories with your little ones. Happy reading, and may your holiday book advent calendar tradition continue to bring literary delight to both your home and beyond!

What's On Our Bookshelf (December)

• The Night Before Christmas. Splurged on a leather bound holiday classic in year one - though some outdated words and terms that can pose questions from curious listeners.

• On the First Night of Chanukah. A delightful find - and a fun reminder of extended family traditions growing up! Also - good to get in the mood for latkes!

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I never read much Suess growing up or watched any of the movies - but I think this one is a fun read about the love you give and the spreading joy to others.

• Sadie and the Snowman. An adventurous read for determined little minds, and good learning for kids that aren't exposed to snow.

• All You Need for a Snowman. It's a simple, rhyming read with lovely illustrations.

• I Love the Nutcracker. This is a touch music book that is perfect for tiny fingers and fine motor skills.