How many years in a row have you thought something along the lines of, “I wish we could sit around snuggling up and reading together as a family, but the holidays are just too busy.” Well, if your calendar looks anything like ours, some free time has definitely opened up in 2020. Cancelled parties and events, scaled back celebrations… plus all the time you typically spend just preparing for all this stuff is now available, too. We’re trying hard to look on the bright side and embrace what new traditions this might offer our families.
I know it’s still just mid November, though. And we have one very clear rule in our family, ingrained into our way of thinking since we were very young: Thanksgiving is the best of all the holidays and NOT just a stepping stone to the others. Well, Mom and Dad, it’s 2020 and we’re breaking the rules. Whether it’s the threat of shipping delays due to COVID, or concerns about in-person book browsing in a pandemic, this year it’s more important than ever to add books to the collection of a loved one in a timely and safe manner. And take advantage of a simpler, more manageable holiday schedule.
Let us be clear. We firmly believe it’s not about the number of gifts under the tree. It’s about the time you set aside to make the gifts meaningful, whether it’s in the personal way you selected the book or the time you will set aside to enjoy the book together.
This is why books make a fantastic gift. Books are meant to be read. Whether it’s under the blankets on a cold winter night with a flashlight or cuddled together on the couch or with a sibling or shared with a friend, it’s the actual joy of reading that is the truest gift. And isn’t that something to be thankful for this year, more than ever before?
From now until Christmas, we’ll be sharing book recommendations each day on our social media pages. (We also have a frequently updated list of book recommendations here.) Be sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. We love this community of readers we’re building… so as always, please share your own family favorites in the comments on our posts, and be sure to share some of ours with your circle as well!
We’ll provide Amazon links to make online shopping easier (and a very small percentage of your purchase supports our blog). However, if you have the flexibility, we really encourage you to support your local, independent bookstore. Many have been greatly impacted by the pandemic and current economic crisis. Don’t have one nearby? You can still support those in other towns using Bookshop.
