The average kid spends 5-7 hours a day on screens during the school year, and that number jumps during holiday breaks when structure disappears and everyone's home and it's cold and dark at 4:30pm. I'm not here to shame anyone about that—screens are a tool, and sometimes that tool keeps everyone sane.

But here's what we know from research: shared reading time has benefits that screen time just doesn't replicate. It builds vocabulary, emotional intelligence, and actual face-to-face connection. Plus, it creates memories. Your kid might not remember the specific episode of Bluey they watched on December 23rd, but they'll remember the book you read together by the tree.

And honestly? You probably need the screen break too. We're all fried.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg - The classic for a reason. The illustrations are stunning, the story has just enough magic without being saccharine, and it works whether you're religious or secular. Pro tip: Read it in your coziest voice with hot chocolate nearby.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss - Yes, they've seen the movie (probably multiple versions). Read the book anyway. The rhythm and rhyme are perfect for this age, and it's actually a great conversation starter about materialism and what the holidays really mean.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats - Not specifically a holiday book, but it captures that winter magic feeling. Also, it's beautifully diverse representation from 1962, which is pretty remarkable.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - Okay, hear me out. I know it seems old-fashioned, but there are great adapted versions for this age group, and the story absolutely slaps. Ghosts! Social justice! Redemption! It's got everything, and it's in the public domain so you can find free versions everywhere.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson - Genuinely hilarious. The Herdman kids are basically feral, and watching them encounter the nativity story for the first time is both funny and surprisingly moving. Works for religious and non-religious families.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel - A fantastic Hanukkah story with actual stakes and adventure. The illustrations are gorgeously spooky, and it's a nice alternative to the Christmas-heavy season.

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan - A teen romance set during the holidays in NYC. It's sweet without being cringey, and there's a Netflix series if they want to compare after reading.

Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle - Three interconnected stories about teens during a holiday snowstorm. It's got romance, friendship, and that cozy stuck-inside-during-a-storm feeling we all secretly love.

Start small. You don't need to read the entire Harry Potter series by New Year's. Even 15 minutes before bed counts.

Make it cozy. Blankets, hot drinks, dim lighting—create an atmosphere that feels different from regular life. You're competing with TikTok and Roblox here; ambiance matters.

Let them hold their phone. Controversial take, but if your teen needs to fidget with something while you read aloud, that's okay. Some kids focus better with their hands busy. Just maybe suggest airplane mode.

Take turns reading. If you've got multiple kids or a partner involved, switch off. It keeps everyone engaged and models that reading isn't just "kid stuff."

Don't force it. If they genuinely hate it after a real try, that's data. Maybe audiobooks are better for your family, or maybe this just isn't your tradition, and that's fine too.

Screen-free time doesn't have to be a battle. Holiday books offer a legitimate alternative that can feel just as cozy and engaging as scrolling or gaming—especially when you create the right environment for it.

Will your kids immediately abandon their devices and beg for Victorian literature? Probably not. But you might be surprised how quickly they settle into it once it becomes routine. And even if they're half-listening while thinking about Minecraft, you're still creating space for something different.

Pick one book from the list above that matches your kid's age and interests. Get it from the library, buy it, or find a free version online—whatever removes barriers.

Choose a time that might actually work. After dinner? Before bed? During that weird limbo between Christmas and New Year's when nobody knows what day it is?

Try it for three nights. That's enough to see if it has potential without committing to something that makes everyone miserable.

And if you want more ideas for screen-free activities or you're wondering how much screen time is actually okay during breaks, Screenwise can help you figure out what works for your specific family.

The holidays are already full of pressure to do everything perfectly. This doesn't have to be another thing to stress about. It's just books, hot chocolate, and maybe—if you're lucky—a few minutes where everyone's in the same room, actually together.