Choose two or three short Christmas or winter books from home or the library. Offer a familiar favorite and one new choice. An adult can preview stories for themes that may worry younger listeners.
Set books in a basket near comfortable seats. Keep the usual room lighting bright enough to read, leave walkways clear and offer a blanket without requiring everyone to sit close together.
Let the group pick the first book and decide whether to listen, take reading turns or look at pictures. Read at a comfortable pace, welcome questions and let anyone move, draw quietly or take a break.
After one book, offer a simple choice: another story, a drawing of a favorite scene or a quiet finish. Put books within reach for tomorrow and end whenever the group has had enough.
A little help: Skip flames and decorative electrical cords. If serving a warm drink, an adult prepares and checks its temperature; keep adult hot drinks out of children's reach. Drinks are optional.
