December Strategies to Support Struggling Readers Amid Holiday Chaos

December often brings a whirlwind of activity for families. Between holiday events, travel plans, school performances, and later bedtimes, it’s easy for reading practice to fall by the wayside.

For children who find reading challenging, this busy season can feel even more overwhelming. The good news is that your child’s reading progress doesn’t have to pause during the holidays. With a few thoughtful strategies, you can keep their skills growing through natural, meaningful activities that fit into your family’s festive routine.

Why December Feels Harder for Struggling Readers

It’s not just the excitement or the packed calendar that makes December tough for kids who struggle with reading. Reading itself demands several mental skills that take a hit during this busy month:

• Working memory: Holding sounds and words in mind while decoding text

• Attention: Staying focused amid distractions

• Emotional regulation: Managing frustration when reading feels difficult

• Predictability: Having a consistent routine that supports learning

• Cognitive energy: Using mental resources that get drained by holiday stress

  
  

When these areas are stretched thin, children may guess words more often, hesitate, forget sounds, or get frustrated quickly. They might also rely on adults more than usual for help. These signs don’t mean your child is falling behind. Instead, they show that the holiday overload is affecting their reading stamina.

Make Reading Part of Holiday Traditions

Incorporating reading into holiday traditions helps children see it as a fun and natural part of the season. For example:

• Read holiday-themed books together: Choose stories about winter, celebrations, or family traditions. This connects reading with the excitement of the season.

• Create a holiday reading countdown: Similar to an advent calendar, open a new book or read a chapter each day leading up to a holiday.

• Use holiday cards and letters: Encourage your child to read and write holiday cards to family members. This practice improves reading and writing skills while spreading cheer.

  
  

These activities make reading feel less like a chore and more like a shared family experience.

Managing Overwhelm and Building Emotional Support

Busy schedules mean you need to find pockets of time for reading that don’t require a big commitment. Look for natural opportunities:

• Read recipes while baking holiday treats: Let your child read the instructions aloud. This helps with following directions and understanding sequence.

• Read signs and labels during holiday shopping: Ask your child to find certain words or read product names.

• Follow instructions for holiday crafts or decorations: Reading step-by-step guides builds comprehension and attention to detail.

  
  

These moments show your child that reading is useful and relevant beyond books.

Choose Engaging Materials

Children who struggle with reading may lose motivation if the material feels too hard or boring. Let your child help pick the reading materials. When they feel ownership, they are more likely to stay engaged.

Your child is never too old to enjoy a read aloud.  Whether it’s a picture book or a novel, reading to your child reduces the stress of having to decode while listening to a fluent reader. Audiobooks are another way for your child to enjoy text that would be too overwhelming for them to read.  Bonus points if they read along while they are being read to.

Use Conversation as a Comprehension Tool

Keep comprehension simple by stopping occasionally and asking:

• “What’s happening so far?”

• “What surprised you?”

• “What do you think this character will do next?”

• “Are there any words you didn’t know the meaning of?”

Comprehension grows through talk, not worksheets.

Keep Reading Sessions Short and Positive

During the holiday season, children may have less patience for long reading sessions. Keep practice brief and enjoyable:

• Aim for 10 to 15 minutes of focused reading each day.

• Use praise and encouragement to build confidence.

• Take breaks if your child feels frustrated or tired.

The goal is to maintain momentum without adding stress.

Involve the Whole Family

Reading can be a shared activity that brings everyone together. Try these ideas:

• Family storytime: Set aside time for everyone to read or listen to a story.

• Reading games: Play word puzzles, rhyming games, or holiday-themed scavenger hunts.

• Storytelling: Encourage your child to tell their own holiday stories, then write them down together.

  
  

When children see adults valuing reading, they are more likely to develop a lifelong love for it.

Final Thoughts on Supporting Struggling Readers in December

The holiday season can be emotionally charged.   Supporting your child’s emotional needs helps their reading skills stay strong:

• Recognize signs of frustration and take breaks when needed.

• Celebrate small successes to build motivation and confidence.

• Keep expectations realistic and focus on progress, not perfection.

• Maintain routines as much as possible to provide stability.

When reading is connected to holiday activities and family traditions in natural ways, reading progress can be maintained.  

Don’t add more stress to an already emotionally charged month by expecting perfection from your child or yourself.