** This is a guest post. The opinions expressed are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect my own.
As most would agree, reading is always a good thing. The holidays can be so busy that it can be a particularly challenging time to get a chance to curl up on the couch and pick up a book.
Here are just a few reasons why reading is particularly important during the holidays, hopefully you will be able to find some time this holiday season to read or be read to.
Reduce the Screen Time
If you are like me and tend to be addicted to the phone when your hands are somewhat idle, then consider replacing the phone with a paperback book from the library. Playing games, and surfing the web has it’s benefits but I find that it tends to lead to checking the email box one too many times and ending up working, even if you were not planning to do so in the first place. The holidays are really a time to relax and reduce the unnecessary screen time.
During gatherings of family and friends there can often be a lot of down time. Tapping away on a device can make you less approachable and even give off the appearance of being anti-social. Others may not want to approach you because you might be communicating with someone or doing something important. Reading a book can be a non-threatening way to take a break from socializing while not isolating yourself too much from the conversation.
Books Can Remind Us of What is Really Important
Even if you do not partake in the festivities, there is no escaping the holiday marketing. Shopping, watching TV, and even a simple stroll outside can sometimes seem overwhelming due to the number of advertisements that catch our attention. Books tend to be free of such ads, and can give us a break from the hubbub. Save the advertisement viewing for when you are really shopping. Who knows maybe you will get a better deal on an item you are looking for after the holiday season when deals and sales tend to be the best.
Read Books and Share them With Family and Friends
If there is one thing that I enjoy more than reading, it is discussing and sharing the books with others. Ask others for their recommendations and perhaps they will even be able to lend you a copy. Strike up a conversation about the characters or plot over pumpkin pie, maybe others will join in. When you get some time off head over to the bookstore to pick out a few interesting titles. Maybe you will finish your book early enough to put it in the stocking of a loved one as a special surprise.
I hope you have enjoyed reading a few reasons why you should pick up a book this holiday season. Do you like reading during the holidays? Let me know in the comments.
Author Bio
Melissa Chan is the founder and designer of Literary Book Gifts, an online store specializing in bookish items for literature lovers.