How to Make Time for Reading in the Holiday Hustle (Christian Girl Edition)
- Noelle Griest
- Dec 6, 2025
- 5 min read
Hey friend!
Let's be honest here... Christmas is great! The holidays are exciting, and hey, my name even means Christmas😂
… but sometimes this time of year does the opposite of relaxation. Our calendars fill up with gatherings, our shopping sprees become a daily routine, and preparations take over our minds.
But you're here for one reason, and one reason only... to destress!! There are so many ways to destress, but the biggest tip I would give to anyone is make reading a fun everyday habit.
I have been an avid reader since I can remember. I would be that kid who would bring 5 books for a long weekend vacation and finish all of them by Monday. And as I've gotten older, I've noticed how bad my attention span has gotten. It's hard slowing down when the world tells us the opposite.
This is the perfect time of the year to get into a healthy habit because this is what sets you up for success in the new year!
For a Christian girl, this specific time can also be the best opportunity to really deepen your faith and peace through reading a happy book.
I’ve found that with a few simple steps, you can truly turn this busy season into a time of spiritual growth and joyful discovery through all kind of books📚
Set Clear Reading Goals That Inspire You
If you're new here, hi, I'm Noelle👋, and I'm a goal-a-holic. WOW that was hard to say🤭
I'm kidding! I have control here, but I also get a lot accomplished when I stick to a schedule and achieve my goals.
When the holidays arrive, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you want to do.
Setting clear, achievable reading goals helps you stay focused and motivated. You might want to include a mix of spiritual books, uplifting fiction, and even some holiday-themed devotionals. Here are some practical goals for you⤵️
Choose a realistic number of books or chapters to read each week.
Pick books that resonate with your faith and interests.
Include a variety of formats like printed books, audiobooks, or e-books to fit different moments.
For example, you could aim to finish a devotional book like Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, read a Christian novel such as The Shack by William P. Young, and listen to an audiobook of Psalms during your commute or quiet moments!
*Explore my Pinterest Board dedicated to Organizing Your Life! I hope it inspires you to get organized alongside your reading goals:)
Create a Reading Space That Feels Like a Holiday Getaway
Having a dedicated spot for reading can completely transform your experience. I like to create a cozy corner with soft blankets, good lighting🕯️, and a warm drink (preferably hot cocoa☕️) nearby.
Find a quiet corner in your home where you can relax.
Add personal touches like candles, cushions, or a favorite mug.
Keep your Bible and reading materials within easy reach.
Set a reading alarm for 1 hour, distraction-free.
This special space invites you to slow down and focus on your reading, making it easier to connect with the messages in the books.
*Bonus Tip: PUT YOUR PHONE ON DND😁
Use Reading to Reflect and Pray
Reading during the holidays is not just about finishing books but about growing spiritually.
As a christian girl, you can use your reading time to reflect on God’s word and pray.
Journaling your thoughts after reading a passage or chapter helps deepen your understanding and keeps your heart open. You can even do this with a regular fiction or fantasy novel!
Pause after each chapter to think about what you learned.
Write down any insights that come to mind.
Share your favorite verses or quotes with friends or family.
For instance, after reading a Psalm, you might write a prayer thanking God for His faithfulness or asking for guidance in the new year.
Join or Start a Holiday Reading Group
Reading can be even more rewarding when shared with others. Consider joining a holiday book club 🎄 or starting a small group with friends who share your faith. This creates accountability and opens up opportunities for meaningful conversations.
Choose a book that fits the holiday spirit and Christian values.
Schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings to discuss chapters.
Encourage sharing personal reflections and prayer requests.
This community aspect adds joy and connection to your reading journey, making it a highlight of your holiday season.
*Explore this online Christian book club:
Balance Reading with Other Holiday Activities
The holidays are full of events, so balancing reading with other activities is key. I recommend setting aside specific times for reading, such as early mornings, before bed, or during quiet afternoons.
I enjoy reading one book in print during the day, listening to another book on Spotify, and having a third book to read before going to bed. I totally get that not everyone is into reading three books simultaneously, LOL.
Here are some tips for you, my lovely bookish friend💕:
Use short reading sessions to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Combine reading with other relaxing activities like sipping tea or listening to soft music.
Be flexible and kind to yourself if your schedule changes.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy reading and grow spiritually, not to add stress.
*Explore my Spotify Reading Playlist:
Choose Books That Reflect Your Faith and Values
Selecting the right books makes a huge difference. Look for authors who write with honesty and faith, and whose stories inspire hope and happiness in your life.
[If I were you, I’d steer clear of gloomy or overly intense stories during the holidays😉]
Some popular choices for christian girls during the holidays include:
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
These books offer a lot of encouragement and practical christian wisdom that can brighten your holiday season and strengthen your walk with God!
Make Reading a Gift to Yourself and Others!
Finally, think of reading as a gift you give yourself and those around you.
It's the activity you look forward to.
It's the activity that allows you to actually slow down.
Share books with family members, write notes about your favorite passages in holiday cards, or gift a meaningful book to a friend. This spreads the joy of reading and faith beyond your own experience!
If you begin to see reading as a rewarding experience, I assure you that you will start to genuinely enjoy it.
Moreover, think about the effect of giving a meaningful book to a friend📖. Choosing a book that matches their interests or positively challenges them can be a considerate and powerful gesture. By selecting a book thoughtfully, you demonstrate that you cherish your relationship with them and want to share something important.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Here are my top book recommendations for the holiday season, featuring various genres, including a few Hallmark-style romance novels. ⤵️
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