Christmas is filled with visual traditions, but a shared story can slow the room down in a different way.
Use the same story more than once
Children often enjoy repetition, and familiar lines can become part of the ritual.
Pass the reader role around
Parents, grandparents, and older children can each take a turn from year to year.
Connect story to action
The Tomte Cake pairs its storybook with baking and decorating, so the story becomes something the family acts out through the tradition.
Let the story create conversation
Ask what kids noticed, what they think will happen, or which part they would change.