One of the cosiest things a grandparent can do at Christmas is curl up and read a story with a grandchild. Distance doesn't have to take that away. With a little setup, a screen can become the warmest story-time corner in the house.

Why Shared Reading Works, Even Through a Screen

When you read to a child, they're not only listening to the words. They're hearing your voice, watching your face, and feeling the calm of having your whole attention. All of that travels through a screen just fine.

A Christmas story is a lovely place to start because the stories are familiar, the pictures are bright, and a few minutes of reading feels like a small ritual. Many families find it becomes the part of the call the children look forward to most.

Setting It Up So It Actually Works

There are a few ways to share a book, and the best one depends on your set-up and the age of the child.

• Two copies of the same book. The simplest and my favourite. Post one to the grandchildren (or have the parents buy it) and keep a matching copy yourself. You read, they follow along and turn the pages at the same time.

• Hold the book up to the camera. Prop your phone or tablet on a stack of books so your hands are free, and hold the pages up so they can see the pictures. Pause on each page for a moment.

• Share your screen with an e-book. If you both use a reading app or an e-book, you can share your screen while you read. This suits older children best.

• Read from their copy. The parent holds the book while you read the words out loud, or the child shows you each page.

• Record it in advance. If time zones are tricky, record yourself reading the story and send it for them to watch at bedtime. Ask the parents to save it for the night before Christmas.

A few practical things help:

• Sit near a window or a lamp so your face is well lit, and put the light in front of you rather than behind.

• Keep the phone steady, at eye level if you can.

• Check the sound beforehand so your voice is clear.

• Choose a quiet moment, not the middle of a busy Christmas morning.

Making It Feel Like Real Story Time

This is where you get to be the storyteller.

• Do the voices. A deep voice for the grumpy character, a tiny squeak for the mouse. Children adore it, and it holds attention through a screen.

• Slow down and pause. Give them time to look at the pictures. Ask, "What do you think will happen next?" or "Can you spot the reindeer?"

• Let them join in. Choose a book with repeating lines, sounds or actions so they can say them with you.

• Bring props. A soft toy that matches the story, a Santa hat, or a jingle bell to shake at the right moment.

• Let the child read to you. Older children love showing off. Ask them to read a page, and be a very appreciative audience.

• Don't worry about finishing. If a toddler wanders off after three pages, that's fine. Finish another time, or send the end of the story as a recording.

• Add a cuddle. If the child has a blanket or a favourite toy, invite them to snuggle up with it while you read. Warm and cosy is the aim.

• Say goodnight. For a bedtime story, end the call with the same little ritual every time: a wave, a blown kiss, or a special goodnight phrase.

Story Ideas and Ways to Keep It Going

What to read

• Classic Christmas stories such as The Night Before Christmas, The Polar Express, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or whatever your own family has loved. You can find some more Christmas reading ideas here.

• A story from your own Christmas childhood. Tell it in your own words, or write it out as a little picture book for them.

• A short chapter a night. For older children, choose a chapter book and read a chapter each evening in December, finishing on Christmas Eve.

• A story you've written yourself. It doesn't have to be fancy. A simple tale about a reindeer, a pet, or the grandchild themselves is pure gold.

Ways to make it last

• A recorded story library. Record yourself reading a few of their favourite books and send the files to the parents. They can play them at bedtime all year.

• Read and swap. One week you choose, the next week they choose.

• Post a book with a message inside. Write a note on the first page and tell them which night to open it.

• A December reading countdown. Wrap twenty-four short stories, or choose twenty-four pages, and share one each night.

• Make a story together. Each of you adds a sentence, and see what silly tale you end up with. Write it down and send it as a keepsake.

Kim's Tips ♥

• ♥ Two copies of the same book is the easiest way to read together.

• ♥ Light your face, steady the phone, check the sound.

• ♥ Do the voices. It's what makes it magic.

• ♥ Ask questions as you go, and leave room for the answers.

• ♥ Record a few stories so they can listen any time.

• ♥ Keep it short with little ones, and stop when they've had enough.

• ♥ End with the same goodnight ritual every time.

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This post is part of my Long Distance Grandparenting series.

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With love, Kim xx

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