The end of a calendar year is a frantic time, regardless of where or how you live. Weather is changing, celebrations are underway, and there is a general societal push to party hard—only to quickly become austere on January 1st. Excitement, sugar, and chaos often combine: adults tend to be stressed, and children tend to be frantic. As a parent and teacher who has worked in schools during December for the last 20 years, I have learned to fortify myself for the end of the year. It’s not enough to merely be wary. A mindful plan will allow both me and all the kids in my life to enjoy the season and end the year on a high note.

Whether I’m with my young nieces and nephews, visiting a classroom, or sitting on the story rug in the library, my tried-and-true fallback is the mighty read-aloud. Books are great, but reading them aloud is best. I read aloud to 5th graders, and if my school had higher grades, I believe I would keep up the habit.…