What do our actions during the holidays teach our children?
This time of year, parents are trying to create the perfect holiday for the children. Perfect holidays make for wonderful memories. Every parent would love for their children to grow up and think back on those wonderful memories. So, decorations are unpacked from the attic. Piles of presents are purchased and wrapped so that children can tear through packages and delight in all the magic Santa has bestowed upon them. Sounds beautiful right?
No, I am not going to go on and on about the over-spending and wasteful spending that happens this time of year. There are other financial professionals and bloggers who have written on that matter year after year.
I invite my readers to stop and think about what those piles of presents teach our children. How many of the presents are never really played with – lost in the mist? What is the different between indulgence and over-indulgence?
My first suggestion is no more Christmas lists, no marking pages in the ToysRUs catalog, no more than one toy asked for during the trip to see Santa. Yes, this means parents will have to have more conversations to glean what gifts to buy or tell family to buy.
My second suggestion is to do an Angel Tree or adopt a family. Don’t just involve the children but, put them in charge. Remind them why the Angel Tree exists. Then, do a food drive or clothing drive.
Next, out with the old, in with the new. Reduce clutter by giving away as many items as you are bringing in. This can be done before the holiday so that the toys/clothes/electronics can be donated to a thrift store or charity to go to children the same holiday season.
And, finally, have your children write thank you cards. Preschoolers can color a picture. School age children should be writing thank you cards. It is a lost art which is sad because it is a good reminder of the fact that someone cared enough to take the time, money, and effort to select a present. This is a great way to teach children to be gracious gift receivers.
Happy holiday season. I invite you to slow down, take time to enjoy your family and friends, and delight in all that you have.
Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, Happy Yule, and have a Wonderful New Year.
