Your children need more of your presence, than your presents" - Jesse Jackson
When did Black Friday start on Thanksgiving? When did Cyber Monday turn into Cyber Week? If you are like me and overwhelmed by shopping with the masses, being bombarded by emails about the deal of the day or the over-emphasis on the material aspect of the holidays, then here are some ideas on how to simplify gift giving this holiday season:
Emphasize the other aspects of the holiday. Create traditions that don't center around gifts. Like Thanksgiving, spend time talking about what each family member is thankful for.
Encourage your child to limit his wish list to a certain number of items.
Tell your child know that a wish is something you hope for and that we don’t always get what we wish for.
Talk to your child about the items he’s hoping for most on his list so you know what he really wants.
Encourage empathy for those who have less by participating in a toy drive together.
Include your child in the gift giving part of the holidays so he
learns to give as well as receive. Give children an opportunity to
help pick out a gift, make a gift or wrap the gift.
Open some gifts ahead of time so that it is not so overwhelming and your child can appreciate each gift.
Warn your child before she opens the last gift. Give her something to look forward to after the presents have been
opened (like spending time with you putting together a new toy).
Give children the role of gift-giver during the holidays. They will
love the responsibility of passing out the gifts and will be focused on giving rather than receiving.
Keep your presence in mind when giving presents. Choose gifts that promote family communication and togetherness. Read this wonderful blog on intentional gift giving for ideas.
When did Black Friday start on Thanksgiving? When did Cyber Monday turn into Cyber Week? If you are like me and overwhelmed by shopping with the masses, being bombarded by emails about the deal of the day or the over-emphasis on the material aspect of the holidays, then here are some ideas on how to simplify gift giving this holiday season:
Emphasize the other aspects of the holiday. Create traditions that don't center around gifts. Like Thanksgiving, spend time talking about what each family member is thankful for.
Encourage your child to limit his wish list to a certain number of items.
Tell your child know that a wish is something you hope for and that we don’t always get what we wish for.
Talk to your child about the items he’s hoping for most on his list so you know what he really wants.
Encourage empathy for those who have less by participating in a toy drive together.
Include your child in the gift giving part of the holidays so he
learns to give as well as receive. Give children an opportunity to
help pick out a gift, make a gift or wrap the gift.
Open some gifts ahead of time so that it is not so overwhelming and your child can appreciate each gift.
Warn your child before she opens the last gift. Give her something to look forward to after the presents have been
opened (like spending time with you putting together a new toy).
Give children the role of gift-giver during the holidays. They will
love the responsibility of passing out the gifts and will be focused on giving rather than receiving.
Keep your presence in mind when giving presents. Choose gifts that promote family communication and togetherness. Read this wonderful blog on intentional gift giving for ideas.
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