As the winter holidays approach, there is a much happy anticipation, especially for kids. Yet, the season can also be a source of stress and anxiety for people feeling overwhelmed by commitments and obligations, or who lack the funds required to make a splash in terms of food, décor and gifts.
In fact, the combination of high expectations, financial strain and a hectic schedule can cause many to feel exhausted and depleted. This dynamic may be compounded in families with children, since most parents want to offer a wonderful holiday experience each year, whether they can afford to or not. Such holiday-related pressures can even trigger depression and anxiety in some people.
Americans have largely been conditioned through media, advertising and other social cues to believe that a big, glossy production is required for a “successful” holiday celebration, that a fancy tree surrounded by a mountain of brightly wrapped gifts is de rigueur, a French term meaning “prescribed or required by fashion, etiquette or custom.” The reality, however, is that this “more is more” concept is largely a cultural myth.
In other words, helping to create magical holidays for children may be less about how much money is spent than it is about time and positive interaction with them. Since they want your attention above all, perhaps the best gift you can offer everyone is simply to slow down, rethink what the holidays “should” look like, and opt for a low-stress, affordable, relaxed experience that benefits the entire family.
Holiday traditions from the heart
Laurie Ferguson, Psy.D., owner of California-based Spark Psychological Services says, “When I ask my kids what they love most about the holidays, they say playing games by the fire, or looking for the perfect Christmas tree then having warm cider. Children want your time and attention more than presents. Sure, they have a list of items they hope for, but the biggest gift you can give them is yourself, your time and your financial savvy. Don’t break the bank. With inflation, job insecurity and the fact that more than half of Americans are one paycheck away from homelessness, be a model to your children and teach them how to take care of their own financial futures.”
Dr. Ferguson goes on to say, “Avoid getting sucked into the disposable mentality that “more is better.” Focus on creating holiday traditions that your family will always remember, such as playing games, taking walks, cooking, or baking together, or volunteering with a local charity. Traditions can be fun, healthy, meaningful and affordable. Avoid the holiday frenzy and just BE with your kids. That is truly what they will appreciate.”
Playing down the retail angle not only helps families avoid toxic overspending, but it also shifts the focus, associating happiness with experiences rather than things. The holidays provide an ideal backdrop to impart this priceless life message to impressionable young minds! The following ideas can help you facilitate a more memorable, positive holiday experience for children.
Tips for starting new holiday traditions
Listen to your kids
Talk as a family about what everyone enjoys about the holidays, which traditions, rituals, foods, drinks, activities, games, or crafts they look forward to most, or wish to try. Incorporating new and unique ideas is healthy and fun. Maybe your kids want to dig into holiday baking, create a signature play-list, experiment with a globally inspired holiday feast, serenade relatives with Beatles tunes, or lead a family nature hike. Each year offers a chance to enrich and expand upon your shared family celebration.
Teach the love of giving
The wise among us know it is often more rewarding to give than to receive, but kids who are besieged with gifts each year might be missing out on this enriching lesson. Talk with them about who they want to acknowledge beyond family, such as favorite teachers, friends, and neighbors. Suggest hand-made items, which tend to be more special than commercial trinkets. Kids often get increasingly enthused as you gather supplies for crafts, baking, etc. Support them in making their creations and watch their little faces light up when they deliver their goodies to those grateful recipients.
Model altruism
Not all families can afford big charitable donations, but it is possible on any budget to help brighten the moment for those less fortunate. Involving your children in these efforts can have tremendous benefits for all concerned. In fact, making the season more cheerful for those in need may enrich the holidays for your children in a whole new way. According to On Our Sleeves, a national movement to break stigmas around children’s mental health, instilling a sense of giving in your children may also:
- Help them to become more compassionate and empathetic.
- Give them a greater sense of purpose in your community.
- Boost their levels of self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Motivate them to take on more positive projects in the future.
Help your kids shine
Allow children to decide how they want to participate in the holiday, encouraging them to explore their talents so they can contribute in ways that feel valuable to them. For example, one child may love decorating─your home, the tree, front porc, or whatever. Others might prefer baking, sewing, drawing, crocheting, painting or jewelry making. Make sure your little ones have basic supplies to work with. If one of your kids likes cooking, why not invite them to create a signature dish they can proudly prepare each year? When kids take part in creating holiday magic, it’s fun, empowering and healthy for their self-esteem.
Offer to bake with your kids
Along with being a superb creative outlet, baking is also an affordable way to create splendid gifts! And, as we know, lovingly hand-crafted treats are often valued above commercial items. Brainstorm recipes together to see what appeals to your children and do include boys equally! Working with food offers a great opportunity to move beyond limiting gender stereotypes.
Let kids choose what to make. They might be inspired to try these Double Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies; they’ll have fun crushing the candy canes! How about some Vegan/Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies, or some no-bake Snowball Cookies? These Chocolate Bark Holiday Cookies are easy and fun to decorate for kids of all ages. As for packaging these yummy offerings, whimsical DIY presentations beat fussy, costly boxes any day. Consider these unique packaging ideas fit for those lovely homemade cookies.
Encourage DIY gifts
Helping your kids make rather than buy gifts is a fun, positive and constructive tradition. Explore options together. If your son or daughter enjoys sewing, for example, try this aromatherapy neck pillow. If your child likes the notion of pampering/self-care, check out this trio of DIY Beauty Gifts made from coconut oil, these aromatic, DIY Bath Fizzies, this DIY essential oil perfume, some emollient DIY Whipped Body Butter, or these DIY Mint Soap Bars.
Other children might opt for these easy DIY Scented Pinecones, some fragrant DIY candles or these 4 DIY gifts for fitness lovers. How about some lovely infused vinegar for the “foodies” on their list? Kids might also like these 5 Ornaments You Can Make From Natural Ingredients, or this fragrant DIY holiday potpourri that even toddlers can assemble. For further inspiration, check out these 50+ DIY Gifts For Everyone On Your List.
With these ideas in mind, this may be your family’s most relaxed, stress-free holiday yet, with the gift of enjoyable, creative, meaningful traditions, both old and new, that your children will remember long after the tinsel comes down. Cheers!
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