Making the Holidays More Meaningful

Have the holidays become too commercial for you? Are you feeling empty and unfulfilled during this time of the year? This year by making some simple changes you and your children can truly make the holidays more meaningful.

Teach gratitude during the holidays:

Gratitude should not only be for the material presents but for the little blessings in their lives. Begin to have your children tell you each day three things that they are grateful for. This helps children understand the true meaning of the holidays in several ways. First, the children begin to notice the little gifts that they sometimes take for granted, a butterfly, a sunny day, getting to sleep late. Secondly, once they notice these little gifts and are grateful for them they can start bringing more of them into their awareness.

Empower your family with tools to make the holidays more meaningful:

Spend time discussing topics like what are you the most grateful for? How can you make the world a better place? How can this holiday be more meaningful? What presents make you feel the best? Plan a kind deed day and see who can perform the most random acts of kindness. Write little spiritual notes and leave them in their lunchboxes.

Give gifts from the heart:

Write a story, a letter or a poem for your children. If you are artistic paint a picture for them. Put a photo album or scrapbook together. Record on audiotape your favorite family memories. Make a book of all the reasons you are grateful to have your loved ones in your life. Share a favorite childhood treasure that you saved, like a coin or a doll from your favorite collection. Finally, purchase gifts from charities that donate back to community.

Learn and then teach the spiritual meaning behind each faiths traditions:

Share with your children that the candles are lit on Hanukah to symbolize the light of the Creator in our lives. Explain that a wreath is a symbol of the eternal circle of life. Describe how the presents for Kwanzaa represent the deep connection between parents and children. Illustrate how the sun's return and warmth are celebrated during the Winter Solstice. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa or the Winter Solstice share the beautiful miracles within each faith and then have your children share some of the miracles in their own lives.

Celebrate differences:

Attend a worship service with a friend or a family member of another faith. This exposes children to the marvelous ways we are more similar than different. For it is only when we embrace the differences, that we can truly come together in unity.

Make community service and helping those less fortunate part of your family holiday activities:

There are so many wonderful lessons when we give of ourselves to others. Have your children start or participate in a toy, clothing, or food drive for those less fortunate. By participating in charitable acts your children can learn that they can make a difference in the life of another, that they have a purpose, and that they can be part of the solution.

Slow down enough to enjoy the essence of your children and of the holidays:

Our children remember the time and the energy shared as a family not the gifts, the parties or how perfectly the house is decorated. Say no to commitments that are not going to serve the greater good of your family. As Kabril Gibran so eloquently said in The Prophet, "Our children are but ours for such a short time." Make this short time a time of wonder and reverence for your children to discover the true meaning of the holidays.

About The Author

Debbie Milam is a pediatric occupational therapist, life coach and educator. Her work has appeared on PBS and in Elle, First For Women, and Ladies Home Journal. She is the author of 7 Secrets to Creating Peaceful Relationships and the creator of The Miracle is You Children's Relaxation CD and Moments of Joy Spiritual Exercise Cards. Her uplifting products make beautiful holiday gifts for both adults and children.

Sign up for her free e-zine: http://www.unlimitedinspiration.com and receive the transformational special report 35 Ways to Achieve Instant Calm During the Holidays

debbie@unlimitedinspiration.com

---

The Truth about Mistletoe

You can call it the emasculator of the old king,... Read More

Holiday Tips For Stepfamilies

Holiday Tips For Stepfamilies: Let Go Of The "Brady Bunch"... Read More

Choosing A Great Gift For A Polar Bear Lover

Do you know someone who is absolutely crazy about polar... Read More

No More Ties! Homemade Fathers Day Gift Ideas

If you are like me, you never know what to... Read More

Set the Mood- Halloween Decoration Ideas

When Halloween comes around and you want to throw a... Read More

Seven Great Holiday Decorating Tips--Without Breaking the Bank

If you're looking for great ways to decorate your home... Read More

Holiday Times Are For Helping Those Less Fortunate, Think Holiday Cards

Every year I watch as advertisers begin to promote their... Read More

Birthday Gift Baskets ? The Ideal Gift For Everyone!

No matter how old we are, we enjoy being remembered... Read More

7 Tips For Defusing Holiday Stress

KNOW THYSELFThe first key to creating a peaceful holiday season... Read More

Happy Holidays? It?s Up To You

The Holiday Season. Does time seem to compress, or is... Read More

Home Made Gifts, The Best Way To Teach Your Kids The Value Of The Holiday

To a large extent the holidays have come to be... Read More

Christmas Decorating Ideas - Edible Ornaments

Although it is now more decades away than I care... Read More

Mothers Day Gift Ideas

Do you remember the days when your mother used to... Read More

Alone for the Holidays?

Being alone is a challenge for many people. This challenge... Read More

The Only Way to Turn New Year Resolutions Into Reality!

So you ate, drank and spent too much over the... Read More

Nine Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Head To The Office Party

One thing you can count on during the holiday season... Read More

Halloween & Hounds

Halloween is "fright night" for humans not dogs. Screaming, running,... Read More

Top Ten Things To Do The Day After Valentines Day

Why should February 14th get all of the attention?1. Water... Read More

How to Have the ?Perfect? Christmas

"This year will be different. I vow I won't get... Read More

Nicely Designed Pillows As Gifts

Many of us are probably squeezing out our brains to... Read More

New Ways to Use Old Christmas Cards

Forty years ago when I was growing up on our... Read More

Gift Wrapping Ideas

If you're tired of your gifts looking like everyone else's,... Read More

Choosing Childrens Birthday Party Supplies and Decorations

Birthday party supplies and decorations can bring that necessary magic... Read More

The Art of Giving a Toast

Today one of my clients is throwing one of her... Read More

The Fathers Day Celebration

Fathers Day is another reason to celebrate another responsible adult... Read More

Virtual Assistants... Even Santa Needs One!

Trying to fit all the planning and preparing and celebrating... Read More

Christmas Gifts to Last a Lifetime

Do you know what you are giving to the children... Read More

Memorial Day: 3 Ways To Honor American Soldiers

The last Monday of May since 1868, has been designated... Read More

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Fathers Day is the one day of the year when... Read More

A Diamond Christmas 2004!

When Archduke Maximillian of Austria bestowed a diamond ring on... Read More

Getting Great Pictures of the Kids this Halloween

There she was in all her glory. Long white lab... Read More

Traditional and Modern Anniversary Gifts

Most people know that the 50th wedding anniversary is the... Read More

The Five Best Cigar-Related Fathers Day Gifts

According to a recent study by the internet cigar retailer... Read More