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

---

Christmas and New Year Celebrations: How Significant?

I remember vividly as if it were yesterday when I... Read More

Important Chinese Festivals

Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year (January/February)It is usually in the... Read More

Simplify the Season

Let's take a look at a typical Christmas To-Do list:... Read More

Nicely Designed Pillows As Gifts

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

Inexpensive Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Kids

After all the gifts have been purchased and placed under... Read More

Consider the Egg

The glorious egg, with its deep links to Creation mythology,... Read More

Spooky Halloween Party Ideas

Are you looking for special Halloween party ideas that will... Read More

Greeting Card Tango: How To Impress, Not Stress, During The Holidays

When it comes to holiday greeting cards, to send or... Read More

Holiday Survival Guide

The Holiday season has officially begun and Christmas is almost... Read More

Ready to Skip This Holiday? Why No Just Make It Your Own?

Do you feel panicked, or exicted? Are you experiencing joy... Read More

A Priceless Birthday Gift

Kelly was a very wealthy Hollywood actress, who was used... Read More

Making Gifts A Pleasure

As we reach the time of year when Christmas items... Read More

Christmas Gifts For Bird Lovers

Choosing gifts for any animal lovers can be quite a... Read More

Fun, Fireworks, & Flowers!

The 4th of July is a time for celebrating Freedom!... Read More

St. Patricks Day Quotations

"It's not that the Irish are cynical. It's rather that... Read More

Keeping it Simple this Season

It's back. The holiday season and all the challenges that... Read More

Online UK Florist Saves the Day

Here it is Thursday afternoon, and Evelyn sees no break... Read More

Trick or Treating Safety

Halloween is such a fun time of year for kids... Read More

Cashless Gifts

Sometimes gifts that are truly from your heart have no... Read More

Great Gifts Under $5

Gift giving is at its absolute finest during the Christmas... Read More

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is an exciting night for children and a busy... Read More

Unique Mothers Day Gift - No More Flowers and Chocolate

With Mother's Day approaching fast, it's time to begin thinking... Read More

Easter Party Ideas

Easter marks the start of spring and is a sacred... Read More

An Easy Gift For Many Occasions

It can be very hard to find that one perfect... Read More

Advantages of Online Greeting Cards Over Paper Cards - Part II

So, let's review a little what we said in the... Read More

The History of Teddy Bears

Teddy bears have been around since 1902. The teddy bear... 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

Practical Ways to Keep Your ADD Under Control During the Holiday Season

Do November's Thanksgiving experiences have you dreading the December holidays?... Read More

Christmas Shopping Online Might Or Might Not Be For Everyone: This Article Shows How Doing It Onlin

Christmas shopping online is not for you? If you are... Read More

Valentines Day Flowers

Flowers & Valentine's Day go hand in hand. Your Valentine... Read More

5 Ways to Having the Happiest Valentines Day Ever (even if youre alone)

The thought of Valentine's Day conjures up romantic evenings, a... Read More

Glorious Holiday Decorating (Without Breaking the Bank or Losing Your Sanity)

Decorating for the holidays can be both expensive and emotionally... Read More

Kid Birthday Party Game Ideas - 7 Proven Winners

Here are 7 classic kid birthday party game ideas that... Read More