The little things are what we remember most. It’s why when this time of year rolls around, we find ourselves wanting to bake cookies, listen to familiar songs, and light up our houses with candles. This holiday season, you may be looking for meaningful ways to celebrate with your family. To create a holiday that is comforting and filled with quality family time, try out a few of the following ideas. In a season that can be so hectic and overwhelming, your home can be a haven of warmth in so many different ways. Here are some ways that you can help your child have a meaningful holiday season.
Teach your children that gifts are just one way to honor each other.
As a child, it can be easy to focus on gifts during the holidays. There’s no question that it’s exciting to receive a coveted toy or game. While receiving gifts is a wonderful experience, help your child understand that physical gifts are just one of many ways we can honor our loved ones. Gifts of time, energy, and hard work are just as valuable. We can also give our loved ones big hugs, eat a delicious meal with them, spend time at their houses, or share kind words with them. Expand your child’s conception of a gift by sharing all the ways they can make someone feel special.
Spend time outdoors together.
Nothing feels better than curling up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate after a fun outdoor activity in the winter. Warm cider and flannel pajamas feel absolutely perfect after a winter hike or a day of playing in the snow. With the right cold-weather gear, winter outdoor fun can feel crisp and refreshing. Make a holiday tradition of walking through the woods or building an igloo if there’s snow on the ground.
Involve your senses in the holidays.
The winter holidays appeal to all our five senses. Twinkling lights delight our eyes, the smell of evergreen trees or beeswax candles fills our houses, and we taste the warm spices of cinnamon and ginger or the savory notes of roasted meats and potatoes. Help your kids experience the same memories by cooking traditional holiday foods, singing songs together, and decorating the house as a family. While the latest toys will be forgotten in time, the memories of the sights, smells, and tastes of the season will last a lifetime.
Craft special family traditions.
Make the holidays special for your family by coming up with unique family traditions you do together. There are so many activities that you can choose from to help the holidays feel meaningful. For example, you can play board games at night or put together a puzzle. Maybe there’s a special kids’ holiday movie you all love to watch together. A trip to see the holiday lights in your neighborhood can be fun each year, and singing holiday songs together can bring sweet sounds into your home. Whatever traditions you choose to do, explain to your child that you do them to feel close to each other. Engage your children in planning your family time together. Ask them what holiday traditions they love most, and make sure to make time for their favorite activities.
Don’t fill every minute.
While the holidays can be a very busy time full of travel, shopping, meal prep, cleaning, and decorating, they’re also an invitation to relax, reflect, and spend time with those we love most. This year, integrate intentional pauses into this busy season, and you and your family will be able to enjoy it even more.
Every Season is Bright at TGS
The Gardner School loves to celebrate special occasions with our students. We serve as a home away from home for your little ones so that you can take the time you need to plan a wonderful holiday season. To learn why parents choose The Gardner School to help their children to grow and learn, contact us to learn more or to schedule a virtual tour.