The holiday season is supposed to be about family and harmony, but it can get stressful. Kids can get sugared up and inundated with toys and overstimulating events. You want your extended family to gather for the holidays to share stories and meals. However, that could also mean kids having to share rooms and toys. Your parents likely taught you to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, and now it’s your turn to do the same.
With consumerism at its peak, the holiday season is at a risk of being taken over by materialism. Instead of “what should I give?” children are focusing on “what will I get?” Wish lists are getting longer and kids prefer getting cash rather than a hand-knit sweater from grandma. This never-ending chase of sparkly desires cannot be eliminated. However, parents can try and minimize the hold of “things” on their children. One way to do this is to instill the power of gratitude.
Start by teaching your children to acknowledge and appreciate things they take for granted. Don’t expect them to change overnight, but encourage them to take small steps toward altruism. Here are five tips to give your child a more wholesome attitude toward life.
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Respect Money
When kids watch parents buy things with credit cards, they may believe this magical piece of plastic means an endless supply of money. They see parents simply swipe a card and get products in return. While financial literacy for kids isn’t an easy topic, talk to your child about where money comes from. You might walk them through making a holiday budget. Show them how much money goes into gifts, decorations, and holiday dinners. It may just make them more appreciative of those things this holiday season.
If they have chore money they want to spend, teach them how to make their own budget too. If they want to get a gift for their grandparents or siblings, discuss options and take them shopping. If funds are tight, talk about making gifts. Your child may be more thankful when receiving presents when they know how much work goes into gifting. When it comes to receiving money as a gift, talk to them about what they want to do with it. Whether they choose to spend, save, donate, or invest, help them strategically allocate funds.
Express Gratitude
Humans play different roles in society and children need to understand that each role is important. As the weather gets colder, those who primarily work outdoors such as delivery drivers and trash collectors deserve special appreciation. Teach your child to express their gratitude whenever they can. Encourage them to revive the lost tradition of sending handwritten thank-you notes when they receive gifts from others.
Writing on good days can help rekindle emotions on bad days. Take a photo of the fun times you have during the holidays and make a digital photo album labeled “Gratitude.” In the future, these photographs may boost your children’s mood on days they are feeling low. Teach your child to stop and think about all that they have, instead of focusing on what they don’t.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful tool to shape children’s mindset, and the holiday season is the best time to do so. When you’re outdoors, appreciate the soft, white snow and when you’re indoors, cherish the warm and cozy fireplace. Talk about the beauty of snowflakes and the smell of hot cocoa. By discussing these topics, children begin to realize how privileged they are to enjoy these blessings.
As they grow older, have honest conversations about privilege. Help them understand economic disparities and how some communities have fewer opportunities than others. Show them how some children are spending their holiday season without basic needs like food and shelter. This not only makes them more grateful for what they have, but it also makes them more compassionate toward others.
Give to Those Less Fortunate
There’s a lot of shopping going on during the holiday season, so take your child with you. Tell them why you’ve chosen each gift, so they understand the importance of giving thoughtful gifts. Along with gifts for family, encourage them to send gifts to those who don’t have as much. Let them choose a nonprofit organization where they would like to donate. Emphasize the fact that it’s not about the amount but the spirit of giving.
Sometimes the most difficult thing to give others is your time. For some, work responsibilities can be fewer during the holiday season. Take this opportunity to volunteer as a family. Find a shelter or soup kitchen that appreciates a helping hand and dedicate a day to their cause. This experience gives your kids a chance to see the impact of volunteering up close. It’ll also show them that helping others is a priority in your life as well.
Lead by Example
Children often learn more from what you do rather than what you say. Talk more about the people you meet than about the gifts you get. Remind them to feel their soft sweaters and make them pause to hear the fire crackle. When you tuck them in bed at night, mention all the things that went well that day. That way their mind develops a habit of going to sleep on a note of contentment.
A grateful mind embraces simplicity. Instead of buying fancy décor, spend time with your kids making hand-made snowflakes and snowmen. Focus on meaningful traditions, like singing carols, sharing stories, or watching old home videos. Show them it’s the moments and connections that matter more than the gifts.
Teaching children gratitude is an ongoing process. It won’t happen overnight, and there may be phases in their life where they may not feel content with what they have. Be patient, be persistent, and be positive. Celebrate their progress and remind them that you are grateful that they are part of your life. Over time, your words will resonate with them, and they’ll discover the power of gratitude on their own.
