By Sarah Hamaker
This time of year, our thoughts should be turning to
counting our blessings, but the relentless push by retailers to get us thinking
about Christmas shopping often intrudes. This year, let’s resolve to reflect
more on the intangibles of the season instead of the presents, the gifts we
have of family, friends, and—for most of us—plenty. Let’s ignore the greediness
of more stuff and focus instead on the thankfulness of contentment. Let’s find
joy in the small gestures instead of the grandness of towering gift piles.
As parents, we need to help our children navigate this
season with love and thankful hearts, no matter what our circumstances. We
might have plenty or we might face want. We might have lots of family or we
might have a small circle of friends. We might have employment or we might be
making do with seasonal jobs.
Wherever we find ourselves, we can show our kids that
happiness doesn’t begin with stuff and money, but from the heart. Here are some
ways we can help them to develop a true thankfulness that will resonate long
after the tinsel falls from the tree.
The joy of a smile.
How often do you look at the faces of people rushing about this holiday season
and see only worry lines or stress? Teaching our children to simply smile, to
make sure our faces reflect what’s in our hearts, is a small way to make a big
difference.
The small courtesies.
Don’t overlook the power of “please” and “thank you” to soothe the ruffled
feathers of clerks, cashiers and others in retail settings. Remember to be kind
to everyone you encounter and you might just be the one person who makes their
day a little easier.
The less fortunate.
No matter where you are in life, giving to others can be a blessing to you—and
to them. If you are low on funds, volunteer to help with a food drive or
delivery, or work at a local pantry or soup kitchen. If you have some extra
cash, sponsor a family for the holiday season or “adopt” a child through Angel
Tree. There are many ways you and your family can be involved in helping those
in your community who need a little Christmas spirit.
The neighbors.
Don’t forget to share the season with your neighborhood. Having a nice light
display can cheer someone’s heart. Giving small baskets of homemade cookies to
your neighbors can go a long way to creating warm relationships.
The family.
Sometimes, we get so busy with everyone else, we forget our families. Set aside
some time to do things together. Visiting a light display at a local park,
eating popcorn while watching a favorite Christmas movie, or decorating the
tree together can build special memories that will outlast gifts.
However you choose to spend this season, keep in mind that
what you do in the days leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas says as
much—if not more—about your thoughts on those holidays as what you do on the
actual days. Make it a point to do what you can to spread thankfulness and true
holiday cheer in these weeks. You might just find you have created a new
holiday tradition, one your family will return to again and again.
