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Making the Holidays More Meaningful
by Debbie Milam
http://www.unlimitedinspiration.com
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.
Learn and then teach the spiritual meaning behind your faiths
traditions. If you are Jewish explain that the candles are lit on
Hanukah to symbolize the light of the Creator in our lives. If you are
Christian explain that wreath is a symbol of unity and peace. Share the
beautiful miracles that created Christmas and Hanukah and then have your
children share some of the miracles in their own lives.
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.
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.
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.
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, educator and author.
She is the creator of The Miracle is You Children's Meditation CD and
Moments of Joy Spiritual Exercise Cards. Her spiritually 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.
Join Momscape today!
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