I once heard a child psychologist state that the best gift parents can give their kids is consistency.
I think the shrink was on Oprah, and I’m pretty sure she wasn’t advocating consistent beatings, neglect or emotional distress.
I get what the expert was trying to say; kids thrive when they don’t have to deal with chaos. They love routines, schedules, rituals and traditions. So, why not start a few as we countdown to Christmas?
It’s never too late to begin a seasonal family tradition. Gather the kids and choose a holiday-themed activity everyone can have fun with. Then, make a point to repeat the project at the same time each year.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Giving Tree: Churches, schools, civic groups, even some malls erect Giving Trees during the holiday season. The pines are filled with names of individuals who are experiencing financial hardships. Simply pick a name from the tree, and as a family, grant the wish the recipient is requesting. Sometimes it’s a material good, while other times the recipient might be asking for help with home improvements or transportation.
Holiday Events: If you are looking for ways to soak up the sights of the season as a family, then start a tradition of attending holiday events in your city. Look for special Christmas-themed activities at museums, zoos and botanical gardens. The latter typically hosts massive holiday light shows. Another option is to attend seasonal performances of the Nutcracker ballet or attend the symphony for a rousing musical salute to the season.
Home for the Holidays: You don’t need to travel far or spend a ton of money to start a family tradition this Christmas. If you are short on time and cash, simply stay home and enjoy each other’s company by baking Christmas cookies or making homemade ornaments. You might even consider writing and performing an original skit that involves the entire clan, then invite your friends over to watch the festivities.
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