How to Enjoy the Season of Joy (Not Presents)
At Christmas, you might feel pressure to make the season as magical as possible.
Parents prepare for family get-togethers, and they’re also busy trying to find “perfect presents” so the kids’ Christmas morning is filled with smiles and surprises.
How can moms and dads capture the magic of the holidays without spending too much? How can we all make our children’s wish lists a little more special this season – spending more on time together and less on presents?
More Magical Times Together
The best thing about kids is they really do enjoy the magic of the holidays. Here are some fun ways to inspire joy:
- Volunteer as a family for a local charitable organization.
- Enjoy decorating for the holidays as a family. Maybe add a new ornament to the tree or a make homemade decorations like cut-out snowflakes.
- Bake and make things for neighbors, teachers or family members. You could paint ceramic ornaments, make homemade cards or jewelry.
- Have a fun family outing such as driving around to look at Christmas lights, caroling, sledding, ice skating, or helping out with church activities.
- Inspire the spirit of giving by buying gifts or donating to a family or a child in need.
- Have a movie night and watch a classic Christmas movie such as “The Grinch” or “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
- Have a sensory night, make gingerbread play dough or Christmas colored slime.
- Purchase or make an Advent calendar.
Alternatives to Traditional Gifts and Toys
If you’re looking for some unique gifts for your children, try these ideas. Most are affordable, even with prices rising. You can try:
- Experience gifts that focus on doing more than possessing.
- Vacations: These could be large or small, or even just an overnight somewhere new.
- Extracurricular activities: Camps and sports can become a large expense for families, this gift may not be as exciting to open but will provide lots of long-term value.
- Museum memberships: You can use them all year and allow for many experiences for children.
- Tickets to a performance or sporting event.
- Family coupons: A coupon to go to a favorite restaurant or to visit a favorite place, get out of a chore, or have an extra 15 minutes before bedtime.
- Gift cards to a movie theater or a fun place such as a trampoline park.
Give Gifts of Learning
If you’re looking for some educational gifts, there are many. You could try ones like:
- Subscription boxes: You can choose a box that appeals to your child’s interests such as science, art or building.
- Cooking classes
- Science kits
- Magazine subscriptions
- Bookstore gift cards
- Board games
- A book with a note written inside
No two Christmas celebrations are the same, yet the great thing about the holiday season is how we use it to teach young people about its many, many good things. Celebrate the fact you can create lots of opportunities to share time together during the holidays and into the new year – and those chances will likely create lasting memories for the whole family.
Learn more about children's services at Avera.
By Avera Family Life Educators
