Family traditions during the holidays are a staple in most households come December. They oftentimes bring out the good in everyone and provide the best memories for years to come. We can count on Aunt Edna bringing the fruitcake and Grandpa dozing off before the party is underway, but what if you wanted to start new traditions? Better yet, starting traditions that make a real impact and have nothing to do with materialism?
Strengthen your family bond this year by teaching your kids the meaning of the holidays, all at a low cost. SheKnows offers the following tips for a more socially responsible holiday season:
- Children love to help, so why not nudge them to donate a few old toys? Sure, they might wince at the thought of giving away that old teddy bear, but if they’re aware of other children in need, it will only make them feel more empowered to give up their toys. For the little ones, try a “Santa Swap” and encourage the kids to leave old toys under the tree for Santa to take back to the North Pole, where his elves can repair them for other children. This event could be used year round with any prominent holiday figure.
- Give your time and volunteer.”Today, families are finding new ways to spend time together-and volunteering is one way to do just that. It can benefit a child’s psychological, social and intellectual development through new learning experiences and the development of new skills,” says Richard Peterson, vice president of education for Kiddie Academy® Child Care Learning Centers. “Volunteering together as a family provides quality time, strengthens family communication and provides opportunities for family members to be role models and pass on family values to children.”
- Open your youngsters’ minds by introducing them to different experiences. Expose your children to new ideas and beliefs by taking advantage of the many cultures that celebrate their own holidays at the same time.
Does your family have any special holiday traditions? More importantly …how do we get Aunt Edna to stop bringing that fruitcake!?
Happy Holidays from Kiddie Academy!
