CHRISTMAS DOESN’T COME WRAPPED

The house is decorated in festive cheer of twinkling lights, wobbly Santa candles, and colourful poinsettias. The majestic Christmas tree stands in its prime position, the branches laden with Xmas décor both old and new, precious handmade children’s décor to the fancy store bought ones. The house sings in seasonal cheer, the welcoming pine wafts throughout the house tingling each member into its welcoming joy, for hark the herald angels sing Christmas is indeed in the air.

My household, full of kids and mayhem, is bursting at the activity meter. Oven alarm bells ringing, the kitchen heaving, carols be singing and mummy is indeed slaving for once again we are prepping for a blessed Christmas. Other than the table full of Xmas treats and goodies, the foremost on my children’s agendas are, has their famous “lists” being read and reread by Santa and have they received all that their hearts wished for. From colour changing unicorns, to the latest Fornite skin to be bought or do not misjudge the precocious teens and their love affair with typo stationery. Yes every year my children choose to amaze and wonder me at their highly descriptive lists for dear old Santa. I wish such enthusiasm was put when writing their creative essays at school. But irrespective of the materialistic gifts given and received, I hope my children have understood what this Season is about. As most holidays are, family plays a big role in celebrating the festivities of the season. Good times are many to be had. But I feel during these festive times we should also concentrate on teaching our children other qualities that make the season. For those of that particular faith, it is important to teach the children the ins and outs of their faith. But one can be awfully religious and lack the true qualities of humanity and vice versa. Here are some important qualities to teach your children this holiday season:

Inspire them to hope

Encourage your children to dream, to wish and to hope for better things in life. Rather than being given everything they desire on a silver platter, encourage children to work hard and dream big. Christmas is also the best time to share your hopes and dreams together as a family. You can even make it a family tradition and ask everyone to set themselves goals to achieve in the coming year. It is important to teach children that hard-work can also end in good results.

Value simplicity

Of course one of the perks of the Christmas holidays for kids is the thought of Santa and all the goodies he brings along. But presents don’t also have to be expensive and elaborate. The simple homemade gifts are ones made truly out of love, anyone can buy a gift but to take the time to make something for someone really shows that you love and care for them. Get your children to make little gifts for family friends, discuss and ask them to plan their ideas, get supplies and make a project out of it. It will keep them occupied and your loved ones will treasure these family keepsakes.

Be Grateful and thankful

Christmas is a time to be thankful for the joys and blessings that you have. Get the kids to make a list of their blessings and well as things that they are grateful for. It is important for them to realise that there is so much more than the merriment and presents of Christmas. By making these lists they value and give important to the intricacies of life, the people we take for granted and the things we have that we do not appreciate, it will help to change their perspectives.

Spreading Christmas joy

Your children are able to experience the joy of receiving the presents that they want, teach them to give to the less fortunate and let them also experience the joy in giving. That feeling that you are making someone else happy with your actions or contributions is an important gift that you are giving your children.

Celebrate love

With the crazy busy days that we have, sometimes we don’t stop and take a moment to tell our kids that we love them. It is merely understood that our love for them is there and it is undying. But occasionally telling or doing things with your child really helps to make them feel cared for. Love can be expressed in different ways through actions or words, this love will fill our hearts and homes. Teach your children to do random acts of kindness to their friends and family and be paid only in hugs and kisses.

Learning about love, goodwill, charity and kindness to others are important qualities to instil in your child during their formative years. They might be highlighted during this festive season, but this helps to make the children more aware of them. So despite the goodies in their stocking or the number of presents under the Christmas tree, the true gifts of the season are the qualities that your children cherish in their heart and souls and those are gifts for life.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Love can be expressed in different ways through actions or words, this love will fill our hearts and homes. Teach your children to do random acts of kindness to their friends and family and be paid only in hugs and kisses