GIFT GIVING

The biggest gift you can receive is to give.  Most of us have holiday lists that grow each year.  Gifts are not about the money, the best presents you can give cost next to nothing, but require an expenditure of time.  Cook an extra meal for a friend, or neighbor.  Watch a dog, or a child, so a friend can have a free evening, help wrap gifts, or help assemble toys for Christmas morning.  When you send your holiday cards, include a note of true gratitude to someone who has impacted your life in the past year. Honor those who are in need by contributing stuff, monies, or time to local charities.  Think Second  Harvest, Toys for Tots, among others.

A recent posting (2013) on Pintrest noted that scaling back on what you give your own children, helps them reflect on the purpose of the holiday, and makes them think quite carefully about what they feel they "must have."  The item suggested having children write a letter to Santa, or provide a letter to an adult member of their family, listing what they fell are important gifts they could receive.  Have them list one item they need, and one thing they want, along with one thing to wear and one thing to read.

The adult, or Santa, can then gift them with their choices, if they are considered appropriate.  Note that probably the most important item they can list, is the one that involves reading .  It is truly a way to help your child achieve academically.