Thankful for Home and Family

The holiday season is upon us! This time of year is both beautiful and magical for young children. Togetherness and thankfulness are what makes this season so special; however, these feelings can easily be overshadowed by hectic holiday schedules. This can result in less time for family, disrupted routines, and over-commercialization, which promotes desire over gratitude. It is important to remember how the holidays can enrich our children’s lives, and teach an appreciation of home and family that they will carry with them into their adult lives. Here are just a few ideas to help you have a cherished holiday season filled with love:

Keep a manageable schedule. The importance of consistency and routine for young children cannot be stressed enough. Remember, less is more when it comes to the holidays!? 

Create and maintain traditions. Decorate the tree or spend a day making a gingerbread house together. These annual events give children something to look forward to as well as provide a sense of peace, order, and downtime during the holiday busyness.

Set realistic expectations about gifts, and strongly emphasize gratitude. Discuss the difference between needs and wants, and tell your child what you are thankful for in your own life.

In this vein, Casa 2 has learned a new song of gratitude this month, which we have been singing together every day. In case you would like to sing it at home with your child, the lyrics are as follows:  

Let’s give thanks, thanks,  

For what we’ve got,  

Whether it’s a little or a lot, a lot, a lot!  

It may be something simple, maybe not,  

But never take for granted what you’ve got.? 

The pictures included are of the children’s November endeavors. Enjoy!