'Tis the season, but for what?

Last week, I overheard a very interesting conversation between a parent and a late-elementary aged child at the store.  It went something like this:

Son: I want this and this and this and this and this and this and this…<you get the point>… for Christmas.

 Mom: OK, we can make that list for Santa.  But what do you think we should get for your grandparents?

 Son: And I want this and this and this and this.  And do you think Santa would bring this too?

 Mom: We can talk about that later, but let’s focus on what we can get for your grandma now.

 Son: I don’t have time to talk about them! I need to get my stuff ready.

Now, the educator in me took a step back, waiting to see how Mom could turn this into a teachable moment while I pretended to look at something on a shelf.  After all, kids will always be kids, and sometimes need a little redirection from those of us with a little more life experience. She never did, but instead just listened as he continued to focus on his own needs this holiday season.

The holidays have been commercialized to mean shopping, presents, decorating, cooking, and chaos.  But when did we get so focused on the what, and not the who?  Regardless of what holiday you celebrate, taking a step back and really focusing on being grateful for what you have and wanting to give to others isn’t a bad idea.  But how do you focus an energetic child on the giving, not the getting?  After all, every commercial on TV is focused on what you can ask for from Santa.  Every ad in the paper or online focuses on the great deals that can be had.  How can you compete with that?

Finding a project that your whole family can embrace will create a sense of ownership in helping those who are less fortunate.  Find a way to thank those who are important in your lives.  Giving doesn’t have to be expensive, just heartfelt.  It can be as simple as identifying the people who make a difference every day—your child’s bus driver, teacher, religious leader, neighbor, whomever—and making a card to thank them for all that they do.  Or, if you’re in a financial position to do so, why not adopt a family or make a donation to a charity that you choose as a family?  Do the research, make the donation, and follow the charity to see what great things your donation is doing.  In 2011, the internet makes all this a very easy possibility.

Whatever the choice, remembering to focus on more than food, gifts, and the “stuff” of the holidays will help your child to appreciate all those who make a valuable difference in his or her life.  Need a few ideas? Check out the volunteer section of Patch.