As Christmas approaches, it’s so easy for us parents to get caught up in buying all the things for our kids. While gift giving is part of this season, it doesn’t have to be the main part. What if we changed our mindset from buying everything we can for our kids to taking a step back and thinking how we can give them more of our presence instead of presents?

Giving our kids more of our presence this season can look like taking time to read classic Christmas stories, baking special treats, making homemade cards and Christmas ornaments, playing games, and visiting special neighbors, family and friends. Putting down electronics and focusing on our kids will show them they are important to us and worth our time. 

Another way we can give our kids our presence is including them in the holiday preparations. Have a gift-wrapping party in the living room and play fun Christmas songs. Show your kids how to wrap gifts. If they are young, give them a bow to hold until you are ready for it. 

Assign simple chores to your kids before friends and family come over. Older kids can vacuum, wipe down glass surfaces, sanitize doorknobs and light switches and load and unload dishwasher. Younger kids can pick up toys, help you take the trash out, and help carry gifts to place under the tree. 

Allow your kids to help prepare snacks and meals. They can help get ingredients out of the pantry and fridge, set the table, get ice in cups for drinks, and make special name cards for guests coming over. 

Christmas time is such a special time for most families, and we encourage you to make the most of it this year! We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!