Whenever I need a reminder of what truly matters, I think of the holidays and the joy that children bring.
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Holidays encourage us to look back on our childhood and try to create magical moments with our own kids. This season, more than any other, helps us focus on what really counts. In fact, our children constantly remind us of life’s true priorities, if we take the time to listen.
I recently read a touching article where children in the final stages of cancer shared their thoughts on what truly mattered to them. Their simple yet profound insights moved me to tears and made me reflect on my own hectic plans for the upcoming holidays.
Questions started swirling in my mind: How many toys should we buy? They bring such joy on Christmas morning but don’t last long. Why did I volunteer for so many school events and end up overwhelmed? If only the kids would give me some space to get things done before guests arrive!
The realities hit me hard as I finished the article—I was chasing the wrong goals this holiday season, neglecting what truly mattered to my children. While ads urge our kids to want the latest toys, the true wishes of children remain constant. These desires—ones you won’t find in stores—are the essence of what it means to be human.
These brave young voices reminded me that what they cherish most aren’t material things, but needs shared by all children. Extensive research shows that to thrive, humans require not just physical needs, but emotional and social ones too. It turns out, what children need and desire during the holidays are identical, and they’re invaluable yet often free.
Most of us run on overdrive, especially during the holidays, which compounds parenting stress. When we’re exhausted and overwhelmed, we can’t be there for our kids as they need us to be. They deserve our presence, yet holiday stress often casts a shadow over the magic of the season.
In the future, our children won’t remember every wrapped gift they received, but rather, how they felt during this time. Will they recall stress or joy? While food meets a basic need, cooking and eating together nourishes emotionally and helps pass on traditions.
Kids don’t need expensive toys—they need to play. Play is crucial for healthy development, and playing together lets children feel seen and appreciated. By joining them in play, you step into their world and share in its wonders.
Fostering selflessness during the holidays will have a lasting impact on your child. They might find greater joy in giving, through activities like donating or helping others, than in any gift received.
Reading with your child builds social, emotional, and cognitive skills, providing a meaningful way to connect and share cherished stories.
In the frenzy of holiday activities, it’s easy to overlook that our children crave our attention. Slow down to notice what they feel and need, and cherish moments together, like hearing them talk about a drawing or rehearse for a concert.
As new young humans, children are learning about their world, and it’s our job to give them room to be perfectly imperfect, to struggle and grow. Even a tantrum at a holiday meal is a chance to support them with love and understanding.
Remember, the magic of the holidays comes from how you engage with your children, not the number of gifts. This holiday season, strive for time, laughter, and connection. These are the things that matter most, not just during the holidays, but all year.
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