Big Kids: When The Real Magic of the Season Begins

As my boys get older, my heart smiles when I hear them talk about the reason for the season and the depth that comes with it. I also see the magic and wonder trying to fade away. When they were toddlers there was something magical about seeing their eyes mesmerized by twinkling lights, dancing to Christmas songs, making holiday crafts, getting to see Santa or finding those mischievous elves. My oldest isn’t a believer anymore and my 2nd oldest is almost there.

My momma heart breaks a little, but I’ve realized now more than ever, it’s up to us to lead, inspire and teach our children the next level of magic and simplicity the season (and life) brings.

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting as we enter the holiday season. There’s too much stuff. Stuff is everywhere. It’s not about the stuff. Instead, it’s teaching our kids to think of others. Its brightening someone’s day by doing something kind. If our kids get everything from us, grandparents, aunts/uncles etc., will they truly be grateful? Will they expect it every year? And do the words “thank you” become just words?

We went to see Santa last week for our annual photo and experience and the boys were asked the big question “What do you want for Christmas?” My oldest sincerely responded “I really don’t want anything, but could you give the gifts you were to give me to kids in an orphanage”? This Santa, who we see every year, wasn’t even phased by his comment and instead offered a candy cane and moved on to the next person in line. He missed the meaning. The hustle and bustle even had our Santa distracted.

There was a time in my childhood when my single mom was struggling to make ends meet and we often went to the food shelf for food. There was no snack pantry, and the snack options we had were toast, rice, or noodles. During the holidays mom would go stand in line to get our food basket or sometimes my grandma would help if she had extra money. Having less teaches us more about ourselves. It pushes us to work hard and not to expect it. How do we teach our kids this? By not giving them everything they want. Let them save for it and work for it.

My mom was the school bus driver and I remember donating bags of our clothes to a family of girls who were also in need. They would run the bags into the house before they got on the bus. I will never forget those girls and I’ll never forget that feeling seeing the smile on their faces. Donating to big organizations throughout the year is a great way to help, but donating to a direct family, seeing a smile, or getting a hug is blessing for the receiver and giver. I feel like the world needs more direct love like this.

Senior homes are another great place to visit. Seeing our children can light up their face. Draw some pictures, pick up some cookies and go visit someone. When I was little, I would ride my bike down to the local senior center and make a craft with someone. I still remember those experiences.

This is hard time of the year for those struggling financially, those missing a family member or friend that has passed away or someone who is simply alone.

I am telling you these stories to hopefully inspire you to reach out and help any way you can but bring the kids with you and talk about it. The best way to teach them to be thankful and grateful is not giving them everything but showing them what they can do with the gifts they were given. This will have a bigger impact in their lives than any gifts they could receive.