Good Gifts for Your Children
By mom4life | Category: Activities with Kids, Family Focus, The Journey of Motherhood
By Angela Gifford (our Customer Service Assistant and blogger at Let’s Talk About Boys)
Our tree decorating time this year was a little disjointed. This is the first time ever we haven’t done the whole tree as a family, but our work schedules just didn’t make it possible. One night I waited up as long as my sleepy head could wait, so that my husband and I could put the lights on the tree together. But I fell asleep on the couch before he got home from his late shift. He kissed me when he came home, but I fell back asleep. Next thing I knew he kissed me again. I opened my eyes and the tree had lights on it! I was so excited!
The boys and I “ornamented” it the next night. To be honest, I’m not sure my artistic, perfectionistic Superman is too disappointed to miss out on the chaos of four boys decorating the bottom half of a tree. But I hate it when life gets this busy. Don’t you?
When I was going through the ornaments, I found a paper magnet that had been given to me years ago by a preschool Sunday School teacher at the bottom of a storage tub. It was a simple reminder of what your little ones really need during the holidays.
The picture is hard to read, but here is what it says:
Good Gifts For Your Children
- consistent naptimes and bedtimes
- regular meals and snacks of familiar foods
- reassurance and comfort during holiday stress
- time spent with you
This was a very timely reminder for me as my youngest (7) was so worn out today that he slept for two hours around dinner and then went to bed just fine – though complaining he didn’t have enough time with me.
What other things do you think are important for your kids to have in this busy time of year?
Thank you Angela for your post! I think it is also important for kids to see mom and dad really loving each other on a daily basis in order to give them the assurance and security that their family is intact and safe.
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We try to come up with creative ways to teach our kids about Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas. It’s so easy to get caught up in the pettiness this season can bring and forget to praise the King of Kings who came in the most lowly and humbly of ways. Time spent worshipping as a family is a great gift for kids as well as parents. I Love involving my kids in giving to others who don’t have as much us. I’m amazed every time how they start out grumbling about getting rid of toys and such but then in the end want to give every last thing they have to someone else. Their hearts are bigger than mine could ever be. They teach me so much. Teaching my kids to give is an amazing gift to them and me. Sorry about the novel, this subject is near and dear to my heart! Merry Christmas to everyone at mom4life!
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