THIS HOLIDAY SEASON….

Thanksgiving and Black Friday mark the “official beginning” for the Holiday Season. This is a great time to redirect some of our family attention on the media (that is bombarding us with sales and expenditures) and focus the TRUE meaning of the Holiday Season. Parents can take the opportunity to save money and teach their children lessons about generosity and kindness. No matter how elaborate your holiday plans are, it is important to talk to children about the true meaning of the holidays and the spirit of kindness and generosity that surrounds this special time of year.

 

Discovery School embraced three projects this 2016 Holiday season. One is the NPH Giving Tree which consists of an initiative to provide shoes and socks for each of these children at the NPH home in Talanga.   A giving tree was set up on the second floor of the secondary building.   Tree tags with the children's size information were provided.

The second project we embraced was preparing the traditional Christmas Baskets for our Support Personnel at school. We opened our hearts and shared with those around us that need it most. Discovery School students came together and contributed in assembling baskets of goods for our support personnel. 

The school also participated in the Jugueton 2016 organized by the first lady. The school donated 161 new toys that will be used in this magnificent event which makes children in dire need extremely happy.

Other important and effective ways to foster, teach and encourage children with the true meaning of the Holiday Season are the following:

ü      Get your children involved with volunteer work. There are countless opportunities for volunteering with church, civic, school, and charitable organizations. Just pick up the newspaper and you will find listings of ways in which the entire family can volunteer over the holidays. 

ü      Commit to quality family time over the holidays. Establish holiday rituals that don't involve buying lots of stuff or spending too much money. Baking cookies, doing a craft, reading a special book or setting family game/movie nights will provide with fond memories for all.

ü      Talk about beginning the new year with a family giving box and set it up during the Holiday Season. Everyone can regularly add a small amount of money to the box to contribute to a group or cause the family agrees to support.

ü      Encourage children to make cards and gift certificates/coupons that loved ones may redeem with acts of generosity and kindness. In doing so you are teaching  that the real meaning of the Holiday Season is NOT attached to a $ sign.

ü      Think of someone without a family - a soldier, a distant relative, a friend in the hospital - and write a letter as a family to make the person feel loved and included during the holidays. These letters can also include special friends and family members who we want to express our gratitude and appreciation for.  

ü      Be prepared to say “no”. Sometimes it’s not easy to say no, but you can do it. Get your mindset in gear to make what matters work--quality family time that will not get lost in the busyness or unnecessary expenditures of the season.

           

Why not make this the year to teach your children what’s important in life? Years from now, watch for the smiles as your adult children replay their memories and give thanks for the meaningful time you spent together.  Enjoy the Holiday Season!!!