By Dr. Laura Markham
Five easy ideas for families who aren’t exactly religious but want more spiritual meaning in their holidays.
“Love is what’s in the room with you if you stop opening presents and listen.” – Bobby, age 7
If you have a deep faith and keep the rituals of your religious tradition, then you probably have your holiday plans all mapped out, including religious services.
If, on the other hand, your observation of a December holiday is more secular, you may wonder how to help your child see beyond presents and get to the deeper meaning of the holiday.
Here are five easy ideas for families who aren’t exactly religious but want more spiritual meaning in their holidays:
1. Affirm the magic
Hanukkah and Christmas are both celebrations of something miraculous. Especially this month, try to build in enough time so you can stop rushing your child past the wondrous moments of everyday life: sun glittering on the snow, the rising moon, candles in the dark, the fragrance of green things… all remind us that we’re surrounded by miracles.
2. Take time as a family for reflection
If your tradition includes prayer, what better time than these special days in December, when so many religions celebrate the miracle of faith? But whether you pray or not, how about a family conversation about the deeper meaning of the holiday you celebrate? Maybe you’ll decide to open your holiday dinner with a special candle lighting ritual or gratitude ceremony to remind you why you’re all together.
3. Make generosity part of your tradition
Giving to others and doing things for others feels good. It’s our job as parents to find opportunities for our children to experience that feeling, because research shows that’s what helps kids develop generosity. And at this time of year, it’s a good antidote to the rampant focus on materialism.
