Every November the Christmas catalog (yes, you know which one) would arrive and my kids would circle and label their top picks. But now, decades later, what we remember best are not things but the experiences we shared. As homeschoolers we have a lot of time with our children. But the holidays are great times to invest in ourselves and community. Try the gift of doing together!
Read – Choose a new-to-you book to read aloud each night as a family. Read for the Heart or Books Children Love include trusted recommendations Add a new family tradition from the Icelandic “Book Flood” tradition. Give each other a new book and stay up reading on Christmas Eve (I’ve never made it to the end, btw).
Write – Hand-written items are a rare, special gift. Have a writing party: each person hand writes their own or copies a song, poem, letter, or short story. Consider writing a letter to share what you appreciate about or have learned from someone special.
Remember – There’s no better time than the holidays to chronicle family events. Record family stories or history in writing with an Oral History Journal. Or, as a group, create a family tree or have a version so each person can take one home.
Sing – Bring the family together to sing or non-holiday family favorites. Accompany with simple, fun rhythm instruments such as Band in a Box. Bless a home-bound friend, a nursing home or senior center with music and time. Perhaps give advance notice to your family; compile their favorite songs on a list; print out lyrics (gift everyone with a copy); and have a family after-holiday-meal concert.
Eat – One year my mother gave the gift of a Tea Party to my kids: kid-sized table, home-made cookies and served on a tea party set. She served; the children “dressed up” and they all had such a blast. Or, “travel the world,” letting family members be responsible for choosing and cooking an International meal. Will you serve with chopsticks? By hand? On the floor? When extended family gather, collect holiday Family Recipes or hand write family favorites into a special journal.
Go – Make your gift a trip to a special Christmas event: caroling; this year’s Christmas movie; a Nutcracker production; special museum events; a Yule walk. Consider the event the gift by inviting family or friends with you.
Serve – Give the gift of time and help. Involve your children in these tasks. Bring tools to rake leaves or clean windows for a shut in. Plan and write down “Serving You” times on a gift calendar. Give your child extra time with grandparents or friends who’d be willing to teach your child a skill. If family is gathering at the grandparents, arrive a day early to help: gifting them your work and extra time together.
Gifts of time and relationship are the ones that last. These are valuable gifts that we all truly remember and cherish. ~ Ruth
