Memory Making Christmas Traditions That Discourage Materialism
by Shannon Dean
If Christmas is the backdrop for some of your fondest childhood memories, you are not alone. Many people cherry-pick their very best holiday recollections and carry them into adulthood. A recent poll found that Christmas is overwhelmingly the most popular and widely-practiced of all holidays. Regardless of religious affiliation, 9 out of 10 people celebrate some form of Christmas.
More Money, Less Joy: Since most people cite simply spending time with loved ones as their favorite holiday activity, it’s surprising that we’re increasingly allocating precious resources on activities that we don’t actually enjoy. Statistics show that, year over year, we’re actually spending more money and time on stressful obligations that don’t contribute to our holiday bliss.
Ironically, experts tell us that keeping Christmas simple makes it more magical. Our pleasant childhood memories come not from gifts, but from warm feelings or pleasant experiences. A reassuring study out of Knox College confirms that most people feel the greatest holiday joy participating in soothing activities with loved ones. Conversely, when the focus is about gift giving, joy plummets and stress increases. The researchers concluded: “Simply said, a focus on materialism, while perhaps beneficial for the economy, distracts people from the true meaning of the season.”
Parents who want to tame modern holiday consumerism face the not-so-subtle message that only substantial amounts of money and effort bring substantial holiday satisfaction. To counter these assumptions, here are five inexpensive suggestions for creating a meaningful holiday that your kids will hopefully pass on to their own children.
Enjoy a cozy night of Christmas movies and books
A fun way to encourage both the activities and the togetherness that researchers found important is to host a Christmas movie and book night. Invite extended family. Make popcorn, s’mores, and hot chocolate. Snuggle up in cozy blankets or matching pajamas. (Don’t forget to take photos for next year’s holiday mantle.)
Take in sensory sights and sounds
Sensory details help cement fond memories. Pile into the car, crank up the Christmas music, and take in the sights and sounds of the holiday. Some families visit the same destinations every year, while others like to explore new locations. Many communities, schools, and organizations host holiday-themed plays, events, or shows which are either free or inexpensive. Some families attend annual religious services.
Create a sense of wonder
Barbara Kilikevich, author of A Mindful Christmas: How to Create a Meaningful, Peaceful Holiday, assures families that Santa can be an important part of a Christmas, since he “represents wonder, imagination, and maybe most importantly, belief.” Many families will limit Santa’s contribution to one special gift. Some suggestions for enhancing a child’s sense of awe: Leave ink-smudged “coal” fingerprints as proof of Santa’s snack. Spray-paint red “sleigh” landing strips on the lawn. Ring sleigh bells at bedtime. Use apps to track and communicate with Santa. (Older siblings love setting up these experiences for younger kids.)
Make Decorating A Group Effort
It may seem more efficient to leave holiday decorating to the adults, but joint family decorating offers a unique opportunity to create a festive environment as a team. Some families use a children’s tree or wreath to safely include kids in the process. Others string popcorn or make paper snowflakes. Another idea is to allow kids to choose or make an ornament that reflects their accomplishments or experiences for that year.
Get Creative With Gift Giving
To demonstrate that the thought behind a gift is more important than the price tag, many families find inexpensive but creative ways to limit spending and to maximize meaning. Examples include drawing names and mandating that all gifts for adults be either hand-made, contributions to charity, or under $10. These limitations mean that thoughtful effort goes into gift giving, which makes the exchange much more meaningful.
Most of us want a holiday that is about “connections, family, and caring for others,” says Kilikevich. “We have to stop buying into the notion that more is better and that extravagant, expensive gifts are equal to how much we care for and love one another.”
Very few of us still have the possessions of Christmases past. Instead, we have lasting memories that will always warm us. With a little creativity, we can provide the same for our own families.
Author Shannon Dean’s favorite Christmas gift last year was a $10 pair of vintage bobby pins that were similar to a pair owned by her grandmother.
