Easy Ways to Teach Your Child the Spirit of the Holidays, Manage Stress and Stay True to Your Green-Living Lifestyle

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The Holiday Season is here… those words alone can trigger so many emotions from excitement to overwhelming stress. With all the holiday parties, end of the year deadlines and shopping for the perfect gifts, how do you keep the “Spirit of the Holidays,” especially with children? Small acts of love, kindness and attention can help kids see that this time of year is not only about all the fabulous presents, but giving and receiving graciously. Donating time and support where it’s needed to creating memorable, teachable moments help to inspire the spirit of the season. Here are few ideas for you and your family.
 
Set the mood for a relaxed gift exchange.
When it comes time to open holiday presents, keep in mind your child’s needs.  If sensory processing is an issue, play music soft and low, minimize lights and other sensory overload triggers. New friends and family visiting during the holidays may contribute to an unfamiliar situation and an increase in anxiety for your child.  Give your child the option to open gifts in a quiet and private setting while letting them know that they are an important part of the celebration. If they feel comfortable being a part of the gift opening celebration with the family, take turns opening gifts. Having your child hand out gifts to others can help them share in the overall giving experience. 

Nourish your child’s liver and replenish adrenal energy to balance emotions during the holidays. Did you know the liver is the valve for emotions?  If the liver is congested, emotions backup contributing to anger, frustration and anxiety in kids.  According to the American Liver Foundation, 1 in 10 kids have liver imbalances. NDF® Calm is a liquid dietary supplement for kids that nourishes the liver and replenishes the adrenal energy while removing environmental toxins. Kids feel good very shortly after taking it and are better able to manage stressful situations. 
 
Sensory and behavioral issues are common in kids with neurodevelopmental issues and high levels of environmental toxins. If you or someone you know have kids with neurodevelopmental issues, we invite you to take a look at Generation Rescue’s Rescue Grant Family program. This program provides children with doctor visits, lab testing, a 90-day supply of supplements and more for qualifying families at no charge. 
 
What to do when your child opens something they don’t like? Talk to your kids ahead of time to let them know it’s not the gift, but the thought that went into it. Think of a fun way their gift can be used. For example, if your child was given a pair of socks. You can tell them, “Those would be great to use to play slip and slide on the hardwood floor or to stay warm and cozy as you sit by the fire, drinking hot cocoa and watching a movie!” Giving them ideas beforehand, will perhaps allow them to think of fun ways they can use or share their gifts.  This allows your child to be excited about the gift and give the gift giver a feeling of appreciation. 
 
What organizations take toys?  The saying, “it is better to give than receive” will always ring true. The holidays are the perfect time for your child to start  learning about the magic of giving. Looking to donate toys? Take a look at the organizations below:
How to get your child involved in the giving process? Set a good example. To boost your spirit as you shop and show your child that giving brings about holiday cheer , talk about the person you are shopping for with appreciation (i.e., what they like or are good at). For example,  “grandma likes butterflies, the color yellow, crocheting and tea!”  It is a fun and healthy way to talk about the people in our lives and will often spur gift ideas while you’re shopping. You can also do this while you’re making holiday gifts.  An idea for older kids is to provide them with the opportunity to give a gift to another child who is less fortunate. 
 
Donations are always a great way to show support to organizations that make a difference in the lives of others. Make a point to carry change in your purse, so that when you pass one of the holiday workers outside of stores, your child can put in 50 cents. If you have set aside a larger amount of money to donate, even $20-$25, allow your child to help you write the check and mail it in. If donating online ask them to push the ‘donate’ button so they are included in the process. And remember, all donations by the end of the year are tax deductible!
 
What do you do when your child gets too many toys?  When your child receives too many toys at once, it’s impossible to focus on and appreciate them all. Kids tend to play with a toy for a period of time, get bored and then move onto the next. However, when there are too many options, some toys get left untouched.  A fun solution is to split the toys up into separate boxes and every week or two, change out your child’s toy box with something new. This allows your child to stay engaged and expand their curiosity while appreciating and prolonging  the use of their holiday gifts.   
 
Tips on talking to grandparents (and relatives too)!  The holidays and family go hand-in-hand. Just because the season is upon us does not mean you have to say goodbye to your eco-living and green habits. Here are some tips when talking to relatives:
  • Draw a line in the sand. Some things aren’t worth discussing, and deciding on them ahead of time lowers stress levels.
  • Try playing the humble novice. For example, if Grandma showers your kids with lipstick-covered kisses, mention that you read that over 60 percent of lipsticks contain lead. Express your shock, share the surprise (who knew?). Gifting better lipstick is always a possibility, no matter what holiday you celebrate.
  • If everything you suggest elicits the response, “Well, we’ve always had/eaten/used X, and it never hurt us,” mention that the damage things like X causes doesn’t appear for years and then can be difficult to trace. Root your response in current science.
  • Give advance warning whenever possible so expectations are clear, whether it’s about gift-giving no-no’s, dietary requirements, or wearing shoes in the house.
  • Bring your own stuff. Your sister might not want to go out and buy you organic groceries, but if you arrive with milk, snacks, and a side dish you’re happy to have and share, she might be grateful.
  • Take breaks. This is your holiday celebration, too!
  • Click here for more tips and advice.
      
If you or someone you know would like to donate a tax deductible gift, Generation Rescue and Healthy Child and Healthy World are not-for-profit organizations that make a huge difference for our children, providing families with biomedical services and education on how to decrease your child’s exposure to environmental toxins.

 Read More: 

Holiday Strategies and
Healthy Gift Giving for Busy Parents 
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