Be honest about what would make the holidays special for you. Ask them what makes holidays special for them, Williams suggests. Your children might surprise you. Chances are good that they will talk more about traditions, favorite people and good memories than any particular toy or gift they received, she added. Williams says that the results of the recent Monadnock Region Teen Assessment Project Survey back this up.
Children enjoy doing things for others.
Begin talking early about what they could do or make for a neighbor, friend or relative. Be a secret elf and leave an anonymous gift or food basket at someone s door. Ask your child to choose one special item that they want and let any other gifts be surprises that fit your budget and values. Read books together that exemplify the spirit of the holidays without the materialism. Include stories of how people in other cultures celebrate.