WNY Family Magazine December 2018 | Page 6

Enjoy A Cozy Night Of Christ- mas Movies & Books:  A fun way to More Meaning, Less Stress: 8 Memory Making Christmas Traditions That Discourage Materialism 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 choc- olate. 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 at- tend annual religious services. Enjoy A Stress-Free Meal To- gether:   Many families work hard to pre- I — by Shannon Dean f 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 holi- days. Regardless of religious affiliation, 9 out of 10 people celebrate some form of Christmas. But, parents who want to recreate a nostalgic Christmas in modern times face challenges. 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 in- creasingly allocating precious resources on activities that we don’t actually en- joy. 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 keep- ing Christmas simple makes it more magical. Our pleasant childhood memo- ries come not from gifts, but from warm feelings or pleasant experiences. A reas- suring study out of Knox College con- firms that most people feel the greatest 6 WNY Family December 2018 holiday joy participating in soothing activities with loved ones. Conversely, when the focus is about gift giving, joy plummets and stress increases. The re- searchers concluded: “Simply said, a fo- cus on materialism, while perhaps ben- eficial 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 sub- stantial holiday satisfaction. To counter these assumptions, here are 8 inexpen- sive suggestions for creating a meaning- ful holiday that your kids will hopefully pass on to their own children. Exchange Stocking Letters Of Appreciation:  To place the focus on connections rather than on gifts, add letters of appreciation to stockings. The letters might outline what makes each family member special. You might also mention any enjoyable memories from the previous year or what made you proud of the recipient. Even small chil- dren can draw a picture that expresses their appreciation. Many people keep these letters forever. pare a feast on Christmas day, so it’s fun to enjoy a labor-free meal before the big day. Visit your family’s favorite res- taurant, order in, or share a simple din- ner. (This tradition is also beneficial for blended families who may have multiple homes to visit.) With your family at the table, use this opportunity to tell your kids about your own holiday memories and to talk about what Christmas truly means to each member of your family. The conversation may surprise, touch, and reassure you. Give To Others:  Whether it’s choos- ing an angel from an angel tree, making a meal for others, or visiting someone who could use a lift, allow your kids to feel the spirit of giving. The winter holidays are the perfect time to remind children that it can be more meaningful and lasting to give than to receive. Even better, giving feels good and will install lasting values and memories that can broaden your family’s definition of the true meaning of Christmas. Create A Sense Of Wonder:  Bar- bara Kilikevich, author of A Mindful Christmas: How to Create a Meaning- ful, Peaceful Holiday, assures families that Santa can be an important part of Christmas, since he “represents wonder, imagination, and maybe most important-