children - The Inspired Room

Photo: DaySpring

As much as I love all the decorating ideas, and look forward to the food and gifts, I am always trying to keep a balance in my home on what is truly important. Focusing on a season of gratitude and giving, and because we are a Christian family, I want my kids to celebrate the birth of Jesus during Christmas and all that means to our faith. Both Thanksgiving next week and Christmas next month are great opportunities to teach our kids or grandkids the deeper lessons and meaning of the holidays.

But, how do we do that creatively and effectively? It is really hard to keep the reasons for the season in focus for kids, especially as children start making their gift lists based on what they saw on TV, in the mall or what their friends are talking about. The season starts to look more like the season of greed rather than gratitude, love for others or an observance of religious beliefs.

Photo: DaySpring

I’m curious to gather up some ideas in the comments for how YOU all engage and inspire your children in the meaning of the holidays. I know some of you have addressed this issue in your blogs, but if you don’t mind sharing an idea or two here for what your family has done through the holidays with your family, I’d love the inspiration!

In fact, I’m going to put a Mr. Linky here so if you write a post on ideas for making the holidays meaningful for your family, beyond decorating or gift giving (or how you handle gifts so they don’t get out of control), feel free to link up the posts here over the next few weeks. We will still do the Friday Holiday Linky, but this specific Mr. Linky is for “the reason for the season” kind of posts related to the holidays. Please link only to those kinds of posts. If anyone needs some inspiration they can check through the links.

Meanwhile, if you want to read about my crazy method for holiday shopping (and let me know if I am the only one who shops like that!) and get some gift ideas, you are invited to head on over to HomeGoods for today’s post!

DaySpring is a great resource for inspirational gifts and products. They recently sent me a wonderful box of gifts and I can tell you without hesitation that they are high quality, beautiful items. I encourage you to take advantage of their discount offer and find gifts or items for yourself! Both of the images in this post are from DaySpring. Click the button and use the discount code if you want to do some shopping!

Please link to specific posts (even if they are in your archives) sharing your ideas for keeping your family focused on the meaning of the holiday season! Or, simply share them in the comments!