Community Corner

Moms Talk: Holiday Spirit

Our Patch Moms Council discusses introducing the holiday spirit to children.

Each week our Moms Council discusses a different parenting issue. Join the conversation by weighing in on a topic or ask our panel of experts your question.

We put this week's question to our Potomac Patch  for their ideas and advice. The suggestions don’t end here‚ add your own tips and advice in the comments section below.

This week's question:

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What holiday gift plans do you have for your children? What is appropriate for your children and their age groups? Do you have concerns of materialism and holiday spirit or of tightening budgets?

Jennifer Nordin: This is the first year that my older, preschool-age child is attuned to Christmas. He now recognizes Santa, and knows that this holiday means PRESENTS. I'm trying to downplay the commercial aspects of Christmas, and instead highlight other things, such as lighting the candles on the Advent wreath, singing Christmas carols, opening a "door" each day on the Advent calendar, and pointing out the figurines in the nativity scene. In the future, I plan to involve my children in choosing toys to give away to others, but for now I will keep it simple, and remind them to say thank you for their gifts.

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